SIDS Risk: What Parents Need to Know to Keep Babies Safe

When we talk about SIDS risk, the sudden and unexplained death of a healthy infant, usually during sleep. Also known as sudden infant death syndrome, it’s the leading cause of death for babies between 1 month and 1 year old in the UK and US. The scary part? Most cases happen without warning. But here’s the good news: we know a lot about what lowers that risk—and what doesn’t.

Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the NHS shows that safe sleep practices, a set of proven habits to reduce the chance of SIDS can cut the risk by more than half. That includes putting your baby on their back to sleep, using a firm mattress with no soft bedding, and keeping the crib empty—no pillows, stuffed animals, or loose blankets. breathable baby blankets, lightweight, airy fabrics designed to let air flow through are a smart choice if you need to cover your baby, but even those should be used carefully. And while it’s tempting to swaddle tightly, make sure the hips can move freely and never cover the face.

Another big factor? nursery hazards, hidden dangers in the baby’s sleep space that seem harmless but aren’t. Things like old cribs with drop sides, overly soft mattresses, or baby monitors with cords dangling near the crib can all add up. Even sharing a bed with your baby increases SIDS risk if you’re tired, smoking, or using heavy bedding. Experts say room-sharing—keeping the baby in your room but in their own sleep space—is the safest option for the first year. It lets you respond quickly without the dangers of co-sleeping.

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about making smart, simple choices every day. Skip the trendy but unsafe crib bumpers. Don’t rely on monitors labeled as "SIDS preventers"—they don’t work. And if you’re ever unsure, trust your gut. If something feels off about your baby’s sleep setup, it probably is.

The posts below pull from real advice from pediatricians, safety organizations, and parents who’ve been there. You’ll find clear guides on what bedding is actually safe, how to set up a nursery that doesn’t put your baby at risk, and why some popular baby products might be doing more harm than good. No fluff. No fear-mongering. Just what you need to know to help your little one sleep safely.