What sleeping arrangements must I make to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?
You must follow the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for putting infants down to sleep. (1) You must put infants to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS unless you have a written note in the infant’s file from both the parent and the infant’s health care provider requesting another sleeping position; (2) Once infants are able to turn over, continue to place them on their back to sleep. If the infant has turned over while sleeping you do not need to return the infant to his or her back; (3) Place the infant inside the crib, infant bed or playpen on a firm mattress with a tight fitting sheet; (4) You must not use soft fluffy bedding, stuffed toys, pillows, crib bumpers and similar items in the crib; (5) You must make sure that the infant’s head and face remain uncovered during sleep; (6) You must not allow smoking around the infant; and (7) You must not let the infant get too warm during sleep.
