Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
For about 3,400 American families each year, the joy of a new baby in the home is cut short by sudden unexpected infant death (SUID). Some of these tragic incidents are attributed to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which is the death of an apparently healthy baby — under one year of age, while sleeping — that cannot be explained after a thorough investigation. While experts are still working to figure out exactly what causes SIDS, there are ways to reduce risk and keep babies safe while sleeping. The American Academy of Pediatrics has developed a comprehensive set of guidelines for parents and caregivers, including the ABCs of safe sleep.
Safe Sleep Facts
- 3,400 infants die of sleep-related death in the US every year
- Approximately 1 baby per week dies of sleep-related death in NYC
- Babies in the Bronx and Brooklyn die at higher rates than other boroughs
- Sleep – related death is the #1 cause of death for babies 1 month to 1 year of age
The American Academy of Pediatrics updated their safe sleep guidelines in 2022.
The ABCs of safe sleep for babies
A = Alone: Infants are safest when they sleep alone — not with their parents, other children (including twins or other siblings), or pets.
B = On their Back: Infants should always be put to bed flat on their backs, not on their sides or tummies.
C = In a Crib: Infants are safest sleeping in their own crib with a flat, firm mattress fitted with a snug sheet. The crib should be bare — there should be no pillows, loose sheets, blankets, stuffed animals, toys, padded crib bumpers, or clothing, all of which could cover a baby’s mouth and nose and interfere with their ability to breathe.
Other Tips to know
- Infants should sleep on a firm, flat surface – do NOT elevate the head of the bed even for babies with reflux
- No blankets, toys, stuffed animals, diapers, wipes, etc. in the crib– wearable blankets (sleep sacks) or swaddles are safe
- No hats indoors – over dressing can cause babies to overheat and increases the risk of death
- While it’s an adorable blanket/toy, it’s safest to keep it out of the crib while the baby is sleeping and use only when the baby is awake.
- The best way to help your baby with reflux is to hold them upright for 15-20 minutes after a feeding. It is safest to have them sleep on a flat surface.