safe sleeping

To reduce the risk of positional asphyxia and SIDS, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the American SIDS institute recommends following these practices:
 
Place your baby on his or her back. Infants who sleep on their sides or their stomachs have a much higher rate of SIDS.
 
Place your baby in a crib on a firm, tight-fitting mattress. Do not let the baby sleep on softer things like pillows, blankets, cushions, or the couch. Also, do not let the baby sleep in the parent’s bed.
 
Make sure your baby doesn’t get too hot. Don’t over clothe your baby wrap him or her in blankets. If your baby is sweating, he or she may be too hot.
 
No smoking while pregnant or when near the baby. Exposure to tobacco smoke heightens to risk for SIDS.
 
Breast feed your baby when possible. Breast milk decreases the occurrence of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections according to the American SIDS institute. Studies show that babies who are breast-fed have a lower rate of SIDS than formula-fed babies.
 
Remember that a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy can also reduce the risk of SIDS. See your doctor regularly when pregnant and don’t use drugs or alcohol.
 
Check your crib for safety.
 
To learn more about safe sleeping and SIDS check out:
American Sids Institute CJ Foundation for SIDS
CRIBS for KIDS