Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of an infant under one year of age, sometimes known as crib death. Here are some things that can be done to reduce the risk of SIDS:

• Put your healthy baby on its back to sleep. If your baby has problems breathing or spits up a lot after feeding, ask your doctor about how your baby should sleep.
• No smoking near the baby. Do not smoke during pregnancy and do not let others smoke near your baby.
• Do not let your baby get too hot. Dress your baby in as much or as little as you would wear. Do not wrap your baby in lots of blankets or clothes. If your baby is sweating, has damp hair, or a heat rash, he or she may be too hot. A baby that has a fever, is breathing fast, or is not able to rest may also be too hot.
• Put your baby to sleep on a firm mattress. Do not let the baby sleep on soft things, like cushions, pillows, blankets, the couch, sheepskins, foam pads, or waterbeds. Your baby does not have the strength to push their face away from something that may keep them from getting the air they need. This is sometimes called positional asphyxia.
• Breastfeed your baby. Breastfeeding has been shown to be good for your baby.

Take good care of yourself and your baby. When pregnant, see your doctor often and do not use drugs or alcohol. Talk with your baby’s doctor about changes in your baby and how your baby acts.

For more information on SIDS, visit the SIDS website (www.health.utah.gov/rhp) or call the Department of Health SIDS Program at (801) 538-9459.

Safe Sleep Fact Sheet

First Candle
First Candle is a national nonprofit health organization uniting parents, caregivers and researchers nationwide with government, business and community service groups to advance infant health and survival. 
http://www.firstcandle.org/whenababy/when_intro.html