October is SIDS Awareness Month

The month of October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or (SIDS) Awareness Month. SIDS is a sudden death in an infant under the age of a year old. This means the death was unable to be explained despite proper examination and a thorough medical history review. In the United States, more than one-third of sudden unexpected infant deaths occur each year from SIDS. Having a safe sleeping area for your baby is essential as it can decrease the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death. There are more tips on creating a safe sleep environment for your baby: Make Baby's Room Safe: Parent Checklist - HealthyChildren.org. 

Non-fitted sheets, blankets, quilts, and crib bumpers should be avoided because they can increase the risk of SIDS causing strangulation or suffocation. You should wait until they are at least 12 months old to have them sleep with soft objects or stuffed animals. It is best to keep the crib free of clutter. Having a firm mattress would be advisable for your baby as well. There is more information about soft objects and toys:When can my baby sleep with a stuffed animal or doll? | BabyCenter

It is best to lay your baby flat on their back for every sleep. This reduces the risk of suffocation and keeps their nose and mouth unblocked for better breathing, limiting choking and vomiting. The more your baby sleeps on their back, the more they’ll become used to sleeping in this position. You can learn more about how to safely position your baby for bedtime:Why Babies Should Sleep on Their Backs (momtricks.com).