SIDS: New Recommendations and Controversies

The number of SIDS deaths in the U.S. has declined dramatically since the “Back to Sleep” campaign began in 1992 — from about 6000 to . . .

The number of SIDS deaths in the U.S. has declined dramatically since the “Back to Sleep” campaign began in 1992 — from about 6000 to 2200 deaths annually. However, new data and a belief that we can further reduce the risk for SIDS have led the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to propose new recommendations. Highlights of the 11 recommendations include:

Place infants in the supine sleep position: Infants should be placed wholly on their backs. Side-sleeping is now a well-established risk factor for SIDS and is no longer considered safe.
Use a firm mattress; avoid soft objects and loose bedding: Soft objects (pillows, quilts, sheepskins, stuffed animals) should be kept out of the infant’s sleeping environment. Sheets and blankets should be…

Reviewing Author

Howard Bauchner, MD