Q. I'm expecting next month. How can I prevent SIDS?

A. You're akamai to be so proactive, as sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, is the leading cause of death of babies between 1 month and 12 months of age, with keiki age 2 months to 4 months most at risk. One in five deaths occur while in the care of someone other than a parent, often when kids who are used to sleeping on their backs sleep on their tummies. Keiki who usually sleep on their backs and then sleep on their tummies are 18 times more likely to die from SIDS. Tell child care providers, baby sitters, family and friends to place your baby to sleep on his back at night and for naps.

After we started advising parents in 1992 to always place babies to sleep on their backs, we had a more than 50 percent reduction in SIDS deaths. Though many factors contribute to SIDS, arousal failure may play a crucial role. Infants are less responsive to stimuli when sleeping on their tummies. Because babies sleeping on their sides are more likely to accidentally roll onto their stomach, the side position is not as safe as the back. Also, don't cover babies' heads with blankets or over-bundle them in clothing and blankets. Avoid letting baby get too hot. This could be the case if you notice sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash and rapid breathing. Dress baby lightly for sleep. The room temperature should be where you'd be comfortable if you were lightly clothed. Immunizations, vomiting or choking do not cause SIDS.

Breastfeed at least through the first year of life. Don't smoke or expose yourself to others' smoke during pregnancy and after birth. Bed sharing increases SIDS, especially with low birth weight, parental smoking, couch sharing and sleeping in bed between parents. Safest is sleeping in the parent's bedroom in a separate crib or bassinet. Use a safety-approved crib with a firm mattress and a well-fitting sheet. Cradles and bassinets should be Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association certified for safety. The room should be smoke-free. No sleeping on adult beds, chairs, sofas, waterbeds or cushions. Don't put toys and other soft bedding, including fluffy blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, comforters or wedges in the crib. These can cover baby's face.

It's good to place babies on their tummies while awake to help build strong neck and shoulder muscles. Remember: "Tummy to play and back to sleep." And remember to talk about safe sleep practices with everyone who cares for your baby.