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POLICY STATEMENT Organizational Principles to Guide and Define the Child Health

Care System and/or Improve the Health of all Children

Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated


2022 Recommendations for Reducing
Infant Deaths in the Sleep Environment
Rachel Y. Moon, MD, FAAP,a Rebecca F. Carlin, MD, FAAP,b Ivan Hand, MD, FAAP,c
THE TASK FORCE ON SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME AND THE COMMITTEE ON FETUS AND NEWBORN

Each year in the United States, 3500 infants die of sleep-related infant abstract
deaths, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (International a
Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine,
Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision [ICD-10] R95), ill-defined deaths Charlottesville, Virginia; bDepartment of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric
Critical Care and Hospital Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical
(ICD-10 R99), and accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed (ICD-10 Center, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, New York;
W75). After a substantial decline in sleep-related deaths in the 1990s, the and cDepartment of Pediatrics, SUNY-Downstate College of Medicine, NYC
Health 1 Hospitals jKings County, Brooklyn, New York
overall death rate attributable to sleep-related infant deaths has remained
stagnant since 2000, and disparities persist. The triple risk model Drs Moon, Carlin, and Hand approved the final manuscript as
submitted and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
proposes that SIDS occurs when an infant with intrinsic vulnerability
This document is copyrighted and is property of the American
(often manifested by impaired arousal, cardiorespiratory, and/or Academy of Pediatrics and its Board of Directors. All authors have
filed conflict of interest statements with the American Academy of
autonomic responses) undergoes an exogenous trigger event (eg, Pediatrics. Any conflicts have been resolved through a process
exposure to an unsafe sleeping environment) during a critical approved by the Board of Directors. The American Academy of
Pediatrics has neither solicited nor accepted any commercial
developmental period. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends involvement in the development of the content of this publication.
a safe sleep environment to reduce the risk of all sleep-related deaths. Policy statements from the American Academy of Pediatrics benefit
from expertise and resources of liaisons and internal (AAP) and
This includes supine positioning; use of a firm, noninclined sleep surface; external reviewers. However, policy statements from the American
Academy of Pediatrics may not reflect the views of the liaisons or the
room sharing without bed sharing; and avoidance of soft bedding and organizations or government agencies that they represent. The
overheating. Additional recommendations for SIDS risk reduction include guidance in this statement does not indicate an exclusive course of
treatment or serve as a standard of medical care. Variations, taking
human milk feeding; avoidance of exposure to nicotine, alcohol, into account individual circumstances, may be appropriate.
marijuana, opioids, and illicit drugs; routine immunization; and use of a All policy statements from the American Academy of Pediatrics
pacifier. New recommendations are presented regarding noninclined automatically expire 5 years after publication unless reaffirmed,
revised, or retired at or before that time.
sleep surfaces, short-term emergency sleep locations, use of cardboard DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2022-057990
boxes as a sleep location, bed sharing, substance use, home Address correspondence to Rachel Y. Moon, MD, FAAP. E-mail:
cardiorespiratory monitors, and tummy time. Additional information to rymoon@virginia.edu
assist parents, physicians, and nonphysician clinicians in assessing the PEDIATRICS (ISSN Numbers: Print, 0031-4005; Online, 1098-4275).
risk of specific bed-sharing situations is also included. The Copyright © 2022 by the American Academy of Pediatrics

recommendations and strength of evidence for each recommendation are


included in this policy statement. The rationale for these
To cite: Moon RY, Carlin RF, Hand I; AAP Task Force on Sudden
recommendations is discussed in detail in the accompanying technical Infant Death Syndrome; AAP Committee on Fetus and
report. Newborn. Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022
Recommendations for Reducing Infant Deaths in the Sleep
Environment. Pediatrics. 2022;150(1):e2022057990

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BACKGROUND technical report) will use the term identification of a single cause of
Sudden unexpected infant death sleep-related death (infants implied) death challenging.
(SUID) is a term used to describe to encompass unexplained sudden
any sudden and unexpected death, death in infancy/SIDS and accidental Rates of sleep-related death, like
deaths explained by a physical other causes of infant mortality,
whether explained or unexplained,
hazard in the sleep environment, have notable and persistent racial
occurring during infancy (Table 1).
except where reference is made to and ethnic disparities,6 reflecting
After case investigation, it may be
published data that used a specific broader racial and ethnic societal
determined that an unexpected
inequities. Mortality rates for non-
death was caused by a specific terminology and definition.
Hispanic Black and American
unnatural or natural etiology, such
The pathophysiology of sleep- Indian/Alaska Native infants have
as suffocation, mechanical asphyxia,
related deaths is complex and decreased more slowly than rates
entrapment, infection, ingestions,
multifactorial, with the triple-risk for other infants. Differences in the
metabolic diseases, arrhythmia-
model being the most widely prevalence of supine positioning and
associated cardiac channelopathies,
other sleep environment conditions
or trauma (unintentional or accepted conceptual framework.
among different racial and ethnic
nonaccidental). Unexplained sudden This model proposes that SIDS
populations may contribute to these
death in infancy (also known as occurs when an infant with intrinsic
disparities.7 Factors that result in
sudden infant death syndrome vulnerability (often manifested by
the marginalization of infants and
[SIDS]) is a subcategory of SUID and impaired arousal, cardiorespiratory,
their families, including low
is a cause assigned to infant deaths and/or autonomic responses)
socioeconomic status or low
that cannot be explained after a undergoes an exogenous trigger
socioeconomic position,
thorough case investigation, event (such as exposure to an unemployment, housing instability,
including a scene investigation, unsafe sleeping environment) during and domestic violence, are highly
autopsy, and review of the clinical a critical developmental period.5 correlated with race/ethnicity in the
history.1–3 Unexplained sudden Although research supports various United States,8 and are also
death in infancy, and not SIDS, is the intrinsic anatomic, physiologic, and associated with both higher risk of
terminology preferred by the genetic vulnerabilities in some sleep-related deaths9 and increased
National Association of Medical infants, improved death prevalence of known risk factors for
Examiners.3,4 Because nearly all of investigation and systematic reviews these deaths.10 Addressing the
the deaths discussed in this policy of case series have revealed often- potential impact of structural
statement occur during infant sleep modifiable exogenous stressors. The racism; recognizing the lack of
or in a sleep environment, this multifactorial nature of many sleep- access to economic, social, and
statement (and the accompanying related deaths can make educational resources as a risk

TABLE 1 Definitions of Terms


Accidental strangulation or suffocation in bed: An explained sudden and unexpected infant death in a sleep environment (bed, crib, couch, chair, etc) in
which the infant’s nose and mouth are obstructed or the neck or chest is compressed from soft or loose bedding, an overlay, or wedging causing
asphyxia. Corresponds to ICD-10 W75.
Bed sharing: Parent(s) and infant sleeping together on any surface (bed, couch, chair). Medical examiners prefer the term “surface sharing.”
Caregivers: Throughout the document, “parents” are used, but this term is meant to indicate any infant caregivers.
Cosleeping: This term is commonly used in other publications and is not recommended because it lacks clarity, being variably used for sleeping in close
proximity (eg, room sharing) and/or sleep surface/bed sharing.
Room sharing: Parent(s) and infant sleeping in the same room on separate surfaces.
SIDS: Cause assigned to infant deaths that cannot be explained after a thorough case investigation, including a death scene investigation, autopsy, and
review of the clinical history.
Sleep-related infant death: A sudden, unexpected infant death that occurs during an observed or unobserved sleep period, or in a sleep environment.
Unexplained sudden death in infancy or SIDS: The sudden unexpected death of an apparently healthy infant aged <1 y, in which investigation, autopsy,
medical history review, and appropriate laboratory testing fail to identify a specific cause, including cases that meet the definition of SIDS.2 The panel
of experts representing the National Association of Medical Examiners recommends the use of unexplained sudden death in infancy and not SIDS.3
SUID: A sudden and unexpected death, whether explained or unexplained (including SIDS), occurring during infancy. Defined by the National Center for
Health Statistics to mean deaths with an underlying cause code of ICD-10 R95, R99, or W75.158
Surface sharing: Parent(s) and infant sleeping together on any surface. Medical examiners prefer surface sharing over bed sharing.
Wedging or entrapment: A form of suffocation or mechanical asphyxia in which the nose and mouth or thorax is compressed or obstructed because of
the infant being trapped or confined between inanimate objects, preventing respiration.159 A common wedging scenario is an infant stuck between a
mattress and a wall (or a bedframe) in an adult bed.

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factor; working closely with are no randomized controlled trials weighing the relative risks and
communities to identify possible with regard to SIDS and other benefits.
unknown risk factors; and engaging sleep-related deaths, case-control
health care and public health studies are the best evidence The guidance in this policy
professionals in thoughtful and available. Table 3 lists changes in statement is intended to be inclusive
respectful conversations with the 2021 recommendations. of all families. Gendered language is
families about safe infant sleep will used occasionally, such as “mothers”
be important in improving The recommendations are based on and “breastfeeding,” particularly
understanding of the most effective studies that include infants aged up when discussing or quoting
strategies to promote adoption of to 1 year. Therefore, published articles that used these
safe infant sleep practices among recommendations for sleep position terms.12 However, we acknowledge
various populations. and the sleep environment, unless that parents may be of any gender
otherwise specified, are for the first and that transgender men and
The recommendations outlined year after birth. When discussing nonbinary-gendered individuals may
herein were developed to reduce sleep practices, physicians and also give birth and/or may want to
the risk of sleep-related death. nonphysician clinicians are breastfeed or feed at the chest.
Table 2 summarizes each encouraged to have open and
recommendation and provides the nonjudgmental conversations with For the search strategy and
strength of the recommendation, families and others who care for methodology, background literature
which is based on the strength-of- infants. Individual medical review, and data analyses on which
recommendation taxonomy.11 It conditions may warrant that a this policy statement and
should be noted that, because there clinician recommend otherwise after recommendations are based, refer to

TABLE 2 Summary of Recommendations With Strength of Recommendation


A level recommendations:
Back to sleep for every sleep.
Use a firm, flat, noninclined sleep surface to reduce the risk of suffocation or wedging/entrapment.
Feeding of human milk is recommended because it is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS.
It is recommended that infants sleep in the parents’ room, close to the parents’ bed, but on a separate surface designed for infants, ideally for at least
the first 6 mo.
Keep soft objects, such as pillows, pillow-like toys, quilts, comforters, mattress toppers, fur-like materials, and loose bedding, such as blankets and
nonfitted sheets, away from the infant’s sleep area to reduce the risk of SIDS, suffocation, entrapment/wedging, and strangulation.
Offering a pacifier at naptime and bedtime is recommended to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Avoid smoke and nicotine exposure during pregnancy and after birth.
Avoid alcohol, marijuana, opioids, and illicit drug use during pregnancy and after birth.
Avoid overheating and head covering in infants.
It is recommended that pregnant people obtain regular prenatal care.
It is recommended that infants be immunized in accordance with guidelines from the AAP and CDC.
Do not use home cardiorespiratory monitors as a strategy to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Supervised, awake tummy time is recommended to facilitate development and to minimize the risk of positional plagiocephaly. Parents are encouraged
to place the infant in tummy time while awake and supervised for short periods of time beginning soon after hospital discharge, increasing
incrementally to at least 15 to 30 min total daily by age 7 wk.
It is essential that physicians, nonphysician clinicians, hospital staff, and child care providers endorse and model safe infant sleep guidelines from the
beginning of pregnancy.
It is advised that media and manufacturers follow safe sleep guidelines in their messaging and advertising to promote safe sleep practices as the
social norm.
Continue the NICHD “Safe to Sleep” campaign, focusing on ways to reduce the risk of all sleep-related deaths. Pediatricians and other maternal and
child health providers can serve as key promoters of the campaign messages.
B level recommendations:
Avoid the use of commercial devices that are inconsistent with safe sleep recommendations.
C level recommendations:
There is no evidence to recommend swaddling as a strategy to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Continue research and surveillance on the risk factors, causes, and pathophysiological mechanisms of sleep-related deaths, with the ultimate goal of
eliminating these deaths entirely.
Based on the strength-of-recommendation taxonomy for assignment of letter grades to each of its recommendations (A, B, C)11: level A, the recommendation is on the basis of
consistent, good-quality, patient-oriented evidence; level B, the recommendation is on the basis of inconsistent or limited-quality, patient-oriented evidence; level C, the recommen-
dation is on the basis of consensus, usual practice, opinion, disease-oriented evidence, or case series for studies of diagnosis, treatment, prevention, or screening. Patient-oriented
evidence measures outcomes that matter to patients: morbidity, mortality, symptom improvement, cost reduction, and quality of life. Disease-oriented evidence measures immedi-
ate, physiologic, or surrogate end points that may or may not reflect improvements in patient outcomes (eg, blood pressure, blood chemistry, physiologic function, pathologic find-
ings). NICHD, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Health and Human Development.

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TABLE 3 Safe Sleep Guidelines That Have Been Substantially Revised Since 2016
Topic 2016 Guidelines Revised 2022 Guidelines
Sleep surface Use a firm sleep surface. Use a firm, flat, noninclined sleep surface.
Sleep surfaces with inclines of >10 degrees are unsafe
for infant sleep.
Some American Indian/Alaska Native communities have
promoted the use of cradleboards as an infant sleep
surface. There are no data regarding the safety of
cradleboards for sleep, but the NICHD suggests
cradleboards as a culturally appropriate infant sleep
surface. Care should be taken so that infants do not
overheat (because of overbundling) in the
cradleboard.
At a minimum, to be considered a safe option, any
alternative sleep surface should adhere to the June
2021 CPSC rule that any infant sleep product must
meet existing federal safety standards for cribs,
bassinets, play yards, and bedside sleepers. This
includes inclined sleep products, hammocks, baby
boxes, in-bed sleepers, baby nests and pods,
compact bassinets without a stand or legs, travel
bassinets, and baby tents. Products that do not meet
the federal safety standard are likely not safe for
infant sleep, and their use is not recommended.
In an emergency, an alternative device with a firm, flat,
noninclined surface (eg, box, basket, or dresser
drawer) with thin, firm padding may be used
temporarily. However, this alternative device should
be replaced as soon as a CPSC-approved surface is
available.
Breastfeeding Breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk Feeding of human milk is recommended because it is
of SIDS. Unless contraindicated, mothers associated with a reduced risk of SIDS. Unless it is
should breastfeed exclusively or feed with contraindicated or the parent is unable to do so, it
expressed milk (ie, not offer any is recommended that infants be fed with human milk
formula or other nonhuman milk-based (ie, not offered any formula or other nonhuman milk-
supplements) for 6 mo, in alignment with based supplements) exclusively for 6 mo, with
recommendations of the AAP. continuation of human milk feeding for 1 y or longer
as mutually desired by parent and infant, in
alignment with recommendations of the AAP.
Because preterm and low birth weight infants are at
higher risk of dying from SIDS, it is particularly
important to emphasize the benefits of human milk,
engage with families to understand the barriers and
facilitators to provision of human milk, and provide
more intensive assistance during prolonged NICU
hospitalization for these groups.
Some parents are unable to or choose not to feed
human milk. When discussing breastfeeding,
culturally appropriate, respectful, and nonjudgmental
communication between health care professionals
and parents is recommended. These families should
still be counseled on the importance of following the
other safe sleep recommendations.
Sleep location It is recommended that infants sleep in the It is recommended that infants sleep in the parents’
parents’ room, close to the parents’ bed, but room, close to the parents’ bed, but on a separate
on a separate surface designed for infants, surface designed for infants, ideally for at least the
ideally for the first year of life, but at least first 6 mo.
for the first 6 mo.
There are specific circumstances that, in case- The AAP understands and respects that many parents
control studies and case series, have been shown choose to routinely bed share for a variety of
to substantially increase the risk of SIDS or reasons, including facilitation of breastfeeding,
unintentional injury or death while bed sharing, cultural preferences, and belief that it is better and
and these should be avoided at all times: safer for their infant. However, based on the

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TABLE 3 Continued
Topic 2016 Guidelines Revised 2022 Guidelines
 Bed sharing with a term normal weight infant evidence, we are unable to recommend bed sharing
aged <4 mo and infants born preterm and/or under any circumstances. Having the infant close by
with low birth weight, regardless of parental their bedside in a crib or bassinet will allow parents
smoking status. Even for breastfed infants, there to feed, comfort, and respond to their infant’s needs.
is an increased risk of SIDS when bed sharing if It is also important for parents, pediatricians, other
aged <4 mo. This appears to be a particularly physicians, and nonphysician clinicians to know that
vulnerable time, so if parents choose to feed the following factors increase the magnitude of risk
their infants aged <4 mo in bed, they should be when bed sharing or surface sharing:
especially vigilant to not fall asleep. More than 10 times the baseline risk of
 Bed sharing with a current smoker (even if he parent–infant bed sharing:
or she does not smoke in bed) or if the mother  Bed sharing with someone who is impaired in
smoked during pregnancy. their alertness or ability to arouse because of
 Bed sharing with someone who is impaired in fatigue or use of sedating medications (eg, certain
his or her alertness or ability to arouse because antidepressants, pain medications) or substances
of fatigue or use of sedating medications (eg, (eg, alcohol, illicit drugs).
certain antidepressants, pain medications) or  Bed sharing with a current smoker (even if the
substances (eg, alcohol, illicit drugs). smoker does not smoke in bed) or if the pregnant
 Bed sharing with anyone who is not the parent smoked during pregnancy.
infant’s parent, including nonparental caregivers  Bed sharing on a soft surface, such as a
and other children. waterbed, old mattress, sofa, couch, or armchair.
 Bed sharing on a soft surface, such as a 5–10 times the baseline risk of parent–infant bed
waterbed, old mattress, sofa, couch, or armchair. sharing:
 Bed sharing with soft bedding accessories,  Term, normal weight infant aged <4 mo, even if
such as pillows or blankets. neither parent smokes and even if the infant is
breastfed. This is a particularly vulnerable time, so
parents who choose to feed their infants aged <4
mo in bed need to be especially vigilant to avoid
falling asleep.
 Bed sharing with anyone who is not the infant’s
parent, including nonparental caregivers and other
children.
2–5 times the baseline risk of parent–infant bed
sharing:
 Preterm or low birth weight infant, even if neither
parent smokes.
 Bed sharing with soft bedding accessories, such
as pillows or blankets.
The safest place for a baby to sleep is on a Bed sharing can occur unintentionally if parents fall
separate sleep surface designed for infants asleep while feeding their infant, or at times when
close to the parents’ bed. However, the AAP parents are particularly tired or infants are fussy.
acknowledges that parents frequently fall Evidence suggests that it is relatively less hazardous
asleep while feeding the infant. Evidence (but still not recommended) to fall asleep with the
suggests that it is less hazardous to fall infant in the adult bed than on a sofa or armchair,
asleep with the infant in the adult bed than should the parent fall asleep.
on a sofa or armchair, should the parent fall
asleep.
The safety and benefits of cobedding for twins Any potential benefits of cobedding for twins and
and higher-order multiples have not been higher-order multiples are outweighed by the risk of
established. cobedding.
Soft bedding It is recommended that weighted blankets, weighted
sleepers, weighted swaddles, or other weighted
objects not be placed on or near the sleeping infant.
Infant sleep clothing, such as a wearable Dressing the infant with layers of clothing is preferable
blanket, is preferable to blankets and other to blankets and other coverings to keep the infant
coverings to keep the infant warm while warm while reducing the chance of head covering or
reducing the chance of head covering or entrapment that could result from blanket use.
entrapment that could result from blanket Wearable blankets can also be used.
use.

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TABLE 3 Continued
Topic 2016 Guidelines Revised 2022 Guidelines
Pacifier use For breastfed infants, pacifier introduction For breastfed infants, delay pacifier introduction until
should be delayed until breastfeeding is breastfeeding is firmly established. This is defined as
firmly established. having sufficient milk supply; consistent, comfortable,
and effective latch for milk transfer; and appropriate
infant weight gain as defined by established
normative growth curves. The time required to
establish breastfeeding is variable.
Prenatal and postnatal exposure to tobacco, Avoid smoke exposure during pregnancy and Avoid smoke and nicotine exposure during pregnancy
alcohol, and other substances after birth. and after birth.
Avoid alcohol and illicit drug use during Avoid alcohol, marijuana, opioids, and illicit drug use
pregnancy and after birth. during pregnancy and after birth.
Overheating and head covering Given the questionable benefit of hat use for the
prevention of hypothermia and the risk of
overheating, it is advised not to place hats on
infants when indoors except in the first hours of life
or in the NICU.
Use of home cardiorespiratory monitors There are no data that other commercial Direct-to-consumer heart rate and pulse oximetry
devices that are designed to monitor infant monitoring devices, including wearable monitors, are
vital signs reduce the risk of SIDS. sold as consumer wellness devices. A consumer
wellness device is defined by the FDA as one
intended “for maintaining or encouraging a healthy
lifestyle and is unrelated to the diagnosis, cure,
mitigation, prevention, or treatment of a disease or
condition.” Thus, these devices are not required to
meet the same regulatory requirements as medical
devices and, by the nature of their FDA designation,
are not to be used to prevent sleep-related deaths.
Although use of these monitors may give parents
peace of mind, and there is no contraindication to
using these monitors, data are lacking that would
support their use to reduce the risk of these deaths.
There is also concern that use of these monitors will
lead to parent complacency and decreased
adherence to safe sleep guidelines. A family’s
decision to use monitors at home should not be
considered a substitute for following AAP safe sleep
guidelines.
Tummy time Although there are no data to make specific Parents are encouraged to place the infant in tummy
recommendations as to how often and how time while awake and supervised for short periods
long it should be undertaken, the AAP of time beginning soon after hospital discharge,
reiterates its previous recommendation that increasing incrementally to at least 15–30 min total
“a certain amount of prone positioning, or daily by age 7 wk.
‘tummy time,’ while the infant is awake and
being observed is recommended to help
prevent the development of flattening of the
occiput and to facilitate development of the
upper shoulder girdle strength necessary for
timely attainment of certain motor
milestones.”
Swaddling Weighted swaddle clothing or weighted objects within
swaddles are not safe and therefore not
recommended.
When an infant exhibits signs of attempting to When an infant exhibits signs of attempting to roll
roll, swaddling should no longer be used. (which usually occurs at 3–4 mo but may occur
earlier), swaddling is no longer appropriate because
it could increase the risk of suffocation if the
swaddled infant rolls to the prone position

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TABLE 3 Continued
Topic 2016 Guidelines Revised 2022 Guidelines
Health professionals and child care Health care professionals, staff in newborn It is essential that physicians, nonphysician clinicians,
providers nurseries, and child care providers should hospital staff, and child care providers endorse and
endorse and model the SIDS risk reduction model safe infant sleep guidelines from the
recommendations from birth. beginning of pregnancy.
Media and manufacturers Media and manufacturers should follow safe It is advised that media and manufacturers follow safe
sleep guidelines in their messaging and sleep guidelines in their messaging, advertising,
advertising. production, and sales to promote safe sleep
practices as the social norm.
Education Culturally appropriate, respectful, and nonjudgmental
communication between clinicians and parents is
important when discussing safe infant sleep.
Language interpreters should be used as needed.
Education that is integrated with other health
messaging, such as discussion of the risk of falls
and potential skull fractures if infants fall from an
adult’s arms or a sleep surface, can be helpful.
Strategies to avoid inadvertent bed sharing could
include setting of alarms or alternative activities
(books, television shows, etc) to avoid falling asleep.
Education campaigns need to be well funded,
strategically implemented, and evaluated, and
innovative, socioculturally appropriate intervention
methods need to be encouraged and funded.
Research and surveillance Research on the social determinants of health, health
care delivery system inequalities, and the impact of
structural racism and implicit bias as related to
health care access, education, and outcomes that
contribute to health disparities, and understanding
how to best address these disparities in a
socioculturally appropriate manner, should be
continued and funded.
It is important to provide training for hospital
personnel in the evaluation and response when an
infant who has been found unresponsive and has
potentially died suddenly and unexpectedly is
brought for medical attention in the emergency
department or other medical facilities, as well as
information about how to support families during
this difficult time.
This table does not reflect all of the safe sleep guidelines but only those portions of the guidelines that have been substantially revised. NICHD, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National In-
stitute of Health and Human Development.

the accompanying technical report, sleep by every caregiver until the aspiration19,20 (see Fig 1 and
“Evidence Base for 2022 Updated child reaches 1 year of age.14–18 video [https://www.youtube.
Recommendations for a Safe Infant Side sleeping is not safe and is com/watch?v=zm0YQbAsDnk],
Sleeping Environment to Reduce the not advised.15,17 both of which may be helpful
Risk of Sleep-Related Infant a. The supine sleep position on a in educating parents and care-
Deaths”.13 flat, noninclined surface does givers). The American Acade-
not increase the risk of my of Pediatrics (AAP)
RECOMMENDATIONS TO REDUCE THE choking and aspiration in concurs with the North Ameri-
RISK OF SLEEP-RELATED INFANT infants and is recommended can Society for Pediatric Gas-
DEATHS
for every sleep, even for troenterology and Nutrition
1. Back to sleep for every sleep. To infants with gastroesophageal that “ … no position other than
reduce the risk of sleep-related reflux (GER). The infant supine position is recom-
death, it is recommended that airway anatomy and mended for infants because of
infants be placed for sleep in a protective mechanisms (eg, the risk of SIDS.” Further, “the
supine (back) position for every gag reflex) protect against working group recommends

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from the postmenstrual age
of 32 weeks onward, so
that they become
acclimated to supine
sleeping before
discharge”29; and
2. even among preterm infants
with GER, “safe sleep
approaches, including supine
positioning on a flat and firm
surface and avoidance of
commercial devices designed
FIGURE 1 to maintain head elevation in
Back sleeping does not increase the risk of choking. In fact, infants may be better able to clear fluids the crib, should be paramount
when they are on their backs, possibly because of anatomy. When an infant is in the back-sleeping po- as a model for parents of
sition, the trachea lies on top of the esophagus. Anything regurgitated or refluxed from the esopha- infants approaching discharge
gus must work against gravity to be aspirated into the trachea. When an infant is in the stomach-
sleeping position, anything regurgitated or refluxed will pool at the opening of the trachea, making it (ie, infants >32 weeks’
easier for the infant to aspirate or choke. Image and caption courtesy of the Safe to Sleep campaign, postmenstrual age) from the
for educational purposes only; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human hospital.”30
Development, http://www.nichd.nih.gov/sids. Safe to Sleep is a registered trademark of the United
States Department of Health and Human Services.
NICU personnel should
endorse safe sleeping
guidelines with parents of
not to use positional therapy achieved positional stability, infants from the time of
(ie, head elevation, lateral and that is, when therapeutic or admission to the NICU.
prone positioning) to treat nonsupine positioning is no (Additional details are
symptoms of gastroesophageal longer medically indicated. available in the AAP clinical
reflux disease (GERD) in sleep- This milestone is usually report “Transition to a Safe
ing infants.”21 There is no evi- achieved by 32 weeks’ Home Sleep Environment for
dence to suggest that infants gestational age as the infant’s the NICU Patient.”31)
receiving nasogastric or oro- flexion tone and strength
gastric feeds are at increased develop. Given the higher c. During the birth hospitali-
risk for aspiration if placed in SUID risk25–27 and the strong zation, place healthy, newborn
the supine position. Elevating association between prone infants supine and on a flat,
the head of the infant’s crib is sleep position and SIDS28 noninclined surface for every
ineffective in reducing among preterm and low birth sleep when they are not
GER22,23 and is not recom- weight infants, supine engaged in skin-to-skin care or
mended. Infants cannot be positioning for every sleep in the arms of an awake/alert
placed at a 30-degree incline should be modeled in the individual. As stated in the
without sliding down,24 which NICU when infants are AAP clinical report on safe
raises concern that the infant medically stable. The AAP sleep and skin-to-skin care,
could slide into a position reiterates its previous “skin-to-skin care is
that may compromise respira- recommendation that: recommended for all mothers
tion. Infants sleeping at lesser 1. “preterm infants should be and newborns, regardless of
inclines can more easily flex placed supine for sleeping, feeding or delivery method,
their trunk and lift their head, just as term infants should, immediately after birth (as
facilitating rolling onto the and the parents of preterm soon as the mother is
side or prone, at which point infants should be counseled medically stable, awake, and
they are at higher risk for about the importance of able to respond to her
muscle fatigue and potential supine sleeping in newborn), and to continue for
suffocation.24 preventing SIDS. at least an hour.”32 Thereafter,
b. Hospitalized preterm infants Hospitalized preterm or when the parent needs to
should be placed supine as infants should be kept sleep or take care of other
soon as clinical status has predominantly in the needs, infants should be
stabilized and they have supine position, at least placed supine in a noninclined

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bassinet. There is no evidence infant’s head when the infant parents and providers should
that placing infants on their is placed on the surface. The check the CPSC website (www.
side during the first few hours surface does not change its cpsc.gov) to ensure that the
after delivery promotes shape when the fitted sheet product has not been recalled.
clearance of amniotic fluid or designated for that model is This is particularly important
decreases the risk of used, such that there are no for used cribs. Cribs with miss-
aspiration. Infants who are gaps between the mattress ing hardware or missing in-
rooming in with their parents and the wall of the crib, structions should not be used,
or cared for in a separate bassinet, portable crib, or play nor should parents or pro-
newborn nursery should be yard. viders attempt to fix broken
placed in the supine position c. Only use mattresses designed components of a crib, because
for sleep in a noninclined for the specific product. Pillows many deaths have occurred in
bassinet when not engaged in or cushions are not appropriate cribs that were broken or with
skin-to-skin care. for use as mattress substitutes missing parts (including those
d. Infants who can roll from or in addition to a mattress. that had presumably been
supine to prone and from Mattress toppers, designed to fixed).
prone to supine can be make the sleep surface softer, f. Local organizations through-
allowed to remain in the sleep are not appropriate for use with out the United States help
position that they assume. infants aged <1 year. If a provide low-cost or free cribs
Although data to make specific mattress cover is used to protect or play yards for families with
recommendations as to when against wetness, it should be financial constraints.
it is safe for infants to sleep in tightly fitting and thin. Nothing g. In June 2021, the CPSC passed
the prone or side position are (wedges, pillows, etc) should be a rule that any sleep products
lacking, studies establishing placed under or over the for infants aged 5 months and
prone and side sleeping as mattress to elevate the infant off younger (defined as any
risk factors for SIDS include the mattress or create an angled product with packaging,
infants aged up to 1 year. sleep surface. This strategy is marketing, or instructions
Therefore, the best evidence ineffective in reducing GER,21 indicating that the product is
suggests that infants should and it is not recommended to for sleep or naps, or with any
continue to be placed supine relieve symptoms of an upper images of sleeping infants)
until aged 1 year. Because respiratory infection, regardless must meet the existing federal
rolling into soft bedding is an of symptom severity. safety standards for cribs,
important risk factor for sleep- d. Soft mattresses, including bassinets, play yards, and
related death,33,34 an infant’s those with adjustable firmness bedside sleepers.38 This
sleep environment should be or those made from memory includes inclined sleep
clear of everything but a fitted foam, could create a pocket (or products, hammocks,
sheet. indentation) and increase the cardboard boxes, in-bed
2. Use a firm, flat, noninclined chance of rebreathing or sleepers, baby nests and pods,
sleep surface to reduce the risk suffocation if the infant is compact bassinets without a
of suffocation or wedging/ placed or rolls over to the stand or legs, travel bassinets,
entrapment. prone position.35,36 Many and baby tents. There is
a. Place infants on a firm, flat, mattresses intended for use by inadequate published evidence
noninclined sleep surface (eg, older children or adults to recommend for or against
tightly fitting crib mattress in contain memory foam or have the use of any of these
a safety-approved crib) adjustable firmness. The use of alternative sleep surfaces. At a
covered by a fitted sheet with mattresses that are soft, minimum, to be considered a
no other bedding or soft adjustable, or with memory safe option, any alternative
objects. Sleep surfaces with foam is dangerous for infants. sleep surface should adhere to
inclines of more than 10 e. A crib, bassinet, portable crib, the June 2021 CPSC rule that
degrees are unsafe for infant or play yard that conforms to any infant sleep product must
sleep.24 the safety standards of the meet existing federal safety
b. A firm surface maintains its Consumer Product Safety standards for cribs, bassinets,
shape and does not indent or Commission (CPSC) is play yards, and bedside
conform to the shape of the recommended.37 In addition, sleepers. Products that do not

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meet the federal safety cords, because these may be replaced as soon as a CPSC-
standard are likely not safe for present a strangulation risk. approved surface is available.
infant sleep, and the AAP does l. Sitting devices, such as car The device should contain no
not recommend their use. seats, strollers, swings, infant pillows or loose or soft objects.
Regardless of sleep surface, the carriers, and infant slings, are Government-regulated shelters
AAP recommends supine not recommended for routine should have an adequate
positioning; use of a firm, sleep in the hospital or at number of CPSC-approved
noninclined sleep surface home, particularly for infants sleep surfaces to support their
without padded sides; and aged <4 months.42–47 When client population. Social
avoidance of soft objects and infants fall asleep in a sitting service agencies and
loose bedding. device, remove them from the emergency assistance
h. Some American Indian/ product and move them to a organizations should provide
Alaska Native communities crib or other appropriate flat resources for free or low-cost
have promoted the use of surface as soon as is safe and CPSC-approved surfaces.
cradleboards as an infant sleep practical. Car seats and similar 3. Feeding of human milk is
surface. There are no data products are not stable on a recommended, as it is associated
regarding the safety of crib mattress or other elevated with a reduced risk of SIDS.
cradleboards for sleep, but the surfaces.48–52 Do not leave a. Breastfeeding is associated
Eunice Kennedy Shriver infants unattended in car seats with a reduced risk of
National Institute of Health and similar products, and do SIDS.54–56 Unless it is
and Human Development-led not place or leave infants in contraindicated or the parent
Healthy Native Babies Project car seats and similar products is unable to do so, it is
suggests cradleboards as a with the straps unbuckled or recommended that infants be
culturally appropriate infant partially buckled.47 fed with human milk (ie, not
sleep surface.39 Care should be m. When infant slings and cloth offered any formula or other
taken so that infants do not carriers are used for carrying, nonhuman milk-based
overheat (because of it is important to ensure that supplements) exclusively for
overbundling) in the the infant’s head is up and 6 months, with continuation
cradleboard. above the fabric, the face is of human milk feeding for 1
i. There is no evidence that visible, and the nose and year or longer as mutually
special crib mattresses and mouth are clear of desired by parent and infant,
sleep surfaces claiming to obstructions.53 If the infant’s in alignment with
reduce the chance of head is covered to facilitate recommendations of the
rebreathing carbon dioxide nursing, the infant should be AAP.57
when the infant is in the prone repositioned in the sling after b. The risk-reducing effect of
position reduce the risk of a feeding so that the head is up, human milk feeding increases
sleep-related death. However, is clear of fabric, and is not with exclusivity.56
there is no disadvantage to against the adult’s body or the Furthermore, any human milk
using these mattresses if they sling. feeding is more protective
meet the safety standards as n. Short-term emergency situa- against SIDS than none,56 and
described previously. tions: There may be personal the protective effect increases
j. Infants should not be placed (house fire, eviction) or with longer duration of human
for sleep on adult-sized beds regional (hurricane, milk feeding.58
or mattresses because of the earthquake) disasters that c. Because preterm and low
risk of entrapment and result in displacement with a birth weight infants are at
suffocation.40,41 In addition, lack of access to an approved higher risk of dying from
portable bed rails should not safe sleep device/surface. In an SIDS,59 it is particularly
be used with infants because emergency, an alternative important to emphasize the
of the risk of entrapment and device with a firm, flat, benefits of human milk,
strangulation. noninclined surface (eg, box, engage with families to
k. The infant sleep area should basket, or dresser drawer) understand the barriers and
be kept free of hazards, such with thin, firm padding may be facilitators to provision of
as dangling cords, electric used temporarily. However, human milk, and provide more
wires, and window covering this alternative device should intensive assistance during

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prolonged NICU This arrangement also and unexpectedly than infants
hospitalization for these reduces SIDS risk and who are room sharing
groups. removes the possibility of without bed sharing.16,60,64
d. Some parents are unable to or suffocation, strangulation, and When all bed-sharing or
choose not to feed human entrapment that may occur surface-sharing circumstances
milk. When discussing feeding when the infant is sleeping in are included in meta-analyses,
practices, culturally the adult bed. the risk of dying suddenly and
appropriate, respectful, and b. There is insufficient evidence unexpectedly is almost 3
nonjudgmental communication to recommend for or against times higher than room
between clinicians and parents the use of devices promoted to sharing without bed
is recommended. These make bed sharing “safe.” At a sharing.65
families should still be minimum, to be considered a f. The AAP understands and
counseled on the importance safe option, any of these respects that many parents
of following the other safe devices should adhere to the choose to routinely bed
sleep recommendations. June 2021 CPSC rule that any share for a variety of
4. It is recommended that infants infant sleep product must reasons, including
sleep in the parents’ room, close meet existing federal safety facilitation of breastfeeding,
to the parents’ bed, but on a standards for cribs, bassinets, cultural preferences, and a
separate surface designed for play yards, and bedside belief that it is better and
infants, ideally for at least the sleepers.38 (See section 2g safer for their infant.
first 6 months. There is evidence above.) However, on the basis of the
that sleeping in the parents’ c. Return infants who are evidence,66 the AAP is
room but on a separate surface brought into the adult bed for unable to recommend bed
decreases the risk of SIDS by as feeding or comforting to their sharing under any
much as 50%.16,18,60,61 In own crib or bassinet when the circumstances. Having the
addition, this arrangement is parent is ready to return to infant close by their bedside
most likely to prevent sleep.17,62 in a crib or bassinet will
suffocation, strangulation, and d. Couches and armchairs are allow parents to feed,
entrapment that may occur when extremely dangerous places comfort, and respond to
the infant is sleeping in the adult for infants and should never their infant’s needs. It is also
bed. be used for infant sleep. important for parents,
a. Place the infant’s crib, portable Sleeping on couches and pediatricians, other
crib, play yard, or bassinet in armchairs places infants at physicians, and nonphysician
the parents’ bedroom, ideally extraordinarily high risk (with clinicians to know that the
for at least the first 6 months. 22- to 67-fold increased risk) following factors increase
Room sharing without bed for infant death, including the magnitude of risk when
sharing is protective for the first SIDS,14,16,17,61,62 suffocation bed sharing or surface
year of life, and there is no through entrapment or sharing:
specific evidence for when it wedging between seat i. More than 10 times the
might be safe to move an infant cushions, or overlay if another baseline risk of parent–
to a separate room before 1 person is also sharing this infant bed sharing:
year of age. However, the rates surface.63 Therefore, parents  Bed sharing with some
of sleep-related deaths are and other caregivers need to one who is impaired in
highest in the first 6 months, be especially vigilant as to their alertness or ability
so room sharing during this their wakefulness when to arouse because of fa-
vulnerable period is especially feeding infants or lying with tigue or use of sedating
important. Placing the crib infants on these surfaces. medications (eg, certain
close to the parents’ bed so e. The safest place for a baby to antidepressants, pain
that the infant is within view sleep is on a separate sleep medications) or substan-
and within arms’ reach can surface designed for infants ces (eg, alcohol, illicit
facilitate feeding, comforting, close to the parents’ bed. drugs).18,66–68
and monitoring of the infant Infants sleeping in a separate  Bed sharing with a cur-
to give parents peace of mind room are 2.75 to 11.5 times rent smoker (even if the
about their infant’s safety. more likely to die suddenly smoker does not smoke

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in bed) or if the preg- still not recommended) to fall weighted objects not be placed
nant parent smoked dur- asleep with the infant in the on or near the sleeping infant.
ing adult bed than on a sofa or c. Dressing the infant with
pregnancy.16,17,65,69,70 armchair, should the parent fall layers of clothing is
 Bed sharing on a soft asleep.14,16,17,61,62 It is important preferable to blankets and
surface, such as a wa- to note that a large percentage of other coverings to keep the
terbed, old mattress, infants who die while bed infant warm while reducing
sofa, couch, or sharing are found with their face the chance of head covering
armchair.14,16,17,61,62 or head covered by bedding.73 or entrapment that could
ii. 5 to 10 times the baseline Therefore, it is advised that no result from blanket use.
risk of parent–infant bed pillows, sheets, blankets, pets, or Wearable blankets can also be
sharing: other soft or loose items that used.
 Term, normal weight could obstruct infant breathing d. Bumper pads or similar
infant aged <4 months, or cause overheating be in the products that attach to crib
even if neither parent bed. Because there is evidence slats or sides are not
smokes and even if the that the risk of bed sharing is recommended because they
infant is higher with longer duration,17,62 have been implicated in
breastfed.16,18,61,62,65,66,71 if the parent falls asleep while deaths attributable to
This is a particularly feeding the infant in bed, parents suffocation, entrapment/
vulnerable time, so pa- are advised to return the infant wedging, and strangulation.
rents who choose to to a separate sleep surface as With current safety
feed their infants aged soon as the parent awakens. standards for crib slats,
<4 months in bed need h. Any potential benefits of bumper pads and similar
to be especially vigilant cobedding for twins and higher- products are not necessary
to avoid falling asleep. order multiples are outweighed
 Bed sharing with anyone for safety against head
by the risk of cobedding. It is entrapment or to prevent
who is not the infant’s prudent to provide separate
parent, including non- injury.87,88
sleep surfaces and avoid 6. Offering a pacifier at nap time
parental caregivers and cobedding for twins and higher-
other children.14 and bedtime is recommended to
order multiples in the hospital
iii. 2 to 5 times the baseline reduce the risk of SIDS.
and at home.74
risk of parent–infant bed For breastfed infants, delay
5. Keep soft objects, such as
sharing: pacifier introduction until
pillows, pillow-like toys, quilts,
 Preterm or low birth comforters, mattress toppers, fur-like
breastfeeding is firmly
weight infant, even if established.57 Established
materials, and loose bedding, such as
neither parent smokes.59 blankets and nonfitted sheets, away
breastfeeding is defined as
 Bed sharing with soft from the infant’s sleep area to
having sufficient milk supply;
bedding accessories, consistent, comfortable, and
reduce the risk of SIDS, suffocation,
such as pillows or effective latch for milk transfer;
14,72 entrapment/wedging, and
blankets. and appropriate infant weight
strangulation.
gain as defined by established
Pediatricians, other physicians, a. Soft objects,35,36,75–78 such as pillows
and pillow-like toys, quilts, normative growth curves.89 The
and nonphysician clinicians are
comforters, fur-like materials, and time required to establish
encouraged to counsel all
loose bedding,14,17,79–84 such as breastfeeding is variable. Infants
families on these factors that can
substantially increase the risk of blankets and nonfitted sheets, can who are not being directly
sleep-related death while bed obstruct an infant’s nose and breastfed can begin pacifier use
sharing. mouth.85 Airway obstruction from as soon as desired.
g. Bed sharing can occur soft objects or loose bedding is the a. Although the mechanism is yet
unintentionally if parents fall most common mechanism for unclear, studies have reported
asleep while feeding their infant accidental infant suffocation a protective effect of pacifiers
or at times when parents are (Fig 2).86 on the incidence of
particularly tired or infants are b. It is recommended that weighted SIDS.14,18,62,90–99 The
fussy. Evidence suggests that it blankets, weighted sleepers, protective effect of the pacifier
is relatively less hazardous (but weighted swaddles, or other is observed even if the pacifier

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a. Consider the ambient tem-
perature when dressing or
bundling infants. In general,
dress infants appropriately for
the environment, with no >1
layer more than an adult
FIGURE 2 would wear to be comfortable
Depictions of common mechanisms for accidental sleep-related infant suffocation. Airway obstruction in that environment.
from soft objects or loose bedding is the most common mechanism of accidental infant suffocation. b. Evaluate the infant for signs of
Wedging or entrapment between 2 inanimate objects can result in compression or obstruction of the overheating, such as sweating,
nose and mouth or thorax. Overlay occurs when a person is found to be on top of or against the in-
flushed skin, or the infant’s
fant, obstructing the infant’s airway. Image courtesy of the CDC.
chest feeling hot to the touch.
c. Avoid overbundling and
falls out of the infant’s nicotine, which has been covering of the face and
mouth.100,101 implicated in sleep-related infant head.73 Given the
b. Offer the pacifier when deaths. Encourage families to set questionable benefit of hat
placing the infant for naps or strict rules for smoke-free homes use for the prevention of
nighttime sleep. It does not and cars and to eliminate hypothermia122 and the risk
need to be reinserted once secondhand tobacco smoke from of overheating, it is advised
the infant falls asleep. Infants all places children and other not to place hats on infants
who refuse the pacifier nonsmokers spend time.107 The when indoors except in the
should not be forced to take risk of SIDS is particularly high first hours of life or in the
it. In those cases, parents can when the infant bed shares with NICU.
try to offer the pacifier again an adult smoker, even when the d. There is currently insufficient
when the infant is a little adult does not smoke in evidence to recommend the
older. bed.16,17,65,69,70,108 use of a fan as a SIDS risk-
c. Because of the risk of 8. Avoid alcohol, marijuana, opioids, reduction strategy.
strangulation,102 never hang a and illicit drug use during 10. It is recommended that
pacifier around the infant’s neck pregnancy and after birth. There is pregnant people obtain regular
or attach it to infant clothing an increased risk of SIDS with prenatal care. There is
when the infant is placed for
prenatal and postnatal exposure to substantial epidemiologic
sleep or sleeping.
alcohol or illicit drug use. Use of evidence linking a lower risk of
d. Never attach objects, such as
alcohol, marijuana, opioids, and SIDS for infants when there has
blankets, plush or stuffed
illicit drugs periconceptionally and been regular prenatal
toys, and other items that
may present a suffocation or
during pregnancy is strongly care103–106; however, limited
advised against.109–116 The risk of prenatal care often results from
choking risk, to pacifiers.
SIDS is also significantly higher social determinants of health
e. There is insufficient evidence
that finger sucking is with concomitant smoking and that are also associated with
protective against SIDS. alcohol use.117 Parental alcohol, increased risk of SIDS.
7. Avoid smoke and nicotine marijuana, opioid, and/or illicit Pregnant people are advised to
exposure during pregnancy and drug use in combination with bed follow guidelines for frequency
after birth. Both smoking by sharing places the infant at of prenatal visits.123 Prenatal
pregnant people and smoke in the particularly high risk for SIDS and care provides the opportunity
infant’s environment after birth suffocation.18,67 for physicians and
are major risk factors for SIDS. 9. Avoid overheating and head nonphysician clinicians to
Pregnant people are advised not covering in infants. counsel future parents on safe
to smoke during pregnancy or Although studies have sleep practices and to help
after the infant’s birth.103–106 It is demonstrated an increased risk of them manage high-risk
also advised that no one smoke SIDS with overheating,118–121 the behaviors such as smoking. A
near pregnant people or infants. definition of overheating in these history of limited receipt of
Although there is no evidence on studies varies. Therefore, it is prenatal care may alert
the relationship of vaping or difficult to provide specific room pediatricians, other physicians,
electronic cigarette use and SUID, temperature guidelines to avoid and nonphysician clinicians
electronic cigarettes contain overheating. that additional attention to and

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education regarding modifiable these conditions, including some least 15 to 30 minutes total daily
risk factors for sleep-related preterm infants with an by 7 weeks of age.139–142
infant death may be needed. unusually prolonged course of a. Diagnosis, management, and
11. It is recommended that infants recurrent, extreme apnea.136 In other prevention strategies
be immunized in accordance addition, routine, in-hospital for positional plagiocephaly,
with guidelines from the AAP cardiorespiratory monitoring such as avoidance of
and Centers for Disease Control before discharge from the excessive time in car seats
and Prevention (CDC). There is hospital has not been shown to and changing the infant’s
no evidence that there is a detect infants at risk for SIDS. orientation in the crib, are
causal relationship between Direct-to-consumer heart rate discussed in detail in the AAP
immunizations and SIDS.124–127 and pulse oximetry monitoring clinical report on positional
Instead, vaccination may have a devices, including wearable skull deformities.143
protective effect against monitors, are sold as consumer 15. There is no evidence to
SIDS.128–131 wellness devices. A consumer recommend swaddling as a
12. Avoid the use of commercial wellness device is defined by the strategy to reduce the risk of
devices that are inconsistent with FDA as one intended “for SIDS. Swaddling, or wrapping
safe sleep recommendations. Be maintaining or encouraging a the infant in a light blanket, is
particularly wary of devices that healthy lifestyle and is unrelated often used as a strategy to calm
claim to reduce the risk of SIDS or to the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, the infant and encourage use of
other sleep-related deaths. There prevention, or treatment of a the supine position. There is a
is no evidence that any of these disease or condition.”137 Thus, high risk for death if a
devices reduce the risk of these these devices are not required to swaddled infant is placed in or
deaths. Importantly, the use of meet the same regulatory rolls to the prone
products claiming to increase sleep requirements as medical devices position.120,144,145 If infants are
safety may provide a false sense of and, by the nature of their FDA swaddled, always place them on
security and complacency for designation, are not to be used the back. Swaddling should be
caregivers. It is important to to prevent sleep-related deaths. snug around the chest but allow
understand that use of such Although use of these monitors for ample room at the hips and
products does not diminish the may give parents “peace of knees to avoid exacerbation of
importance of following mind,”138 and there is no hip dysplasia. Weighted
recommended safe sleep practices. contraindication to using these swaddle clothing or weighted
Information about a specific monitors, data are lacking to objects within swaddles are not
product can be found on the CPSC support their use to reduce the safe and therefore not
Web site (www.cpsc.gov). The AAP risk of these deaths. There is recommended. When an infant
concurs with the US Food and also concern that use of these exhibits signs of attempting to
Drug Administration (FDA) and monitors will lead to parent roll (which usually occurs at age
CPSC that manufacturers should complacency and decreased 3 to 4 months but may occur
not claim that a product or device adherence to safe sleep earlier), swaddling is no longer
protects against sleep-related in- guidelines. A family’s decision to appropriate because it could
fant death unless there is scientific use monitors at home should not increase the risk of suffocation
evidence to that effect. be considered a substitute for if the swaddled infant rolls to
13. Do not use home cardio- following AAP safe sleep the prone position.120,144,145
respiratory monitors as a guidelines. There is no evidence with
strategy to reduce the risk of 14. Supervised, awake tummy time regard to risk of SIDS related to
SIDS. Use of cardiorespiratory is recommended to facilitate the arms being swaddled in or
monitors has not been infant development and to out. Parents can decide on an
documented to decrease the minimize development of individual basis whether to
incidence of SIDS.132–135 These positional plagiocephaly. Parents swaddle and whether the arms
devices are sometimes are encouraged to place the are swaddled in or out,
prescribed for use at home to infant in tummy time while depending on the behavioral
detect apnea, bradycardia, and, awake and supervised for short and developmental needs of the
when pulse oximetry is used, periods of time beginning soon infant.
decreases in oxyhemoglobin after hospital discharge, 16. It is essential that physicians,
saturation for infants at risk for increasing incrementally to at nonphysician clinicians, hospital

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staff, and child care providers practices. It is preferable that eliminate tobacco smoke
endorse and model safe infant they have written policies. exposure. The campaign
sleep guidelines from the 17. It is advised that media and should also highlight the
beginning of pregnancy.146–148 manufacturers follow safe sleep circumstances that
a. Hospital staff who care for guidelines in their messaging, substantially increase the risk
infants who are medically advertising, production, and of sleep-related death or
unstable or who may have sales to promote safe sleep unintentional injury while
medical exceptions should practices as the social norm. bed sharing, as listed
model and implement all safe Media exposures (including previously.
infant sleep recommendations movie, television, magazines, d. Introduce these recommen-
as soon as the infant is newspapers, websites, and social dations universally before
medically stable and well media), manufacturer pregnancy and ideally in
before anticipated discharge. advertisements, and store preschool and school
b. Staff in level 1 newborn displays affect individual curricula to educate older
units, mother–baby units, behavior by influencing beliefs, siblings and teenaged and
and pediatric inpatient units attitudes, and social adult babysitters about safe
should model and implement norms.146,148–151 Media images, infant sleep practices and to
these recommendations social media posts, and establish that these practices
beginning at birth and advertising messages contrary to are normative. The
extending to 1 year of age. safe sleep recommendations may importance of
c. All physicians, nurses, and provide a false sense of security preconceptional health, infant
other clinicians, especially and create misinformation about breastfeeding, and the
those who care for pregnant safe sleep practices.152–155 avoidance of substance use
18. Continue the Eunice Kennedy (including alcohol and
or lactating people and
Shriver National Institute of smoking) should be included
infants, should receive
Health and Human Development in safe sleep education for
education on safe infant sleep
“Safe to Sleep” campaign, those of reproductive age.
and provide education
focusing on ways to reduce the e. Culturally appropriate,
beginning in the prenatal
risk of all sleep-related deaths. respectful, and nonjudgmental
period. Physicians and
Pediatricians and other maternal communication between
nonphysician clinicians
and child health providers can clinicians and parents is
should screen for and
serve as key promoters of the important when discussing safe
recommend safe sleep infant sleep. Language
campaign messages.
practices at each visit for a. Continue public education, interpreters should be used as
infants, beginning at prenatal including strategies for needed. Education that is
visits and up to age 1 year. overcoming barriers to integrated with other health
d. Provide families who do not behavior change, for all who messaging, such as discussion of
have a safe sleep space for care for infants, including the risk of falls and potential
their infant with information parents, child care providers, skull fractures if infants fall
about low-cost or free cribs grandparents, foster parents, from an adult’s arms or a sleep
or play yards. and babysitters. surface, can be helpful.
e. Hospitals should ensure that b. Continue to emphasize Strategies to avoid inadvertent
patient care and staff outreach to subgroups, bed sharing could include
training policies are including Black and American setting of alarms or alternative
consistent with updated safe Indian/Alaska Native activities (books, television
sleep recommendations and populations, which have shows, etc) to avoid falling
that infant sleep spaces higher incidence of sleep- asleep.
(bassinets, cribs) meet safe related deaths or higher f. Education campaigns need to
sleep standards. prevalence of risk factors. be well-funded, strategically
f. All state regulatory agencies c. The campaign should implemented and evaluated,
should require that child care specifically include strategies and innovative,
providers receive education to promote and support socioculturally appropriate
on safe infant sleep and breastfeeding while intervention methods need to
implement safe sleep discouraging bed sharing and be encouraged and funded.

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of pediatricians and other aforementioned research and
g. Safe sleep messages should
primary care providers, should public education campaigns.
be reviewed, revised, and
be supported and funded.
reissued at least every 5
years to address the next
d. It is important to provide LEAD AUTHORS
training for hospital personnel
generation of new parents
and products. in the evaluation and response Rachel Y. Moon, MD, FAAP
19. Continue research and surveillance when an infant who has been Rebecca F. Carlin, MD, FAAP
on the risk factors, causes, and found unresponsive and has Ivan Hand, MD, FAAP
pathophysiological mechanisms of potentially died suddenly and
sleep-related deaths, with the unexpectedly is brought for
ultimate goal of eliminating these medical attention in the TASK FORCE ON SUDDEN INFANT
deaths altogether. emergency department or other DEATH SYNDROME
a. Research on the etiology medical facilities, as well as
and pathophysiological basis information about how to Rachel Y. Moon, MD, FAAP, chair
of these deaths should be support families during this Elie G. Abu Jawdeh, MD, PhD, FAAP
continued and funded. difficult time.156 Rebecca F. Carlin, MD, FAAP
b. Research on the social e. Improved and widespread Jeffrey Colvin, MD, JD, FAAP
determinants of health, surveillance of sleep- Michael H. Goodstein, MD, FAAP
health care delivery system related infant deaths should Fern R. Hauck, MD, MS
inequalities, and the impact be implemented and Sunah S. Hwang, MD, MPH, PhD,
of structural racism and funded. In January 2021, FAAP
implicit bias as related to the Scarlett’s Sunshine on
health care access, Sudden Unexpected Death
education, and outcomes Act 157 was passed. This act COMMITTEE ON FETUS AND NEWBORN
that contribute to health calls for continuing support
disparities, and of CDC’s and the National James Cummings, MD, FAAP, chair
understanding how to best Institute of Health’s Sudden Susan Aucott, MD, FAAP
address these disparities in Unexpected Infant Death Charleta Guillory, MD, FAAP
a socioculturally and Sudden Death in the Ivan Hand, MD, FAAP
appropriate manner, should Young Case Registry and Mark Hudak, MD, FAAP
be continued and funded. other related fatality case David Kaufman, MD, FAAP
c. Continue and increase imple-
reporting systems. The Camilia Martin, MD, FAAP
mentation of standardized
National Association of Arun Pramanik, MD, FAAP
protocols for death scene
Medical Examiners Karen Puopolo, MD, PhD, FAAP
investigations, as per CDC
encourages synoptic
protocol. Comprehensive
reporting of sleep-related
autopsies, including full external
infant death cases and CONSULTANTS TO TASK FORCE ON
and internal examination of all
review by expert panels. SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME
major organs and tissues,
Synoptic reporting is a
including the brain; complete
radiographs; metabolic testing; systematic way of reporting Elizabeth Bundock, MD, PhD,
and toxicology screening should specific data elements in a National Association of Medical
also be performed. Training specific format that ensures Examiners
about how to conduct a consistent reporting of all Lorena Kaplan, MPH, Eunice
comprehensive death scene necessary data elements. Kennedy Shriver National Institute
investigation should be offered Use of a synoptic report can for Child Health and Human
to medical examiners, coroners, clarify key findings not Development
death scene investigators, first systematically documented Sharyn Parks Brown, PhD, MPH, CDC
responders, and law on the death certificate, but Marion Koso-Thomas, MD, MPH,
enforcement, and resources to that could improve Eunice Kennedy Shriver National
maintain training and conduct surveillance and research. 3 Institute for Child Health and
of these investigations need to f. Federal and private funding Human Development
be allocated. In addition, child agencies should remain Carrie K. Shapiro-Mendoza, PhD,
death reviews, with involvement committed to all aspects of the MPH, CDC

16 MOON, CARLIN AND HAND


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CONSULTANTS TO COMMITTEE ON Lisa Grisham, MS, NP, National
FETUS AND NEWBORN Association of Neonatal Nurses ABBREVIATIONS
AAP: American Academy of
Wanda Barfield, MD, MPR, FAAP, CDC Pediatrics
Russell Miller, MD, American College CDC: Centers for Disease Control
STAFF
of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and Prevention
James Couto, MA CPSC: Consumer Product Safety
Michael Narvey, MD, FAAP, Canadian
Pediatric Society Commission
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS FDA: US Food and Drug
Tim Jancelewicz, MD, FAAP, AAP
Section on Surgery We thank the contributions provid- Administration
Ashley Lucke, MD, FAAP, AAP ed by others to the collection and GER: gastroesophageal reflux
Section on Neonatal and Perinatal interpretation of data examined in GERD: gastroesophageal reflux
Medicine preparation of this report. disease
ICD-10: International
Classification of Diseases,
10th Revision
SIDS: sudden infant death
syndrome
SUID: sudden unexpected infant
death

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