The safety of their newborn baby is every parent's priority. Before buying anything, from the car seat to a baby swing, parents check all the safety features, ratings and recalls. They try to watch and protect their child from any harm and often they loose their sleep while checking on the baby at night.

Leaving their baby asleep in the crib can be frightening for many parents who are worried about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), also known as crib death. SIDS is the leading cause of death of infants under one year of age and its reasons are unknown. However, many cases have shown that babies who died from SIDS were sleeping on their stomachs. Therefore, in 1992 the American Academy of Pediatrics started a 'Back to Sleep' campaign - an educating program about the syndrome - in which they recommended positioning newborn infants on their backs for safe sleeping. The incidents of SIDS have fallen by 50% since then, but there are still about 2,500 deaths in the United States and thousands more around the world.

Sleeping on the back may be a safe position, but is not the most comfortable one. Babies, especially newborns, like to curl up into a fetal position they've got used to while in their mother's womb. It is known that they sleep better that way and laying them down on their backs may take some time for them to get used to. Also, some baby experts argue that an infant could choke on fluids it brings up. They advise to place newborns on their side instead of on the back. Nevertheless, the back position has already proved to be safe.

As your baby grows, turning and rolling over is very common. Also, at that time the incidence of SIDS decreases substantially, possibly because of the baby's ability to change his position. If you are still worried that your baby may be endangered by sleeping on the stomach, you can roll him back. You can also purchase a special infant pad which allows you to keep your baby in place in the crib. Although, they are more for parent's peace of mind than the infant's safety.

Positioning a baby on the back alone does not ensure his safety while asleep. There are other factors that need to be considered. One of them is his sleeping area.

It is indisputable that a baby should have their own place to rest. Letting your baby sleep with you (co-sleeping) is not recommended. First of all, an adult bed is not suitable for an infant. It's usually too soft and all the bedding poses the danger of suffocation. Secondly, you could also hurt, or suffocate your child while moving in your sleep.

The safest place for an infant is his own crib or a bassinet equipped with a firm mattress and a tight-fitted sheet. Pillows, comforters, or stuffed animals should be left out. You can cover your baby with a blanket, but only up to his chest with arms exposed. The reason for it is that babies can pull their blankets over their heads, if they are covered too high.

Another issue that is often brought up by doctors is poor air circulation in a baby's room. Many studies have shown that improving room ventilation helps infants sleep better and reduces the incidence of SIDS. You can either slightly open the window (in warm weather), or use a fan to circulate air. Speaking of air, it also should be free of cigarette smoke. Many infants, who died from SIDS had high levels of nicotine and cotinine (the product of secondhand smoke) in their lungs.

Many parents worry about leaving their babies alone in their cribs. It is natural to worry, especially when you hear all the horrible stories about babies dying while sleeping. However, by putting your child to sleep on his back ensures his safety and greatly reduces the possibility of SIDS.

Learn more about this author, Bozena Hartley.
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