Although it is not known what exactly causes SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) and there are some cases that are not preventable, there are things that parents can do to help lessen the chances of SIDS happening. Also, parents need to make sure that they tell babysitters, grandparents, and any other children the correct things to do as well.

Always put a baby on their back to sleep. Even if you baby does not like to sleep on his back, it is not safe for a baby to sleep on their stomach or even side.

Remove everything from the baby’s crib except a fitted sheet over a firm mattress. Never cover baby with a blanket until they are a year old. Use a swaddler blanket that fastens together instead of actual blankets to swaddle a baby. Be sure there are no stuffed animals, toys, or bumper pads in the crib.

Do not place your baby in your bed to sleep. Although some parents like to co-sleep, it does increase the risk for SIDS. Buy a co-sleeping crib or bassinet instead.

Do not over clothe your baby and make them too hot. Keep their room at a temperature that is comfortable for you.

Offer your baby a pacifier. Recent studies have shown that using a pacifier when sleeping reduces the risk of SIDS.

Don’t expose your baby to tobacco. Don’t have your baby in the house or a car with someone who is smoking. The greater exposure the more of a chance of SIDS.

If your baby has periods of not breathing or difficulty breathing during sleep alert your pediatrician immediately.

    

Thank you for the informative post. When my son was born in 2001, many people told me that placing him on his side was best, as babies who sleep on their back can choke on spit-up. I've never heard that the side was a dangerous sleep position.

I also thankyou for posting this. My little sister died from sids. She was found by my brother in her crib.She ( Jennifer) was a little over a year old when it happened.I am glad you posted this to other parents.The death of a child or brother or sister can really affect all family members.Thankyou so very much!
Anita

Aalexander, I am so sorry to hear about your little sister. That must have been so awful for your family. I wish there was some foolproof way to prevent SIDS so that no more babies would pass away in their sleep. I know when my son was an infant, I worried a lot.

I'm sorry to hear about that Alexander. :-(

I read a study a while back that found that the addition of a fan in the room where baby is sleeping will cut the risk of SIDS by 70%. It doesn't matter what type of fan, as long as the air in the room and especially around baby is circulating. There's some thoughts that SIDS is caused by too much carbon dioxide around the baby's nose and mouth.

All three of my boys are grown now,but the worry will continue
with the addition of grand children.
My youngest son is engaged and I hope to have alot of grandchildren in the future. Sid's is terrible and any advice to lesson the risk of future children and families having to deal with it is worth the posting for sure!

In my sisters case,the doctor could not tell 'what' caused it.

Co-sleeping does not increase the risk of SIDS. Sleeping under the wrong conditions does. If you Co-sleep, you can be near your baby in case she or he stops breathing, getting to them faster than if they were in a crib in another room, away from you! I posted another post in here about how to co-sleep effectively. This may help you if you choose to co-sleep, which is actually a very natural way to bond with your baby.