The increasing number of children’s death due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS reached 1,600 in 2015 in the United States. Of late, according to American Academy of Pediatrics or AAP, SIDS is liable for killing around 3,500 children every year.

“Parents need to provide a safer environment for their newborns especially for the first six months while sleeping,” said AAP.

Pediatrician Rachel Moon clearly mentioned in one of her interviews that all the babies who died of SIDS were because of an unsafe environment. “With a bit more precaution, all these children would have been alive.” This makes it more important for mothers and children to know about the perfect way to ensure safe sleep for their child.

According to their analysis, the most common reasons for their death apart from SIDS are suffocation, strangulations, etc. Though parents don’t do it consciously, their way to comfort their child can cause a severe problem. AAP, as well as others pediatrics, have stated –

“Till the first three months, children should sleep in their crib and not on the same bed with parents. Of course, they can be in the same room. Also, if the baby is in some other room, that is not a problem.”

They have clearly mentioned that the average age of when a baby can be allowed to be taken out from the crib and shifted to bed with parents is after 3 to 4 years.

When choosing the crib, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has mentioned over and over to get a bassinet or crib which meets safety standards. “Never try to fix a crib, rather go for a replacement. Any missing part in the crib can be dangerous.”

Other points mentioned by AAP to ensure safe sleep for babies is not to put them in soft or water bedding with toys or stuffed toys. Rather, keep the crib simple and spacious with loose bedding. This reduces the chance of getting tangled or chocked.

AAP states, “Giving a pacifier in the mouth of the baby while sleeping can reduce the chances of SIDS.”