How to Prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)

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How to Prevent SIDS: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Worried about sudden infant death syndrome? Here's how to help keep your baby safe (15 Photos)

Sally Farhat Kassab and Holly Pevzner on Mar 8, 2013 at 5:36PM

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14 Ways to Reduce Your Baby's Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Thomas Northcut/Stone/Getty Images

a Sally Farhat Kassab and Holly Pevzner on Oct 14, 2010 at 3:41PM

SIDS -- sudden infant death syndrome -- is a new mom's nightmare. A baby can die from SIDS during her sleep for no apparent reason. Though rare, it's the most common way that babies between 1 month and 12 months old die. The causes of SIDS are not understood -- some research shows that it may be caused by a brainstem abnormality; other studies suggest that genetic mutations and heart arrhythmias may play a role. The good news is, there are some proven ways to lower your baby's risk of SIDS. Here are the most up-to-date ways to keep your baby safe, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.