To help reduce SIDS and suffocation risks, follow these AAP recommendations:

​

• Place your baby to sleep on her back on a firm surface for every sleep.

• Have the baby sleep in the same room but not the same bed as the parents for the first 6 months to 1 year of age. Room-sharing decreases the risk of SIDS by as much as 50%.

• Do not share a bed with an infant. Bed-sharing puts infants at risk of SIDS, suffocation and strangulation.

• Breastfeed exclusively for at least six months. When you add solid food, continue breastfeeding until at least 12 months.

• Offer a pacifier at naptime and bedtime.

• Stay up-to-date on well-child visits and immunizations. Immunizations may protect against SIDS.