Researchers have found a continued decline in the rates of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) in recent years.  This decline is attributed to a majority of infants being placed on their backs to sleep.  During the early 80s pediatricians began heavily recommending that babies never be placed on their stomachs to sleep.  A sharp decline of SIDS, about 50%, was observed during the time period starting in the early 80s and running through the early 90s as a result.  In recent years doctors have more heavily advocated that babies should always be placed on their backs to sleep.  This has contributed to a reduction in the number of babies being placed on their sides to sleep and thus contributed to a continued decline in SIDS cases.

This continued decline in SIDS is great news.  Here are somethings to remember to help prevent SIDS in your own home.

• Always place your baby on her back to sleep.  Make sure everyone who cares for your baby does the same.

• Your baby should always be placed on a firm mattress to sleep, such as a safety-approved crib mattress.  You should never place your baby on soft mattresses, waterbeds, couches or couch cushions, or sheepskins to sleep.

• Remove all fluffy or loose bedding from your baby’s crib.  This includes pillows and stuffed animals.

• Make sure your baby’s face and head stay uncovered during sleep.  When using a blanket tuck it in and make sure it is no higher than the baby’s chest.

• Don’t smoke during pregnancy or after your baby’s birth.

• Don’t let you baby get overheated while he is sleeping.  Make sure the room is at a comfortable temperature and don’t use too many layers of clothing or blankets.

If you have questions about SIDS or what you can do to help prevent it talk to your pediatrician.