[Additional recommendations for safe sleep to prevent SIDS]

Abstract

Great progress has been made in reducing the incidence of SIDS in the Netherlands, but the number of SIDS cases has remained constant in recent years. The American Academy of Pediatrics has new guidelines for safe sleep. Existing recommendations remain valid such as (a) discouraging prone- and side-sleeping; (b) encouraging parent and child to sleep in one room but not in one bed; and (c) avoiding second-hand smoke. The new recommendations include: (a) pre-term neonates born after 32 weeks should be placed in a supine position; (b) twins should not sleep in the same bed ('co-bedding'); (c) use of a pacifier is recommended once breastfeeding is well underway; and (d) use of stabilization pillows is not recommended. There should also be an emphasis on educating parents before discharging their newborn from the hospital.