People with babies under the age of one need to be aware of SIDS and the things that can reduce its risk.

Most SIDS cases occur when a baby is between one and four months old. The risk of SIDS is slightly higher for:

• Premature infants;
• Children with brothers or sisters who had SIDS;
• Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy and after birth.

There is no sure way to predict or prevent SIDS. However, there are a number of things that can be done to reduce a child's risk. SIDS is more common in babies who sleep on their stomachs, so to reduce the risk of SIDS:

• Place your child to sleep on his/her back;
• Place your child to sleep on his/her side with the lower arm forward to prevent him/her from rolling over.

There are certain health conditions that may require you to place your baby in a tummy-down position. If your baby was born pre-term, has a birth defect, frequently spits up after eating, or has breathing, lung, or heart problems, be sure to discuss sleeping positions with your doctor.

It's also important not to smoke, and not to let others smoke around your baby. Babies exposed to smoke are at increased risk for SIDS.

To help keep your baby healthy, make sure he/she sleeps on a firm surface. Soft surfaces like comforters, pillows, and waterbed mattresses increase a baby's risk of suffocation. Crib additions like stuffed animals and toys may also be unsafe.