Research indicates that SIDS is more common in babies who go to sleep on their stomachs. Many SIDS victims have been healthy infants who were found sleeping on their stomachs with their faces, noses, and mouths covered by soft bedding. However, some SIDS victims were sleeping on their backs, but soft bedding covered their heads.

Safe bedding practices for infants:

The following practices are strongly recommended for all healthy babies under 12 months old.

• Place babies on their backs on tight-fitting, firm mattresses in cribs that meet safety standards.
• Remove stuffed toys, quilts, comforters, pillows, and all other soft products from cribs.
• Sleepers or other clothing with no other coverings, are excellent alternatives to blankets.
• Make sure baby's head remains uncovered during sleep.
• If blankets are used, put baby's feet at the foot of the crib. Tuck a thin blanket around the crib mattress, reaching only as far as baby's chest.
• Do not place babies on waterbeds, pillow, soft mattresses, sofas, or other soft surfaces.