Article: More information about SIDS

Note: Most babies with all risk factors live, and babies with no risk factors do die of SIDS.

"Back to Sleep"
Studies have shown that placing infants on their backs or sides to sleep has reduced the rate of SIDS in some areas. As a result, the American Association of Pediatrics recommends that infants be placed on their backs. Death from aspiration of vomit is much rarer than SIDS. Not all doctors are convinced, and babies have died of SIDS while sleeping on their side or back.

There are a few exceptions for the back recommendation: if the baby has reflus, or certain upper airway malformations such as Robin Syndrome. Also, these recommendations are for infants during sleep. While the infant is awake and observed, some "tummy time" is necessary for developmental reasons. Side sleeping is less risky than stomach sleeping, and there are several devices to help keep your infant propped up, but as soon as they start squirming a lot you probably cannot use them.

Constant worrying about the possibility of SIDS and constant checking on the baby will not safeguard a child from SIDS. It will only serve to exhaust the parents and to increase their worries. Remember that SIDS is not a common occurence--of every 1,000 babies, born 998 do NOT become SIDS victims.

For more information, contact SIDS Alliance: (800) 221-SIDS or your public health official.

This information was compiled by Dave Stokes, parent to Katie, who had 3 months, 27 happy days.