5 Ways to Reduce the Risk of SIDS in Infants

Understanding SIDS and How to Reduce the Risk

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), also known by some as “crib death,” is the sudden and unexplained death of an otherwise healthy infant, usually during sleep. This tragic event is one of the leading causes of death for infants under one year old, leaving many parents fearful and searching for ways to protect their babies.

While it’s good to be aware that SIDS can occur, and most often in infants between 1 and 4 months old, it’s important not to overreact. The exact cause of SIDS remains unknown, but researchers have identified several factors that can help reduce the risk of it happening.

What are those factors and how can caregivers reduce the risk of SIDS?

Creating a safe sleep environment, ensuring proper sleep positioning, and following expert guidelines are among the top strategies. There are also some risk factors based on the health of the birth mother and family history, and it’s recommended she discuss those factors with her OBGYN during prenatal examinations, and share them with her newborn’s pediatrician.

Below we will review five ways pediatricians recommend minimizing an infant’s risk of SIDS to ensure that their sleep time is as safe as possible.

Whether you’re a new parent or caring for multiple children, these tips are easy to implement and essential for your baby’s safety.

Tip 1: Create a Safe Sleep Environment

Creating a safe sleep environment is one of the most effective ways to reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS.

Here’s how you can ensure their sleep space is secure:

Use a Firm Mattress and Fitted Sheet:

• Always use a firm crib mattress to support your baby’s body and keep their airway clear.
• Cover the mattress with a fitted sheet that stays in place to avoid loose fabric, which can pose a suffocation hazard.

Keep Soft Objects and Crib Bumpers Out of the Crib:

• Do not place soft objects like pillows, stuffed animals, or blankets in your baby’s crib, as they can block your baby’s airway.
• Don’t use crib bumpers—while they may seem cozy, they can increase the risk of entrapment or suffocation.

Choose a Portable Crib for Travel:

• When traveling, use a portable crib that follows safety guidelines, with a firm mattress and no extra bedding or soft surfaces.
• Maintain the same safe sleep standards away from home to ensure consistent protection.

Tip 2: Position Your Baby for Safe Sleep

Ensuring your baby is in the correct sleep position is another fundamental step in reducing the risk of SIDS.

Here are some key guidelines to follow:

Always Place Your Baby on Their Back to Sleep:

• The safest position for your baby is on their back, both for naps and nighttime sleep. This reduces the risk of suffocation by keeping their airway open.
• Avoid placing your baby on their stomach or side, as these positions can lead to breathing difficulties and increase the risk of SIDS.

Avoid Soft Surfaces for Sleep:

• Never place your baby on a soft surface like a couch, armchair, or adult bed. These surfaces can cause your baby to sink in, increasing the risk of suffocation.
• Ensure your baby’s sleep surface is always firm and doesn’t have any soft padding that could obstruct their breathing.

Use a Sleep Sack Instead of Blankets:

• A sleep sack is a wearable blanket that keeps your baby warm without the risk of loose bedding in the crib.
• It ensures your baby stays on their back while providing warmth and comfort, eliminating the need for extra blankets that could cover their face.

Tip 3: Monitor the Room Temperature

Keeping your baby’s sleep environment at a comfortable temperature is essential in reducing the risk of SIDS. Overheating is a known risk factor, so it’s important to strike the right balance.

Here’s how to monitor and maintain the ideal room temperature:

Keep the Room Cool but Comfortable:

• The ideal temperature for your baby’s room is between 68–72°F (20–22°C).
• If it feels comfortable for an adult in light clothing, it’s likely a good temperature for your baby.

Avoid Over-Bundling:

• Dress your baby in light, breathable layers, such as a onesie or a sleep sack. Avoid heavy blankets or overdressing, which can cause overheating.

Watch for Signs of Overheating:

• Look out for signs that your baby may be too warm, such as sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, or rapid breathing.
• If you notice any of these signs, adjust your baby’s clothing or the room temperature to prevent overheating, which can increase the risk of SIDS.

Tip 4: Encourage Tummy Time During the Day

Tummy time is essential for your baby’s development and plays a role in reducing the risk of SIDS. This activity helps to promote healthy muscle growth and mental stimulation.

Here’s why and how to incorporate tummy time into your baby’s daily routine:

Strengthens Neck and Shoulder Muscles:

• Tummy time helps your baby develop strong neck and shoulder muscles, which are crucial for lifting and turning their head.
• These muscles help your baby in preventing suffocation if they end up face-down during sleep. Their ability to move their head can reduce their risk of SIDS.

Helps Prevent Flat Spots on the Baby’s Head:

• Spending time on their tummy gives your baby’s head a break from lying on their back, reducing the chance of developing flat spots (positional plagiocephaly).
• A well-rounded head shape supports healthy development and helps ensure proper airway positioning during sleep.

Position for Tummy Time While Baby is Awake and Supervised:

• Always practice tummy time when your baby is awake and alert. Supervised tummy time is both safe and beneficial for your baby’s motor skills and overall human development.
• Start with short sessions, a few minutes at a time, and gradually increase the duration as your baby grows stronger.

Tip 5: Maintain a Smoke-Free Environment

Exposure to secondhand smoke is linked to higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).  Babies of moms who smoked during pregnancy are also at higher risk for SIDS than those babies whose moms were smoke-free. It’s been found that secondhand smoke, which contains toxic chemicals, can damage an infant’s brain and lungs, impacting how the infant breathes.

How to protect your baby from SIDS?

• Don’t smoke during pregnancy nor after the baby is born
• Don’t allow smoking in your home or around your baby’s environment
• Don’t share a bed with a baby, especially if you smoke

Tip 6: Regular Prenatal Care and Health Monitoring

Ensuring your baby is healthy starts before birth. Regular prenatal care and ongoing health monitoring are essential in reducing the risk of SIDS.

Here’s how both prenatal and postnatal care contribute to your baby’s well-being:

Get Regular Prenatal Care:

• Attending regular prenatal checkups helps ensure both you and your baby are healthy during pregnancy. Proper prenatal care lowers the chances of complications that could increase your baby’s risk of SIDS.
• Monitoring your baby’s development in the womb allows healthcare providers to identify and address potential risk factors early on.

Follow Safe Sleep Guidelines from Your Healthcare Provider:

• After your baby is born, stay in regular communication with your pediatrician. They can guide you on safe sleep practices and monitor your baby’s development to ensure they are on a healthy path.
• If your baby is born with higher risk factors, your pediatrician can offer tailored advice to further reduce the risk of SIDS. Continuity of care with your child’s doctor by staying on track with regular well exams can help you feel confident you’re doing all you can to keep your baby safe.

Monitor Higher Risk Factors:

• Some babies are born with a higher risk of SIDS, such as premature birth or low birth weight. Regular checkups with your pediatrician will help monitor these risks and provide strategies for minimizing them.
• For families with higher-risk babies, following expert advice and maintaining a safe sleep environment is even more critical.

Lean on Metro Pediatrics for Trusted Support

Protecting your baby from the risk of SIDS involves more than just following safe sleep guidelines—it also means having the right support system in place. Partnering with a trusted pediatrician can provide you with expert advice, personalized care, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your baby’s health is in good hands.

Here’s how Metro Pediatrics can help:

• Expert Guidance on SIDS Prevention: Your pediatricians at Metro Pediatrics are dedicated to keeping your family informed about the latest SIDS prevention strategies. From safe sleep recommendations to personalized care plans for higher-risk babies, you can count on your medical team to help you feel confident in reducing your baby’s risk of SIDS.
• Comprehensive Care for Healthy Babies: Metro Pediatrics offers a full range of services, including newborn care, well-child exams, and vaccinations, to ensure your baby’s growth and development are on track. Regular checkups allow your pediatrician to monitor your baby’s health and address any concerns early on.
• Partnering with You for Your Baby’s Safety: As a parent, your partnership with a pediatrician is key to maintaining your baby’s health and safety. Metro Pediatrics is committed to working with you every step of this journey providing expert, nurturing care from the newborn stage through your child’s early years.

By choosing Metro Pediatrics, you’re not just getting medical care—you’re gaining an experienced team of pediatric professionals who are dedicated to helping your baby thrive.

Book an appointment with us today to get started! New patients are always welcome.