Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
The exact cause of SIDS remains unknown. However, actions can be taken to help reduce the risks of SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths.
Ways to reduce the risk of SIDS
- Always put your baby to sleep on their back on a firm surface.
- Share your room - not your bed - with the baby. Your baby should not sleep in an adult bed, on a couch or on a chair alone or with anyone.
- Do not put toys, pillows or loose bedding in your baby’s sleep area.
- Help keep your baby from overheating by setting the room to a comfortable temperature and making sure they are not overdressed.
- Do not smoke, drink alcohol or take street drugs.
- Once your baby is breastfeeding well, consider using a pacifier while sleeping. Do not attach the pacifier to anything like a string or stuffed animal as that increases the risk for choking or suffocation.
- Give your baby plenty of tummy time when they are awake and someone is watching.
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