SAFE SLEEP: Will Babies Choke if They Sleep on Their Back?

 

Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID), commonly referred to as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), is the sudden death of an infant less than one year old that cannot be explained after medical examination.  The exact cause of SUID is unknown. Yet, there are safe sleep practices that can reduce the risk of SUID. One recommendation from the  American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies should be placed on their back to sleep. People may believe that babies who sleep on their backs will choke if they spit up or vomit during sleep, that belief is a myth.

“Babies automatically cough up or swallow fluid that they spit up or vomit – it’s a reflex to keep the airway clear. Studies show no increase in the number of deaths from choking among babies who sleep on their backs. In fact, babies who sleep on their backs might clear these fluids better because of the way the body is built.” – Safe to Sleep ® by NICHD

Babies are at less risk of SIDS and choking if they sleep on their backs. Always place babies on their back to sleep for every sleep.  Most babies start to roll over on their own between 4-6 months old.  You do not need to place babies on their back if they roll over on their own.

Families, visit Families – Delaware Thrives to learn more about how to reduce your baby’s risk of  SUID