Practical Steps to Reduce the Risk of SIDS

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Sleep Position: Healthy babies should always be put to sleep on their backs. Although in some instances babies with certain medical conditions should sleep on their stomachs, unless your doctor specifically tells you do put your baby on its stomach, you should always put your baby "back to sleep."

No Smoking: Do not smoke when pregnant and do not let anyone smoke around your baby. Do not drink alcohol or use drugs while you are pregnant or breast feeding.

Prenatal Care: It is important to get early and regular health care while you are pregnant. You should call your doctor as soon as you know you are pregnant.

Breast feeding: If possible, breast-feed your baby. Breast milk is perfect nutrition for our baby, is easy for your baby to digest, and helps your baby build immunity to sicknesses. In addition, breast feeding is cheaper than buying formula, is always the right temperature, and helps mom and baby bond.

Safe Bedding and Sleep Environment:

• Babies should sleep on a firm mattress in a crib that meets current safety standards.
• Remove pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and any other soft product from the crib.
• Do not place baby on a waterbed, sofa, soft mattress, pillow, or other soft surface to sleep.
• Consider using a sleeper or other sleep clothing as an alternative to blankets, with no other covering.
• If using a blanket, put baby with feet at the foot of the crib. Tuck a thin blanket around the crib mattress, reaching only as far as the baby's chest.
• Make sure your baby's head remains uncovered during sleep.