SIDS, sometimes known as crib death, is the major cause of death in babies from 1 month to 1 year of age. SIDS, strikes nearly 6,000 babies in the United States every year. Most SIDS deaths occur when a baby is between 1 and 4 months old. More boys than girls are victims, and most deaths occur during the fall, winter and early spring months.
Death occurs quickly, usually during a sleep time.
Put baby down to sleep on his or her back or side. Do this when your baby is being put down for a nap or to bed for the night. This is new. Your mother was told and, if you have other children, you may have been told that babies should sleep on their tummy. Now, doctors and nurses believe that fewer babies will die of SIDS if most infants sleep on their back or side.