A healthy lifestyle during pregnancy will help prevent an abnormality that could put an infant at risk while sleeping.

Good prenatal care - including proper nutrition, abstinence from alcohol, drugs, and smoking, and frequent medical checkups - will help prevent a premature birth, which is a risk factor for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, the unexplained, sudden death of an infant under age one). Most cases of SIDS occur when a baby is in a crib sleeping. Even though cribs do not cause SIDS, an infant’s sleep environment has been linked with increasing the risk for SIDS.

Experts recommend that babies should be placed on their stomachs for sleeping.

Actually, parents and other caregivers should put babies to sleep on their backs as opposed to their stomachs or their sides (babies can roll to their stomachs). The back sleep position is the best for babies from newborns to one year.

Babies are at risk for choking when sleeping on their backs.

Babies are not at risk for choking when sleeping on their backs, as they automatically swallow or cough up fluids. Physicians have not found that choking or other problems occur in babies who sleep on their backs. Babies should be placed on their backs during nap time as well as at night.

Covering babies faces from the cold or sun is a cause for concern.

Babies’ faces should not be covered during sleep or for protection from the sun’s rays. Bedding should be kept away from babies’ faces, so that the nose and mouth are not obstructed and fresh air is always available.

Firm mattresses are the best bedding for babies.

Babies should sleep on a firm mattress or other firm surface. Fluffy blankets or comforters should not be placed under babies for sleeping. Babies should not sleep on waterbeds, sofas, sheepskin, a pillow, or other soft materials. Babies should not use pillows under their heads.

Bed-sharing by babies with a sibling or parent is a safe way for babies to sleep.

Actually, bed-sharing is not advised by experts. Putting babies to sleep in a bed with other children or on a sofa with another person has been found to increase risk for SIDS. Keeping babies next to adult beds in their own secure crib or bassinet provides the greatest safety for infants and helps encourage closeness between parents and babies.

Smoking is not advised during pregnancy and smoking around infants is harmful to their health.

Mothers who smoke during pregnancy may put their newborns at risk for SIDS. Parents should create a smoke-free environment for their babies, as exposure to passive smoke from smoking by parents or others in the household doubles a baby’s risk of SIDS. Experts say components of smoke may interfere with infants’ developing lungs and nervous system, and possibly disrupt infants’ ability to wake from sleep.

Babies should be kept very warm at all times.

Do not over-dress babies, as overheating an infant may create a risk for SIDS. Keep the temperature in a baby’s room at a level that feels comfortable to an adult. An overheated baby may go into a deep sleep from which it is difficult to arouse.

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Remember, your efforts to create a healthy and safe environment for your baby can help reduce the risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS):

• See a physician for good prenatal care.
• Place babies to sleep on their backs, unless advised otherwise by a physician.
• Place babies on a firm mattress.
• Remove all fluffy and loose bedding, including pillows and toys.
• Do not overdress or keep babies too warm.
• Do not expose babies to smoke.
• Breast-feed babies when possible, as this may prevent respiratory infections.
• Take babies for regular well-baby checkups and routine immunizations.

Be sure to consult your child’s physician for more information.