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Put Your Baby to Sleep on His Back to Prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Last Updated: August 31, 2009

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Prenatal Tips for Your Newborn

Put your baby on his back to sleep. This will help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Do not use soft bedding materials such as waterbeds, soft mattresses, pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals. Your baby cannot move them if they get on his face and he will not be able to breathe. Use a firm mattress, and clothe your baby in a one-piece sleeper outfit to keep him warm while sleeping. The Back to Sleep Campaign has lots of information on SIDS.

WARNINGS:

  • Do not cover your child with blankets. Put him in a one-piece sleeper outfit to keep him warm.
  • Keep the room at a comfortable temperature for an adult.
  • Your baby only needs a crib with a mattress with a fitted sheet.
  • Never use a pillow.
  • Do not place an infant on an adult water bed. Your child could suffocate!


Learn more about Your Newborn Baby from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.


Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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