Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) other sleep related causes of infant death.

· Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep, for naps and at night, to reduce the risk of SIDS.

· Use a firm sleep surface, covered by a fitted sheet, to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death.

· Your baby should not sleep in an adult bed, on a couch, or on a chair alone, with you, or with anyone else.

· Keep soft objects, toys, and loose bedding out of your baby’s sleep area to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death.

· To reduce the risk of SIDS, women should: Get regular health care during pregnancy, and Not smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs during pregnancy or after the baby is born.

· To reduce the risk of SIDS, do not smoke during pregnancy, and do not smoke or allow smoking around your baby.

· Breastfeed your baby to reduce the risk of SIDS.

· Give your baby a dry pacifier that is not attached to a string for naps and at night to reduce the risk of SIDS.

· Do not let your baby get too hot during sleep.

· Follow health care provider guidance on your baby’s vaccines and regular health checkups.

· Avoid products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of infant death.

· Do not use home heart or breathing monitors to reduce the risk of SIDS.

· Give your baby plenty of Tummy Time when he or she is awake and when someone is watching.

Remember Tummy Time! Place babies on their stomachs when they are awake and when someone is watching. Tummy Time helps your baby’s head, neck, and shoulder muscles get stronger and helps to prevent flat spots on the head.

For more information or to speak with a SIDS Counselor call the

Harnett County Health Department 910-814-6254.