Community Voices for Health

By: Signature Healthcare Communications Team

October is nationally recognized as SIDS Awareness Month—a time to share vital information about infant sleep safety and to help caregivers feel empowered with clear, evidence‑based steps to protect babies. At Signature Healthcare, we’re committed to supporting the families in our community by spreading awareness about what’s known today to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep‑related infant deaths.

Proven Steps to Reduce Risk: Safe Sleep Practices

The Safe Sleep campaign, supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, offers clear, research‑based recommendations to help caregivers reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths. Here are key actions each caregiver can take:

• Always place baby on their back to sleep: Babies who are placed on their backs for every sleep time, naps and nighttime, are at a significantly lower risk of SIDS than babies placed on their stomachs or sides. If a baby is accustomed to back sleeping, placing them on their stomach or side can increase risk substantially.

• Use a firm, flat, and clear sleep surface: Your baby’s sleep surface (crib, bassinet, portable crib) should be firm, flat, level, and covered only by a tight-fitting sheet. Avoid soft mattresses, fluffy bedding, pillows, bumper pads, stuffed animals, and loose blankets in the sleep area. Inclined sleepers and sloped surfaces are also discouraged.

• Share a room, but not the same bed, for at least 6 months: Infants should sleep in the same room as their caregivers, yet on a separate sleep surface, for at least the first 6 months (and ideally the first year). Room‑sharing (without bed-sharing) has been shown to reduce risk.

• Avoid overheating and over-bundling: Dress baby in lighter sleep clothing, avoid heavy blankets, and maintain a comfortable room temperature. Overheating or too many layers have been associated with increased risk.

• Offer a pacifier at sleep time: Using a pacifier during naptime or bedtime (once breastfeeding is established) is one of the recommended strategies to reduce risk.

• Promote breastfeeding: Breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of SIDS compared to formula feeding.

• Avoid exposure to smoke, alcohol, and illicit substances: Infants exposed to secondhand smoke, whether during pregnancy or after birth, face higher SIDS risks. Maternal smoking, substance use during pregnancy, and alcohol exposure are known risk factors.

• Keep vaccinations up to date: Evidence suggests that vaccinated infants have lower SIDS risk than unvaccinated infants.

How Signature Healthcare Can Support Your Family

Our primary care and pediatric teams offer: 
– Education & guidance: We can share materials and help caregivers understand best practices.
– Referrals & coordination: If needed, we can connect you with pediatric sleep specialists or child safety experts.
– Ongoing care & conversations: During well-child visits or prenatal appointments, our providers are available to discuss infant sleep safety and answer questions.

This October, SIDS Awareness Month is a powerful reminder that small, consistent safe sleep practices can save lives. Whether you’re an expectant parent, grandparent, caregiver, or friend, now is the time to share knowledge, review your baby’s sleep setup, and start a conversation about sleep safety in every household.