Reducing the Risks

  1. Put your healthy baby on its back to sleep face up in its own bed.
  2. No smoking near the baby - Do not smoke during pregnancy and do not let others smoke near your baby.
  3. Do not let your baby get too hot - Dress your baby in as much or as little as you would wear. Do not wrap your baby in lots of blankets or clothes. If your baby is sweating, has damp hair, or a heat rash, he or she may be too hot. A baby that has a fever, is breathing fast, or is not able to rest, may also be too hot.
  4. Put your baby to sleep on a firm mattress - Do not let the baby sleep on soft things, like cushions, pillows, blankets, the couch, sheepskins, foam pads, or waterbeds.
  5. Take good care of yourself and your baby - When pregnant, see your doctor often and do not use drugs or alcohol. Talk with your baby's doctor about changes in your baby and how your baby acts.
  6. If possible, breast feed your baby - Breast feeding has been shown to be good for your baby.