SIDS Prevention: Essential Safe Sleep Practices Every Parent Should Know

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is a heartbreaking and unexpected loss of an infant under the age of one, often occurring during sleep with no obvious cause. While SIDS can affect any family, there are critical steps parents and caregivers can take to reduce the risk and create a safe sleep environment for their baby.

What is SIDS?

SIDS is the unexplained death of a seemingly healthy baby, typically occurring during sleep. Although researchers continue to study its causes, unsafe sleep environments are a known contributing factor. Understanding and implementing safe sleep practices can significantly lower the risk.

Safe Sleep Guidelines

Place baby on their back for every sleep – Whether it’s naptime or bedtime, always place infants on their backs to sleep.
Use a separate, infant-safe sleep surface – Babies should sleep in a crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard with a firm, flat, non-inclined mattress.
Avoid soft bedding and sleep props – No pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or bumpers in the crib.
Car seats, swings, and strollers are not for routine sleep – While convenient, these devices are not safe for long periods of unsupervised sleep.
Breastfeeding helps – Research shows that exclusively breastfeeding for at least six months can lower the risk of SIDS.
Keep baby’s sleep area smoke-free – Secondhand smoke exposure increases the likelihood of SIDS.
Room-sharing is recommended – Keep baby’s crib in the same room as the parents for at least the first six months but avoid bed-sharing.

Prevention Tips

Parents can take additional steps to lower SIDS risks:

Avoid overheating – Dress babies appropriately for the room temperature and avoid excessive blankets or coverings.
Offer a pacifier at nap and bedtime – This has been linked to a lower risk of SIDS.
Encourage tummy time – Supervised tummy time while awake helps strengthen a baby’s muscles and reduces the likelihood of flat spots on the head.
Attend prenatal care and wellness checkups – A healthy pregnancy and regular pediatrician visits contribute to a baby’s well-being.

Learn More & Get Support

At Family Guidance and Outreach, we believe every parent should have access to the tools they need to raise healthy, happy children. That’s why we offer free online parenting classes every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday to help families learn more about safe sleep, infant care, and other essential topics. Visit www.lubbockfamily.org for more information.

By staying informed and practicing safe sleep habits, parents and caregivers can help protect their infants and create a safer sleeping environment. Together, we can reduce the risk of SIDS and ensure every baby gets the best start in life.

Videos for Further Education: