What is SIDS?
As per the National Sleep Foundation, SIDS happens when an infant (a baby who is younger than one year old) dies while asleep and a thorough investigation can’t determine the cause. Often it’s believed that suffocation is the cause, but autopsy tests can’t say with certainty whether or not that’s true. Instead, investigators look for signs that could cause suffocation, like soft bedding or the fact that the infant was sleeping with someone else in the bed (a practice that’s often called co-sleeping).
To decrease your infant’s risk of dying from SIDS, there are some simple steps that you can take. First, place babies on their backs whenever they are put down to sleep. (When they are face down, they are more likely to accidentally suffocate.) Then look at the baby’s sleeping environment. Use a firm mattress that’s built for infants, put only one tight, fitted sheet on it, and remove pillows, bumpers, stuffed animals, and any other soft objects from the crib.
Here are some tips to help your infant achieve a good night’s sleep:
Follow a consistent bedtime routine. This can help signal to your baby that it's time to sleep.
Place your baby on their back to sleep. This is the safest sleep position for infants, as it reduces the risk of SIDS.
Use a firm, flat mattress in your baby's crib.
Keep the room at a comfortable temperature.
Avoid exposing your baby to tobacco smoke.
Don't let your baby overheat. Use lightweight blankets and dress your baby in comfortable, breathable pajamas.
Consider using a white noise machine to help your baby sleep.
Don't let your baby sleep with soft objects, such as pillows or stuffed animals.
Avoid letting your baby nap for too long during the day, as this can make it harder for them to sleep at night.
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Sources:
The National Sleep Foundation: https://www.thensf.org/
Sleep Foundation: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/
American Academy of Sleep Medicine: https://aasm.org/
