October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, share education, and empower parents with life-saving knowledge. While the topic can feel scary and overwhelming—especially for new parents—understanding the risks and taking simple, evidence-based steps can help reduce your baby’s risk and provide peace of mind.
At Northwest Family Clinics, our pediatric and family medicine providers are here to support Minnesota families through every stage of infancy—from sleepless nights to milestone moments and everything in between. Here's what parents need to know about SIDS and how to help keep their little ones safe.
What is SIDS?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexplained death of a seemingly healthy baby—usually during sleep—before their first birthday. It most often affects babies between 1 and 4 months old, and tends to occur during nighttime sleep or naps. While the exact cause of SIDS remains unknown, it is believed to involve a combination of sleep environment, developmental vulnerabilities, and timing in the baby’s early development.
SIDS is sometimes referred to as “crib death,” though it can happen in any sleep location—not just in cribs.
Why SIDS Awareness Month Matters
Although the rate of SIDS has declined significantly in the U.S. since the Back to Sleep campaign launched in the 1990s, it is still a leading cause of death for infants under one year of age. According to the CDC, about 1,389 babies died from SIDS in 2020.
Awareness campaigns help share life-saving information about sleep safety, parental habits, and environmental factors that contribute to a safer sleep space for infants.
How to Reduce Your Baby’s Risk of SIDS
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent SIDS, families can take several proven steps to reduce risk. These guidelines are supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and are part of what’s known as Safe Sleep Practices:
1. Always Place Baby on Their Back to Sleep
The safest position for every nap and nighttime sleep is on the back, not the stomach or side. Babies who sleep on their stomachs have a higher risk of SIDS.
2. Use a Firm, Flat Sleep Surface
Place your baby on a firm mattress in a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or play yard. Avoid soft surfaces like couches, armchairs, or adult beds, even for naps.
3. Keep the Sleep Space Free of Objects
No pillows, blankets, crib bumpers, or stuffed animals. A fitted sheet should be the only item in your baby’s crib.
4. Share a Room—Not a Bed
Room-sharing (keeping the crib or bassinet in your room) is recommended for at least the first 6 months, ideally up to one year. Bed-sharing increases the risk of suffocation and SIDS, even with precautions.
5. Avoid Overheating and Head Covering
Dress your baby in light sleep clothing and keep the room at a comfortable temperature. Avoid hats and heavy blankets during sleep.
6. Offer a Pacifier at Nap and Bedtime
Offering a clean, dry pacifier once breastfeeding is well established may help reduce SIDS risk. If the pacifier falls out, there’s no need to reinsert it.
7. Breastfeed If Possible
Breastfeeding—especially for at least 2 months—has been shown to lower the risk of SIDS by up to 50%.
8. Avoid Smoking and Secondhand Smoke
Don’t smoke during pregnancy or after birth, and avoid exposing your baby to any secondhand smoke. Smoke exposure significantly increases SIDS risk.
9. Stay Up to Date on Well-Child Visits and Vaccines H3
Routine checkups and immunizations help protect your baby from serious illnesses that can contribute to sudden, unexpected death.
Minnesota-Specific Support for New Parents
Raising awareness locally can save lives. In Minnesota, families can access several state and community resources for safe sleep education and support:
- Safe Sleep Minnesota (via the Minnesota Department of Health) offers free brochures and videos to help families set up safe sleep environments.
- Minnesota WIC and local public health departments often provide free cribs or sleep sacks for qualifying families.
- Northwest Family Clinics in Crystal, Rogers, and Plymouth offer pediatric visits, sleep guidance, lactation support, and more—all from providers who understand the real-life challenges of parenting in the Midwest.
Frequently Asked Questions About SIDS
Q: Is SIDS preventable?
A: SIDS cannot be entirely prevented, but safe sleep practices significantly reduce the risk.
Q: Is bed-sharing ever safe?
A: The AAP strongly advises against bed-sharing. Even with firm mattresses and no blankets, adult beds pose a risk for suffocation and entrapment.
Q: What about co-sleeping with special sleep products or loungers?
A: Many products marketed as “co-sleepers” are not safety-approved for sleep. Always check the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and avoid products with inclined surfaces.
Q: When can my baby safely sleep on their stomach?
A: Once your baby can roll from back to tummy and tummy to back independently, it's safe to let them find their own sleep position. Always place them on their back to start sleep, even if they roll during the night.
Q: What if my baby won’t sleep on their back?
A: Some babies resist back sleeping. Try swaddling (if under 2 months), white noise, or shorter wake windows. If you're struggling, talk to your family doctor—we’re here to help.
Compassionate Support Through the First Year
At Northwest Family Clinics, we know how much new parents carry—especially when it comes to keeping your baby safe. SIDS Awareness Month is an important reminder that you’re not alone. We’re here to help you navigate each stage of babyhood with evidence-based care and heart-led support.
Whether you’re setting up your nursery, worried about sleep habits, or simply need reassurance, our clinics in Crystal, Rogers, and Plymouth are ready to support your growing family.
Schedule a well-baby check or sleep consult today—your peace of mind matters.