Can SIDS Be Prevented?

​​​At this time, the best measures to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) are to place your baby to sleep on his back, in a crib close to your bed in a smoke-free environment, without any bedding.

Since 1992, the American Academy of Pediatrics has recom­mended that babies always be placed on their backs. Before this recommenda­tion, more than 5,000 babies died from SIDS every year in the United States.

Now, with the decrease in the number of babies sleeping on their stomach, the deaths from SIDS have declined to about 2,300 per year. Each of these deaths is tragic, and campaigns continue to promote a back-to-sleep message for babies.

Between the ages of four and seven months, however, you may notice your infant beginning to roll over when placed to sleep on his back. Fortu­nately, SIDS risk decreases after six months of age. It is still important to continue to place your infant to sleep on his back. However, if your baby can comfort­ably roll from stomach to back and vice versa, you should not stay up all night constantly flipping him onto his back.You should also double-check that there is no bedding close to the baby that he could get stuck in if he rolls over.

More information

  • How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained
  • Reduce the Risk of SIDS and Suffocation


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