SIDS Prevention: Pacifiers OK, But No Bed-Sharing

CHICAGO -- The nation's largest group of pediatricians says the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, could be reduced with some simple measures.

The American Academy of Pediatrics said babies should be offered pacifiers at naptime and bedtime throughout the first year of life, saying research has found a link between pacifier use and a reduced risk of SIDS.

The group said the benefits of pacifier use outweigh the evidence that it may inhibit breast-feeding or cause later dental complications. But the group did say pacifier use shouldn't begin until babies are a month old -- allowing enough time to firmly establish breast-feeding.

And babies should sleep in the same room as their parents -- but they should be in their cribs, not in their parents' bed.

The measures are designed to prevent a deep sleep, which is a problem for infants prone to SIDS.

"The recommendations are very straightforward and clear: Babies should not be asleep in the same bed that their parents are sleeping in," said Dr. James Kemp, associate professor of pediatrics at Saint Louis University.

"Infants may be brought into bed for nursing or comforting but should be returned to their own crib or bassinet when the parent is ready to return to sleep," the policy statement said.

The recommendations were presented Monday in Chicago at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Pediatrics. October is SIDS Awareness Month.

The policy also reiterates that infants should be placed on their backs -– not on their stomachs and sides –- to sleep. Babies should sleep on a firm crib mattress, covered by a sheet, with no soft, cushy bedding such as pillows, comforters or quilts, in a room that isn't overly hot.

SIDS remains the leading cause of U.S. infant deaths, killing more than 2,000 babies every year. Smoking during pregnancy increases a baby's risk of SIDS.

• AAP: Updated Policy Statement (.pdf document)