Westchester County Department of Health

October is SIDS Awareness Month. Parents and caregivers can rest easy knowing the steps to lower a baby’s risk for SUIDS and SIDS. It's as simple as ABC. 

What is SUID/SIDS?
Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) is the sudden, unexpected and unexplained death of babies under the age of 1. Types of SUID include:

• SIDS.
• Accidental suffocation in a sleeping environment.
• Other deaths from unknown causes.

While scientists don’t know exactly what causes SUID, it usually happens in the baby’s sleep area.

The loss of an infant is tragic, but you can take steps to help prevent SUID by following the ABC's of Safe Sleep.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all infants sleep on their backs in their own safety-approved crib and in a smoke-free environment to reduce the risk both of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexptected Infant Death Syndrome (SUID).

The ABCs of Safe Sleep (Create a Safe Sleep Environment for your baby)

"A" is for Alone:

• Always let baby sleep alone in a crib, never in a bed with another person or pet where baby could be smothered.
• Only have a firm mattress and tight-fitting sheet in the crib.
• No blankets, pillows, bumpers or toys.
• Dress baby in one more layer of clothing than you.

"B" is for on baby's Back:

• Always place baby to sleep on his or her back.
• No sleeping on tummy or sides.
• Tummy time is for supervised play time.
• No pillows or wedges in crib.

"C" is for Crib:

• Baby should sleep in a safe and separate crib or bassinet.
• Use a tight-fitted sheet with no blankets.
• Never allow baby to sleep on a couch.
• No futons, chairs, waterbeds or dresser drawers.

Resources:

• NIH Safe to Sleep Web site
• About Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUID) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) CDC
• A Parent's Guide to Safe Sleep