SIDS Prevention: What Every Parent Should Know
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, is one of the most devastating possibilities new parents face. It’s the sudden, unexplained death of an otherwise healthy baby under the age of one, most commonly occurring during sleep. While the exact causes of SIDS are still unknown, decades of research have revealed clear and practical steps that can dramatically reduce the risk.
At NEOwell, we’re committed to supporting families with evidence-based guidance, especially during the vulnerable early months of a baby’s life. Here are the most important ways to help prevent SIDS and create a safe sleep environment for your baby.
1. Always Place Your Baby on Their Back to Sleep
This is the single most effective step parents can take. Babies should be placed on their backs for every sleep—naps and nighttime alike. Stomach or side sleeping increases the risk of SIDS, especially for babies who cannot roll over on their own.
2. Use a Firm, Flat Sleep Surface
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in a crib, bassinet, or play yard with a firm mattress and a fitted sheet. Avoid soft surfaces like couches, pillows, or adult beds, which can increase the risk of suffocation or overheating.
3. Keep the Sleep Space Clear
The crib should be free of pillows, blankets, bumpers, and stuffed animals. Though these items are often used decoratively, they pose a serious risk to infants. A wearable blanket or sleep sack is a safer alternative to loose blankets.
4. Share a Room—Not a Bed
Room-sharing for at least the first six months (ideally up to one year) is recommended. Keeping your baby in the same room, but in a separate sleep space, makes it easier to monitor them while maintaining a safe sleep environment.
5. Offer a Pacifier at Sleep Times
Studies show that offering a pacifier at nap time and bedtime can reduce the risk of SIDS. There’s no need to reinsert it if it falls out during sleep, and not all babies will accept one—but it’s a helpful tool if they do.
6. Avoid Overheating
Dress your baby in light layers and keep the room at a comfortable temperature. Signs of overheating include sweating, flushed cheeks, or a hot chest. A slightly cool room is safer than one that is too warm.
7. Maintain a Smoke-Free Environment
Exposure to smoke during pregnancy or after birth is a significant risk factor for SIDS. It’s important to ensure that no one smokes around your baby or inside the home.
Additional Safety Tips
Breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of SIDS.
Avoid commercial products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS unless recommended by your pediatrician.
While SIDS can’t be entirely eliminated, these practices offer parents and caregivers powerful tools to reduce the risk and help babies sleep safely. Consistency, education, and awareness make a real difference.
At NEOwell, we’re here to help you navigate the early months with confidence and peace of mind. If you have questions about safe sleep or newborn care, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to support you every step of the way.
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