Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplainable death of a baby younger than 12 months old. These babies appear to be healthy yet die when they are asleep.
Most SIDS deaths occur when babies are one to four months old. The peak time is two to three months old. SIDS is not common. It happens to fewer than one in 1,000 babies in this country.
A sleep sack is the safest way for your baby to sleep "arms in or arms out."
You may also use a blanket to swaddle. Stop swaddling your baby when they look like they are trying to roll over.
To help prevent your baby's head from getting a little flatter on one side or in the back, give your baby lots of tummy time when they are awake. Each week, switch the direction your baby faces in the crib.
There are things you can do to reduce your baby's risk of SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the following:
Talk with your baby's health care provider about what is best for your baby if your baby often spits up after eating or has breathing, heart or lung problems.