What parents must know about babies' sleeping position to prevent SIDS

A study by pediatric specialists at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC, found that many magazines aimed at women in the 20-40 years of age group depicted babies sleeping in a position that may be unsafe for them. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies sleep on their backs (called the "supine" position) to minimized the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The magazines studied showed babies sleeping on their bellies (called the "prone" position).

Babies should NOT lie on their bellies for sleeping

SIDS is a condition where infants die in their sleep without any previous history of disease that may cause this. Even after investigating all probable causes of the death, nothing stands out as the culprit. In Maryland, there were 64 babies who were reported to have died from SIDS in 2006 (the year for the latest available data). In the United States, about 2,250 deaths attributable to SIDS are reported each year, according to CDC. Back in the 1980's, investigators began to notice that babies in cultures where they were placed to sleep on their back (like China) were less likely to die from SIDS. Further research backed up this observation thought he point that it is widely recommended all over the world that babies be placed on their back for sleeping.

Older children can sleep in any position... If they sleep at all.

It is not well known why babies on their back are less likely to die from SIDS, but theories abound. These theories include the positioning of the airway, where babies are better able to breathe on their backs. Another theory is that babies on their backs do not fall into a deep sleep and are easily aroused if their breathing is compromised. How would a baby's breathing be compromised during sleep? Infections of the respiratory system, allergies, and even heavy bedding around them may block their airway. So it is also recommended that babies with any respiratory problems be promptly seen by a health care provider. Furthermore, the baby's sleep area should be clear of excessive bedding, toys, or other objects that may crowd the baby and prevent the baby from breathing.