Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), also called “crib death,” refers to the unexpected death during sleep of an apparently healthy infant and is the nation’s major cause of infant death beyond one month of age.

October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month designed to increase awareness of ways to reduce the risk of SIDS.

“You can help prevent SIDS by remembering one simple phrase – Back to Sleep,” said Dr. Nancy Miller of Baystate Pediatrics at Baystate Children’s Hospital.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants be placed to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS. In 1994, a joint effort between First Candle/SIDS Alliance, the American Academy of Pediatrics and National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, resulted in the “Back to Sleep” education campaign to encourage parents, healthcare providers and the public to make sure all infants sleep on their backs at nap and nighttime.

As a result of the national campaign, SIDS rates have declined by more than 50 percent. Despite this success, SIDS remains the leading cause of death for infants one month to one year of age, continuing to claim the lives of more than 2,000 babies yearly.

“Although there is no sure way to prevent SIDS, parents and caregivers can follow some basic steps to protect their infants and reduce the risk of sudden infant death,” said Dr. Miller.

Baystate Children’s Hospital and First Candle/SIDS Alliance recommends the following infants safety tips:

• Infants need a bassinette or crib that is separate from the parent’s bed.  Do not fall asleep with a baby in an adult bed or sofa.
• No smoking around babies!  Do not smoke while pregnant or expose babies to secondhand smoke after they are born.
• Use a safety-approved crib or bassinet with a firm, tight-fitting mattress placed near the adult bed.
• Place your baby’s safe sleep area alongside your bed for at least the first six months to reduce the risk of SIDS.
• Nothing but the baby in the crib- Remove all soft bedding and other items, including soft or pillow-like bumpers.
• Replace loose blankets with a wearable blanket or other type sleeper to keep baby warm.
• Take care not to overheat or overbundlebabies with too much clothing. Keep room temperature at what would be comfortable for a lightly clothed adult.
• Use a pacifier at nap and nighttime for the first year.

While SIDS occurs in all socio-economic, racial and ethnic groups, recent studies have shown the risk of SIDS to be double for African-American infants and two and one-half times greater for Native Americans. SIDS is also more likely to occur in male infants than in female infants.

Dr. Miller noted parents can also reduce their baby’s risk of dying of SIDS by making every sleep a safe sleep.  “Talk to all personswho care for your baby, including child care providers, babysitters, family, and friends, about placing your baby to sleep on his or her back at night and during naps”, Dr. Miller advises.

“Back to sleep advice is recommended by your pediatrician to protect your precious infant.  Ask your baby’s doctor if you have any questions about these safety tips,” said Dr. Miller.