I have a new baby, how can I prevent SIDS?

SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is a tragic event when an unexpected and unexplained death occurs in a healthy infant between 1 and 5 months of age. In the United States the occurrence is very low, however, there are several things you can do to minimize the risk: a) Place the baby on her back to sleep at all times. This is the preferred position over face down and side lying positions. b) Do not exposure your child to secondhand smoke. If you do smoke provide a smoke-free sleeping room for your infant. c) Purchase a firm mattress, place your baby directly on the mattress and remove soft bedding, pillows and toys.

Donna Dixon, HES Extension, College of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia