Sleep is a vital time for your baby: a period of growth, restoration, and, hopefully, rest for you too. October marks SIDS Awareness Month, a time to share life-saving information about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and promote practices that make every crib a safer place.
While the topic can feel heavy, awareness is powerful. Understanding how to create a safe sleep environment helps reduce risks and brings peace of mind to new parents and caregivers.
What Is SIDS?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexpected death of an otherwise healthy infant, usually during sleep, within the first year of life. Although the exact cause remains unknown, researchers believe it involves a combination of factors, including sleep position, sleep surface, and environmental conditions.
The most effective way to lower the risk is by following proven safe sleep practices that help protect your baby through their most vulnerable months.
How Common Is SIDS?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 1,300 infants in the United States died from SIDS in 2021, the most recent year of available data. While SIDS cases have decreased significantly since the launch of national awareness campaigns like Safe to Sleep®, it remains the leading cause of death among infants aged one month to one year.
These numbers remind us that awareness and prevention efforts are still critical — especially for new and expecting parents.
Safe Sleep Practices for 2025
1. Always Place Your Baby on Their Back
Place your baby on their back for every nap and nighttime sleep. Studies continue to show that this position reduces the risk of SIDS compared to side or tummy sleeping. Once your baby can roll independently, they can remain in the position they find most comfortable.
2. Use a Firm, Flat Mattress
A firm mattress is one of the most important parts of a safe sleep setup. Soft or uneven surfaces can increase suffocation risks. The mattress should fit snugly in the crib with no gaps and be covered with a fitted sheet only.
Opt for a certified organic crib mattress made without harmful chemicals, adhesives, or synthetic foams. Organic materials (like cotton, latex, and wool) are breathable and help maintain a clean, non-toxic environment for your baby.
3. Keep the Crib Bare
Less is safer. Remove pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, and bumper pads. These items may look cozy but can pose serious suffocation hazards. A fitted sheet over a firm mattress is all your baby needs for a secure night’s sleep.
4. Share a Room
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants sleep in the same room as their parents or caregivers for at least the first six months, ideally up to one year. Room-sharing can lower the risk of SIDS by up to 50%, while still giving your baby their own protected sleep surface.
5. Avoid Overheating
Dress your baby in light, breathable sleepwear and maintain a comfortable room temperature (typically between 68–72°F). Avoid heavy blankets or overdressing. Overheating is a known risk factor for SIDS.
Raising Awareness in October
Every October, SIDS Awareness Month serves as an important reminder: safe sleep saves lives. Sharing knowledge with friends, family, and caregivers helps protect infants and brings confidence to parents navigating early sleep routines.
At My Green Mattress, we’re committed to supporting families with eco-friendly, non-toxic sleep products that put safety first. Our Emily Organic Crib Mattress is designed with firm, breathable support and certified organic materials to help parents create the safest sleep environment possible.
This month, take a few minutes to review your baby’s sleep setup and share what you learn. The smallest changes can make a big difference.
For more information and current guidelines, visit:
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Safe Sleep Recommendations
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Safe to Sleep® Campaign
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) SUID and SIDS Data
