1. NO TUMMY’S. Do not lay the baby on his stomach to sleep.
2. FIRM MATTRESS. Sleeping on a soft surface is a no no. The firmer the better.
3. FRESH AIR. Many SIDS deaths can be avoided by making sure that the infant always has fresh air.
4. CONFINEMENT. Don’t wrap up baby like a burrito. Always allow your baby to move its arms, legs and head.
5. SMOKING DURING PREGNANCY.
6. AVOID PILLOWS & EXCESSIVE BLANKETS. Don’t put the baby in a cocoon of pillows, blankets or thick clothing that might cause an ‘air dam’.
7. FREQUENT CHECKS. Check your baby frequently. Don’t worry about waking the baby. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
8. GENTLE AIR FLOW. Keep the air moving by using a fan to move the air in the room. Do not blow air directly on the baby. Instead direct the air at a wall or the ceiling.
9. KEEP IT COOL. Too much heat is dangerous! Don’t overdress the baby or pile on covers. Cool is key!

10. CRACK THE DOOR/WINDOW. If it’s safe to, crack a window or door to allow in fresh air.
11. BAG THE BUMPERS. Bumpers can obstruct air flow and should never be used in a playpen.
12. INCLINE. Placing baby on an inclined sleeping position allows exhaled air to flow away from the babies mouth and nose.
13. NO FLOORS. Babies should never sleep on the floor. They should be at least 2 feet off of the ground because harmful gases can accumulate near the floor.
14. MONITOR GAS FUMES. Never use a gas stove to heat your home. Be very careful when using gas appliances.
15. STORE THE STUFFED ANIMALS. Stuffed animals can cause an ‘air dam’ if placed in the babies sleeping area. It’s best to store them away from babies bed.
16. GARAGES. Avoid running any car inside of an attached garage, as fumes an get backed up into the ventilation system.
17. PAINT, POLISH & CLEANING PRODUCTS. It’s best to avoid painting inside of your home before and after the baby arrives. Reduce use of harmful chemicals in cleaning products.
18. UNDER CONSTRUCTION. Postpone any construction work until your baby is at least 6 months of age. Construction causes lots of airborne dust that effects air quality.
19. BANISH THE BASEMENT. If possible, keep baby away from sleeping in a basement. Basements do not have adequate air flow and fumes and gases can get trapped with no way out.
20. NEW CARPET NO-NO. Avoid new carpets. They can outgas harmful gases that pollute the air inside your home.
21. TRAVEL COMPANION. It’s a good idea to bring a fan with you on your travels to keep good air flow wherever the baby happens to sleep.
22. STOP SIDE SLEEPING. Studies have found that the side sleep position is unstable and increases the chances of the infant rolling onto his or her stomach. Everyone should place the baby on it’s back during every sleep period.
23. BAD BED SHARING. Bed sharing is not recommended during sleep. Infants can be nursed or comforted in your bed, but should be returned to their own crib or bassinet when you are ready to go to sleep.

When is my baby at the highest risk for SIDS?

Between the age of two and four months. Babies don’t usually sleep well enough for the first two months to be in much danger. At four months of age babies are larger and move around more during sleep. However, you never want to let down your guard during your babies first 6 months.

Should my baby sleep in his or her own room?

Won’t my baby’s head become flat by sleeping on it’s back all of the time?

There is a risk of ‘flat head syndrome’ otherwise known as Positional Plagiocephaly.

What is Positional Plagiocephaly?

Positional Plagiocephaly refers to a deformation of the head in infants that lay their head in the same position each time they sleep. Because uneven pressure occurs on still-developing skull bones, baby’s head can become permanently asymmetrical. This can occur in the first two to twenty weeks after birth, and can require expensive treatment that is often uncovered by insurance.

There are measures you can take to counteract this from happening. You can give the baby some ‘Tummy Time’ while awake. When sleeping in a car seat or baby carrier alternate turning the babies head to one side for a week. Switch sides every week.

A caliper designed by Dr. Ricardo Hahn (Dr. Plagio) to monitor the symmetry of your baby’s head.

Helps Prevent Positional Plagiocephaly

Medically approved and patented design

Comfortable design for baby

Easy to use reminder system for Repositioning as recommended by Dr. Plagio and other leading pediatricians