by Madlyn Tierney

Created on: July 22, 2009   Last Updated: July 25, 2009

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome scared me senseless while I was waiting for my first born to arrive. To relieve myself of my panic-like fears, I immersed myself in all the information i could get my hands on.

I was initially bothered that research hasn't pinpointed any specific causes for SIDS, however, there are many things that you can do to reduce the risk of SIDS. Getting educated about SIDS is the best way to reduce the risk of losing your baby to SIDS.

*Put your baby to sleep on their back

This is most important thing to do to reduce the risk. Since 1994 when the "Back to Sleep" campaign was started, the rate of SIDS deaths has decreased more than 50 percent! Side sleeping isn't recommended either because babies can still manage to end up on their bellies. Don't worry if your baby happens to puke or spit up while sleeping on their back, instinctively, your baby will turn their head to the side.

*Keep cigarette smoke away from the baby.

In the house, in the car, or anywhere else baby will be, keep the area smoke free!

*Choose Baby's Sleeping Area With Knowledge

Before purchasing your baby's sleeping items, do your homework.

Put your baby to sleep on a firm, flat mattress.

Do not use pillows or fluffy blankets under the baby. There should be nothing but a crib sheet under the baby.

It's strongly recommended that No Covers are used. If you choose to use a blanket, use a light blanket, and tuck it under your baby's arm, and around the mattress.

Keep the crib free of soft toys and stuffed animals.

Do not use positioning devices.

Crib bumpers are not recommended by SIDS prevention groups. If you choose to use a bumper for the crib, choose ones that are thin and stiff. Make sure the baby cannot pull the bumper over their face, and that all strings out of baby's reach.

*Avoid Overheating your baby

Don't over-dress your baby. The clothing shouldn't be to heavy, and should just keep the baby warm without having to be covered up.

Keep a comfortable temperature in the room. If you are too warm, your baby is likely warm as well.

Use a fan in the room and or open a window. This keeps the temperature down, and circulates the air as well.

*Try to limit exposure to infection

Avoid heavily crowded areas. The more people in an area, the greater the chance are of coming in contact with harmful germs.

Keep the baby away from people who may be suffering from respiratory infections and gastrointestinal infections(vomiting and diarrhea).

Have people wash their hands before coming in direct contact with your baby.

Clean anything that comes in contact with your baby.

*Also recommended...

Use a Pacifier. Research shows a lower rate of SIDS in babies who use a pacifier. If your baby drops it after falling asleep, you don't need to reinsert.

Breast-feed babies whenever possible. This reduces the occurrence of respiratory infections and gastrointestinal infections.

Keep your baby's crib in the room with you for at least the first six months.

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