What can I do to reduce the risk of SIDS for my baby? One of the most important things you can do to help reduce the risk of SIDS is to place your baby on his or her back to sleep. A variety of recent research studies have shown that babies who sleep on their backs have a much lower risk of dying of SIDS than babies who sleep on their stomach or side. Babies who usually sleep on their backs but who are placed on their stomachs, even for a nap, are at very high risk of SIDS. So, it is important that you and everyone that cares for your baby use the back to sleep position for naps and at night.

This simple infant care practice has greatly reduced the incidence of SIDS throughout the world. Please visit the SIDS Facts section of our website for the most current statistical information which shows a decline of over 50 percent in the number and rate of SIDS deaths in California since 1992. Access published articles, SIDS research updates and other risk reduction resources in the Risk Reduction section of our website. If you have further questions about Back to Sleep and/or reducing your infant's risk of SIDS, talk with your doctor. The Frequently Asked Questions section of our website may also provide you with helpful answers to your questions.

Back to Sleep campaign sponsors include: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the First Candle/SIDS Alliance, and the Association of SIDS and Infant Mortality Programs.