Since 1992, the American Academy of Pediatrics has instructed parents to put their newborns to sleep on their backs to prevent the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS. To help spread awareness, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development started a campaign in 1994 called "Back to Sleep." Since its inception, the rate of SIDS deaths in infants has dropped dramatically.
Back to Sleep
Healthy babies should be put to sleep on their backs and should always be placed on a firm surface. This practice should continue until your baby's first birthday and is especially important for the first six months. Do not allow babies to sleep on pillows, beanbags, quilts and comforters, water beds, sofas and other soft surfaces, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises. Soft toys such as stuffed animals should also never be placed in your baby's crib.
What is SIDS?
Sudden infant death syndrome is sudden and unexplained death in a child younger than 1 year. Most deaths attributed to SIDS occur when a baby is between 2 months and 4 months old, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. It remains the leading cause of death among children between 1 month and 12 months old, although as of 2010, SIDS deaths have decreased by 50 percent since the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended babies be placed to sleep on their backs.
Other SIDS Risks
Besides not being placed to bed on their backs, other factors can contribute to a SIDS death. Babies exposed to tobacco smoke are more likely to die from SIDS, according to the National Institute on Child Health and Human Development. Also, babies who normally sleep on their backs but then are allowed to sleep on their stomachs are much more likely to die of SIDS. Finally, Native American and Alaskan native babies are three times more likely than white babies to die from SIDS; African-American babies are two times as likely than white babies to die from SIDS.
Sleep Tips
Babies should not be allowed to overheat while sleeping. Dress your baby in light sleep clothing and keep the room comfortable, instead of too warm, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends. If you want to keep your baby near you, place her in a bassinet or travel crib instead of in your bed. A pacifier may also be useful in both helping your child fall asleep and preventing SIDS. However, if you are breastfeeding, do not offer your baby a pacifier until after she is 1 month old.
Importance of Tummy Time
Parents are often concerned that having their baby sleep on his back exclusively will cause him to have flat spots on his head. To prevent these flat spots, pediatricians recommend that parents give their babies tummy time, or time to play while laying on their stomachs. In addition to the benefit of helping prevent flat spots on the skull, tummy time also encourages development of the motor system and helps strengthen head and neck muscles, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
