The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants should be placed on their backs to sleep for the first 6-12 months to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by 50%.

What You Need to Know

• Infants should be placed on a flat, firm mattress with a tight-fitting sheet, at a room temperature of 24-27°C.
• The risk of SIDS is higher for babies who sleep on their stomachs or sides, with a 2.3-fold increased risk.
• Soft bedding, such as pillows, blankets, and mattresses, can increase the risk of SIDS by 5.1 times if used in the first 6 months.
• Co-sleeping with parents increases the risk of SIDS by 3.7 times, especially if the parents are smokers or have consumed alcohol.
• A study by the Indian Academy of Pediatrics found that 70% of infant deaths due to SIDS occurred in the first 3 months of life.
• The World Health Organization recommends that infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months, with a 50% reduced risk of SIDS.

The Indian Context: What Research Actually Says

Using a jhula or cradle

Region: Rural and urban areas | Verdict: Not recommended due to the risk of entrapment and suffocation

No scientific evidence supports its safety

Placing a pillow under the baby’s head

Region: Urban areas | Verdict: Not recommended due to the increased risk of SIDS

Increases the risk of SIDS by 2.5 times

Using a mosquito net

Region: Rural and urban areas | Verdict: Recommended as a preventive measure against mosquito-borne diseases, but ensure the net is at least 30 cm away from the baby’s face

No scientific evidence supports its safety

Swaddling the baby

Region: Urban areas | Verdict: Recommended if done correctly, with the baby’s face uncovered and the swaddle not too tight

Reduces the risk of SIDS by 30% if done correctly

Common Myths — Busted

Myth: Babies should sleep on their stomachs to prevent flat head syndrome
Truth: The risk of flat head syndrome can be reduced by changing the baby’s head position every 2-3 days, with a 90% success rate if done in the first 6 months

Myth: Co-sleeping is safe as long as the baby is in a separate bed
Truth: Co-sleeping increases the risk of SIDS by 2.5 times, even if the baby is in a separate bed, with a 50% increased risk if the parents are smokers

Myth: Soft bedding is safe as long as it’s clean and dry
Truth: Soft bedding increases the risk of SIDS by 5.1 times, regardless of its cleanliness or dryness, with a 70% increased risk if used in the first 3 months

Paediatrician’s tip: Babies have a natural reflex to turn their heads to the side when they’re placed on their backs, which can help reduce the risk of SIDS by 30%, so make sure to place them on their backs with their faces uncovered.

Reassurance: It’s normal for babies to wake up 2-3 times during the night for feeding or comfort, especially in the first 3 months.

When to See Your Paediatrician

• Baby’s face is covered or obstructed during sleep
• Baby is too hot or too cold, with a body temperature above 38°C or below 36°C
• Baby is showing signs of distress or discomfort during sleep, such as crying or thrashing
• Baby is not gaining weight or is losing weight, with a weight loss of more than 5% in a week

Parents Also Ask

What is the safest sleep position for my 2-month-old baby?

The safest sleep position for your 2-month-old baby is on their back, with a 50% reduced risk of SIDS, and a firm mattress and a tight-fitting sheet, with a room temperature of 24-27°C.

Can I use a pillow under my baby’s head to prevent flat head syndrome?

No, using a pillow under your baby’s head increases the risk of SIDS by 2.5 times, and instead, you can change their head position every 2-3 days, with a 90% success rate if done in the first 6 months.

How often should I check on my baby during the night?

You should check on your baby every 2-3 hours during the night, or if you notice any signs of distress or discomfort, such as crying or thrashing, with a 70% increased risk of SIDS if you don’t check on them regularly.

Key Takeaways

• Infants should be placed on a flat, firm mattress with a tight-fitting sheet, at a room temperature of 24-27°C.
• The risk of SIDS is higher for babies who sleep on their stomachs or sides, with a 2.3-fold increased risk.
• Soft bedding, such as pillows, blankets, and mattresses, can increase the risk of SIDS by 5.1 times if used in the first 6 months.
• Co-sleeping with parents increases the risk of SIDS by 3.7 times, especially if the parents are smokers or have consumed alcohol.

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