Babies on backs to sleep, but in same room as parents: AAP

Abstract

Parents have known for many years about putting their infants to sleep on their backs as a way to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) first issued this recommendation in 1995 as part of its “Back to Sleep” campaign, and between 1990 and 2013, SIDS deaths declined from 130 to 40 per 100,000 per year. SIDS is defined as death of a baby 12 months or younger during sleep, with no reason or warning signs. The AAP has also long warned against the dangers of “co‐sleeping,” mainly due to fears of the baby being crushed or suffocated.