SIDS: frequently asked questions
Will bedsharing during sleep increase the risk of SIDS?
There is an increased risk of SIDS when mothers who smoke bedshare with their babies. Most studies suggest that there is no significantly increased risk of SIDS for babies of non-smoking parents who bedshare. However, bedsharing is still unsafe if your baby slips under the bedding or into pillows, is trapped between the bed and a parent or the wall, falls out of bed, becomes too hot from too much bedding or is rolled on. And, of course, don't bedshare if you have been drinking alcohol or are affected by other drugs.
Is my baby being too hot or too cold associated with SIDS?
Current research suggests that if your baby becomes either too hot or too cold the risk of SIDS is increased. To prevent this you need to use your own judgement depending on where you live and whether it is summer or winter. A useful guide is to dress baby as you would dress yourself, to be comfortably warm, not hot. If your baby has a fever, use fewer bed coverings or even none at all. If you are worried that your baby is too hot or too cold, talk to your doctor or infant health nurse.
Will breast feeding protect my baby from SIDS?
Everyone agrees that breast feeding is best for most babies. However, there is no consistent evidence that it decreases the risk of SIDS.
Is immunisation linked with SIDS?
The peak age of SIDS is the same age babies are most often immunised (2 to 4 months) so by chance they can occur at the same time. There is very strong evidence to show that immunisation is not associated with SIDS. In fact, recent studies have shown that, if anything, babies who are immunised are at a lower risk of SIDS.
Can babies be put on the tummy to play?
From 3 months of age, during awake periods, babies can be placed safely on their tummies to play. This will encourage strength in their neck and back muscles and prepare them for crawling. However, don't put your baby to sleep on the tummy as this increases the risk of SIDS.
Are there any specific baby care products recommended to reduce the risk of SIDS?
Australian SIDS organisations do not endorse or recommend any specific baby care products.
Last Reviewed: 02 May 2002
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