Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: Essential Precautions to Follow – Pediatrician in Dubai Explains

Few topics generate as much fear and anxiety among new parents as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, commonly known as SIDS. The thought of a seemingly healthy baby dying suddenly and unexpectedly during sleep is every parent’s nightmare. At myPediaClinic in Dubai Healthcare City, Dr. Medhat Abu-Shaaban understands these fears and works with families to provide evidence-based guidance that significantly reduces SIDS risk.

While SIDS cannot be completely prevented, understanding risk factors and implementing proven safety measures can dramatically reduce the likelihood of this devastating occurrence. Dr. Abu-Shaaban’s approach combines compassionate education with practical strategies that empower parents to create the safest possible sleep environment for their infants.

Understanding SIDS: What Every Parent Should Know

Knowledge is power when it comes to protecting your baby. Understanding what SIDS is—and what it isn’t—forms the foundation for implementing effective prevention strategies.

What is SIDS?

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is defined as the sudden, unexplained death of an apparently healthy infant under one year of age that remains unexplained even after thorough investigation including complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of medical history. The “sudden” and “unexplained” aspects distinguish SIDS from deaths with identifiable causes.

Dr. Medhat Abu-Shaaban explains to families at myPediaClinic that SIDS is a diagnosis of exclusion. Medical examiners must rule out all other possible causes of death—infection, cardiac abnormalities, trauma, suffocation, metabolic disorders—before concluding that a death was due to SIDS. This diagnostic process can be difficult for grieving families but is necessary for accurate understanding and research.

When Does SIDS Occur?

SIDS most commonly occurs during sleep periods, which is why it’s sometimes called “crib death.” The peak incidence occurs between two and four months of age, though SIDS can happen any time during the first year. Cases are extremely rare after 12 months of age. SIDS deaths occur more frequently during colder months, for reasons that aren’t entirely clear but may relate to overheating or increased respiratory infections during winter.

How Common is SIDS?

In developed countries with strong safe sleep campaigns, SIDS rates have declined dramatically over the past few decades. In the United States, for example, SIDS rates decreased by more than 50% following the “Back to Sleep” campaign that encouraged parents to place babies on their backs for sleep. Current rates are approximately 0.4 per 1,000 live births in many developed nations.

While these numbers provide some reassurance—SIDS is relatively rare—each case represents an unimaginable tragedy. At myPediaClinic in Dubai, we emphasize that even though SIDS is uncommon, taking prevention measures is crucial because we cannot predict which babies might be at risk.

Risk Factors: Understanding What Increases SIDS Likelihood

Research has identified numerous factors associated with increased SIDS risk. Understanding these factors helps parents implement targeted prevention strategies and identifies which babies may need extra vigilance.

Sleep Position and Environment

The single most important modifiable risk factor is sleep position. Babies placed to sleep on their stomachs or sides have significantly higher SIDS risk compared to babies placed on their backs. Soft sleep surfaces including soft mattresses, couches, armchairs, or waterbeds increase risk. Loose bedding, pillows, blankets, bumper pads, or stuffed animals in the sleep area create suffocation hazards and increase SIDS risk. Overheating from excessive clothing or high room temperature raises risk. Bed-sharing (baby sleeping in adult bed) particularly with parents who smoke, use alcohol, or take sedating medications increases danger significantly.

Infant Characteristics

Certain infant factors are associated with higher SIDS risk, though parents cannot control these characteristics. Age between two and four months represents peak risk. Male infants have slightly higher SIDS rates than females. Premature babies or those with low birth weight face increased risk. Babies who had siblings die of SIDS may have slightly elevated risk. Infants with recent respiratory infections may be more vulnerable.

Maternal and Environmental Factors

Smoking during pregnancy significantly increases SIDS risk, as does exposure to secondhand smoke after birth. Drug or alcohol use during pregnancy raises risk. Inadequate prenatal care correlates with higher SIDS rates. Young maternal age (under 20) is associated with increased risk. Closely spaced pregnancies may be a factor. Lower socioeconomic status shows correlation, though this likely reflects multiple underlying factors rather than a direct causal relationship.

Dr. Abu-Shaaban emphasizes that risk factors don’t guarantee SIDS will occur, and absence of risk factors doesn’t guarantee safety. However, minimizing modifiable risk factors dramatically reduces likelihood of this tragic outcome.

The ABCs of Safe Sleep: Fundamental Protection Strategies

Pediatric organizations worldwide, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend the ABCs of safe infant sleep. At myPediaClinic in Dubai, Dr. Medhat Abu-Shaaban educates all new parents about these critical guidelines.

A is for Alone

Babies should sleep alone in their own sleep space—not in bed with parents, siblings, or other caregivers. Room-sharing (baby’s crib in parents’ room) is recommended, but bed-sharing is not. Research shows that room-sharing without bed-sharing reduces SIDS risk by up to 50%.

The ideal arrangement places baby’s crib, bassinet, or play yard in parents’ bedroom for at least the first six months, and ideally for the first year. This proximity allows parents to monitor baby, facilitates nighttime feeding, and provides the protective effect of room-sharing while avoiding bed-sharing dangers.

B is for Back

Always place babies on their backs to sleep—for naps and nighttime sleep. Back-sleeping is the safest position and has been the single most effective intervention in reducing SIDS deaths. Some parents worry about choking if baby spits up while on their back, but healthy babies naturally swallow or cough up fluids even when back-sleeping. The risk of choking is not increased by back-sleeping and is far outweighed by the SIDS risk reduction.

Once babies can roll over independently (usually around 4-6 months), it’s safe to leave them in whatever position they roll to during sleep. Continue placing them on their backs initially, but don’t worry if they roll to their stomach during sleep once they have the strength and coordination to roll both ways independently.

C is for Crib

Babies should sleep on a firm, flat surface in a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or play yard. The sleep surface should be firm—not soft, padded, or cushioned. Use a fitted sheet designed for the specific sleep surface with no other bedding. Keep the crib empty—no pillows, blankets, bumper pads, stuffed animals, or other soft objects.

At myPediaClinic, Dr. Abu-Shaaban often shows parents pictures of appropriate sleep environments because many are surprised by how bare the safe sleep space should be. The crib should contain only a firm mattress, fitted sheet, and the baby—nothing else.

Additional Safe Sleep Recommendations

Beyond the ABCs, several other evidence-based practices further reduce SIDS risk and create optimal sleep safety for infants.

Pacifier Use

Offering a pacifier at sleep time is associated with reduced SIDS risk. The protective mechanism isn’t fully understood but may relate to pacifiers helping maintain airway openness or keeping babies in lighter sleep states. If breastfeeding, wait until breastfeeding is well established (usually around 3-4 weeks) before introducing a pacifier to avoid nipple confusion. If baby refuses the pacifier or it falls out during sleep, don’t force it or reinsert it. The protective effect occurs even if the pacifier falls out after baby falls asleep.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is associated with reduced SIDS risk. The protective effect increases with exclusivity and duration of breastfeeding. Even partial breastfeeding provides some protection. At myPediaClinic in Dubai, Dr. Abu-Shaaban and our team provide breastfeeding support to help mothers who choose to breastfeed establish successful nursing relationships.

Immunizations

Keeping babies current with recommended immunizations is associated with reduced SIDS risk. Some parents worry that vaccines increase SIDS risk, but extensive research shows the opposite—vaccinated babies have lower SIDS rates than unvaccinated babies. Following the recommended immunization schedule protects against SIDS as well as serious infectious diseases.

Temperature Control

Overheating increases SIDS risk. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature—if it feels comfortable for a lightly clothed adult, it’s appropriate for a baby. Dress baby in no more than one additional layer than an adult would wear in the same environment. Watch for signs of overheating including sweating, damp hair, flushed cheeks, heat rash, or rapid breathing. Use sleep sacks or wearable blankets instead of loose blankets, ensuring baby’s head remains uncovered.

In Dubai’s climate, temperature control requires attention to air conditioning settings and baby’s clothing. Dr. Abu-Shaaban advises that while Dubai is hot outdoors, heavily air-conditioned indoor environments can be quite cool. Adjust baby’s clothing based on actual indoor temperature, not outdoor conditions.

Supervised Tummy Time When Awake

While babies should sleep on their backs, tummy time when awake and supervised is important for motor development and preventing flat spots on the back of the head. Start tummy time soon after coming home from the hospital, beginning with just a few minutes several times daily and gradually increasing duration as baby builds strength. Always supervise tummy time—never leave baby alone on their tummy. Stop tummy time and return baby to back if they fall asleep.

What NOT to Do: Avoiding Dangerous Products and Practices

Despite marketing claims, certain products and practices promoted for infant sleep are actually dangerous and increase SIDS risk. Dr. Medhat Abu-Shaaban helps parents at myPediaClinic navigate misleading marketing to identify and avoid these hazards.

Dangerous Sleep Products

Avoid crib bumpers or padding, which pose suffocation and entrapment risks despite marketing suggesting they prevent injury. Don’t use sleep positioners or wedges, which are ineffective and dangerous. Avoid weighted blankets, swaddles, or sleep sacks for infants—these restrict movement and can cause overheating. Don’t rely on in-bed sleepers or co-sleepers that go in adult beds, as these don’t provide the same safety as separate sleep surfaces. Avoid inclined sleepers or rockers for unsupervised sleep, as these have been linked to infant deaths.

Risky Sleep Locations

Never let baby sleep on couches, armchairs, or recliners—these pose extremely high suffocation risk. Avoid car seats, swings, or bouncy seats for routine sleep. These are safe for their intended use (travel, supervised play) but not appropriate for extended sleep periods. Don’t allow baby to sleep in adult beds, even with parents present. Bed-sharing significantly increases SIDS risk, particularly if parents smoke, use alcohol or drugs, are extremely tired, or if the mattress is soft.

Unproven or Dangerous Practices

Home cardiorespiratory monitors are not recommended for SIDS prevention in healthy babies and have not been shown to reduce SIDS risk. These monitors can create false security or unnecessary anxiety from false alarms. Avoid products claiming to prevent SIDS unless they’re based on proven safe sleep practices. Be skeptical of “breathable” bumpers or mattresses—while better than traditional bumpers, the safest crib is still a completely empty one. Don’t use essential oils, aromatherapy, or other unproven remedies claiming SIDS prevention—these have no scientific support and some may be harmful.

Special Circumstances: Addressing Common Concerns

Parents often have questions about how safe sleep guidelines apply in specific situations. Dr. Abu-Shaaban addresses these concerns during consultations at myPediaClinic in Dubai Healthcare City.

Premature or Low Birth Weight Babies

Premature babies and those with low birth weight face higher SIDS risk and often have been in NICU environments with different positioning practices. Once home, follow standard safe sleep guidelines—back sleeping on firm surfaces. Discuss any special positioning needs with Dr. Abu-Shaaban based on your baby’s specific medical situation. Continue close monitoring, but don’t use this as a reason to bed-share, which actually increases rather than decreases risk.

Babies with Reflux

Parents of babies with gastroesophageal reflux often worry about back-sleeping and choking risk. However, back-sleeping does not increase choking risk even for babies with reflux. The anatomy of the airway protects against aspiration when babies are on their backs. Elevating the head of the crib is not recommended and doesn’t reduce reflux while potentially increasing SIDS risk. If your baby has significant reflux, work with Dr. Abu-Shaaban on appropriate medical management, but continue back-sleeping.

Traveling and Away-from-Home Sleep

Safe sleep guidelines apply everywhere, not just at home. When traveling, ensure baby has a safe sleep space—portable crib, bassinet, or play yard. If staying with family or friends, explain safe sleep requirements and don’t let well-meaning relatives place baby to sleep in unsafe positions or locations. In Dubai’s travel-friendly environment where families often visit other emirates or travel internationally, maintaining safe sleep practices consistently is important.

Childcare Settings

Ensure that childcare providers, nannies, and anyone caring for your baby follows safe sleep guidelines. Provide clear written instructions about back-sleeping and safe sleep environment. Check on sleep practices periodically—some caregivers may use different practices than they’re instructed to use. At myPediaClinic, we can provide parents with written safe sleep guidelines to share with all caregivers.

Cultural Considerations in Dubai’s Diverse Community

Dubai’s multicultural population brings together families from around the world, each with different traditions and beliefs about infant sleep. Dr. Abu-Shaaban and our team at myPediaClinic work to provide culturally sensitive education while emphasizing evidence-based safety practices.

Traditional Practices vs. Safe Sleep Guidelines

Some cultures have traditions of bed-sharing, swaddling tightly, using pillows for infants, or other practices that conflict with current safe sleep guidelines. While respecting cultural heritage, Dr. Abu-Shaaban emphasizes that SIDS affects babies across all cultures and safe sleep practices are based on scientific evidence, not cultural preferences. When traditional practices conflict with safety guidelines, finding compromises that honor culture while protecting infants is ideal.

Communication Across Generations and Cultures

Grandparents, domestic helpers, and other caregivers may come from backgrounds with different infant care traditions. Clear, respectful communication about safe sleep requirements is essential. Explain that recommendations are based on current research and may differ from practices used in past generations or different cultures. Provide written guidelines in caregivers’ native languages when possible. Emphasize that following safe sleep practices is non-negotiable regardless of differing traditions or opinions.

Responding to SIDS Anxiety: Supporting Parents’ Mental Health

Learning about SIDS can trigger significant anxiety in new parents. At myPediaClinic, Dr. Abu-Shaaban recognizes that while education is important, it shouldn’t create debilitating fear that interferes with bonding or parental well-being.

Balancing Vigilance with Mental Health

It’s appropriate to take SIDS seriously and implement all recommended safety measures. However, constant anxiety and obsessive monitoring aren’t healthy for parents or babies. Once you’ve created a safe sleep environment, trust that you’ve done what you can. Remember that SIDS is rare, and following safety guidelines dramatically reduces already-low risk. Allow yourself to sleep when baby sleeps rather than watching them constantly. Seek support if anxiety about SIDS interferes with daily functioning, sleep, or bonding with your baby.

When to Seek Help

If you experience persistent, severe anxiety about SIDS or infant safety, difficulty sleeping due to worry even when baby is sleeping safely, compulsive checking behavior that interferes with rest, or intrusive thoughts about harm coming to your baby, discuss these feelings with Dr. Abu-Shaaban or a mental health professional. Perinatal anxiety is common and treatable.

What to Do in an Emergency

While rare, parents should know how to respond if they find their baby unresponsive. Having this knowledge can be lifesaving and may provide some sense of control that reduces anxiety.

Infant CPR

All parents and caregivers should learn infant CPR before baby arrives or shortly after birth. CPR training teaches how to assess responsiveness, when and how to perform chest compressions and rescue breathing, and when to call emergency services. At myPediaClinic in Dubai, we can provide information about infant CPR courses available in the area.

Emergency Response

If you find your baby unresponsive, not breathing, or blue, immediately call emergency services (999 in UAE) while beginning CPR. Continue CPR until emergency responders arrive or baby responds. Even if baby recovers, seek immediate medical evaluation to determine what happened and whether further treatment is needed.

After the First Year: When SIDS Risk Decreases

SIDS risk drops dramatically after the first birthday. However, safe sleep practices remain important even as babies become toddlers.

Transitioning Sleep Practices

After age one, the SIDS risk that makes empty cribs necessary has passed. You can introduce a small blanket or lovey if desired, though many children sleep fine without them. Continue back-sleeping as the default position, though toddlers move during sleep and that’s normal and safe. Transition to a toddler bed when your child climbs out of the crib or reaches the height limit, typically between 18 months and 3 years.

Comprehensive Newborn Care at myPediaClinic Dubai

Safe sleep education is just one component of the comprehensive newborn care provided at myPediaClinic in Dubai Healthcare City. Dr. Medhat Abu-Shaaban, Dr. Yasmin Kottait, and our experienced pediatric team offer well-baby checkups starting shortly after birth, newborn screenings and assessments, feeding support for breastfeeding and formula feeding, immunizations following international schedules, developmental monitoring, and guidance on all aspects of infant care including sleep safety, feeding, growth, and development.

We understand that new parenthood is overwhelming, especially for first-time parents or those without nearby family support. Our team takes time to address your questions, provide evidence-based guidance, and support you through the early months of your baby’s life.

Frequently Asked Questions About SIDS Prevention

Why does back-sleeping reduce SIDS risk?

The exact mechanism isn’t completely understood, but back-sleeping likely reduces SIDS risk by keeping airways open, preventing rebreathing of exhaled air (which can happen when babies sleep face-down), reducing overheating risk, and maintaining lighter sleep states that allow babies to respond to breathing problems. Since the “Back to Sleep” campaign began recommending back-sleeping in the 1990s, SIDS rates have dropped by more than 50%.

My baby doesn’t seem comfortable on their back; can they sleep on their side?

No, side-sleeping is not recommended. Babies placed on their sides can easily roll to their stomachs, which increases SIDS risk. Always place your baby on their back to sleep. Most babies adapt to back-sleeping within a few days. If your baby seems uncomfortable, ensure they’re not overdressed, the sleep surface is firm, and they’re getting adequate tummy time when awake. Discuss persistent discomfort with Dr. Abu-Shaaban at myPediaClinic.

Will my baby choke if they spit up while sleeping on their back?

This is a common fear, but healthy babies do not have increased choking risk from back-sleeping. The anatomy of the airway actually protects against aspiration better when babies are on their backs compared to stomach or side positions. Babies have natural reflexes that cause them to cough or swallow if they spit up during sleep. The choking risk from stomach-sleeping and SIDS risk from non-back positions far outweigh any theoretical choking concern with back-sleeping.

When can I start using a blanket in my baby’s crib?

Wait until after your baby’s first birthday before introducing blankets, pillows, or soft toys to the sleep environment. Before age one, use sleep sacks or wearable blankets if additional warmth is needed. These keep baby warm without the suffocation risk of loose blankets. Ensure sleep sacks fit properly with no excess fabric around the face or neck.

Is it okay for my baby to sleep in a swing or car seat?

Swings, car seats, and similar devices are safe for their intended purposes—supervised playtime and travel—but should not be used for routine sleep. When babies sleep in these devices, their position can cause airway obstruction or positional asphyxia. If your baby falls asleep in a car seat during travel, that’s fine, but move them to a safe sleep surface when you reach your destination. Never leave a baby to sleep unsupervised in a car seat, swing, or bouncy seat.

Can room-sharing really reduce SIDS risk?

Yes, research shows that room-sharing (baby’s crib in parents’ bedroom) without bed-sharing reduces SIDS risk by up to 50%. The proximity allows parents to respond quickly to baby’s needs, makes nighttime feeding easier, and may provide some protective effect through parents’ presence, breathing sounds, or other factors. Room-sharing is recommended for at least the first six months, and ideally for the first year.

Why shouldn’t I use crib bumpers if they’re sold in baby stores?

Despite being widely available, crib bumpers pose suffocation and strangulation risks with no proven benefits. Young babies lack the motor skills to hurt themselves on crib slats, making the supposed protective purpose of bumpers unnecessary. Many countries and jurisdictions have banned crib bumper sales due to safety concerns. The safest crib is a bare crib with only a firm mattress and fitted sheet—no bumpers, blankets, pillows, or toys.

My baby always rolls to their stomach during sleep; what should I do?

Once babies can roll from back to stomach and stomach to back independently (usually around 4-6 months), it’s safe to leave them in whatever position they roll to during sleep. Continue placing your baby on their back initially, but you don’t need to keep returning them to their back if they roll during sleep. This rolling ability indicates sufficient strength and coordination to adjust their position if they have breathing difficulty.

Can I bed-share if I follow certain safety rules?

Dr. Abu-Shaaban and pediatric organizations worldwide recommend against bed-sharing due to increased SIDS and suffocation risk. While some cultures traditionally practice bed-sharing, research clearly shows it increases risk, particularly if parents smoke, use alcohol or drugs, are extremely tired, or if the mattress is soft. Room-sharing with baby in their own sleep surface provides proximity benefits without bed-sharing risks. If you choose to bed-share despite recommendations, never bed-share if you or your partner smoke, use alcohol or drugs, are extremely tired, have long hair that could entangle baby, or if the mattress is soft, and ensure baby is on their back with no blankets near their face.

Is swaddling safe?

Swaddling can be safe if done correctly and discontinued at the appropriate time. If swaddling, always place baby on their back, stop swaddling when baby shows any signs of rolling over (usually around 2 months), ensure swaddle is not too tight around hips (allowing leg movement), and keep swaddle away from baby’s face. However, sleep sacks designed for infant use may be safer and easier than traditional swaddling. Discuss swaddling technique with Dr. Abu-Shaaban at myPediaClinic if you choose to swaddle.

Do pacifiers really reduce SIDS risk?

Yes, multiple studies have shown that pacifier use during sleep is associated with reduced SIDS risk. The protective mechanism isn’t fully understood but may involve maintaining airway openness, keeping babies in lighter sleep states, or other factors. If breastfeeding, wait until nursing is well established (usually 3-4 weeks) before introducing a pacifier. If baby refuses the pacifier or it falls out during sleep, don’t force it—the protective effect occurs even if it falls out after baby falls asleep.

Should I buy a movement monitor or breathing monitor for my baby?

Home cardiorespiratory monitors are not recommended for SIDS prevention in healthy babies. These monitors have not been shown to reduce SIDS risk and can create false security or unnecessary anxiety from frequent false alarms. Focus instead on proven safe sleep practices—back-sleeping, firm sleep surface, empty crib, room-sharing without bed-sharing. Medical-grade monitors are sometimes prescribed for babies with specific medical conditions, but these are different from commercial consumer monitors.

My baby has a flat spot on their head from back-sleeping; is this dangerous?

Flat spots (positional plagiocephaly) are common from back-sleeping but are cosmetic issues, not health dangers. They’re far less serious than SIDS risk from stomach-sleeping. To prevent and treat flat spots, provide plenty of supervised tummy time when baby is awake, alternate which end of the crib baby’s head faces (babies tend to look toward the door or window), hold baby in different positions during feeding, and limit time in car seats and other devices when not traveling. Discuss significant flat spots with Dr. Abu-Shaaban—most improve with positioning changes, though some require helmet therapy.

When can my baby start using a pillow?

Wait until after age two before introducing a pillow. Young children don’t need pillows, and pillows pose suffocation risk for infants and young toddlers. After age two, if you choose to introduce a pillow, select a small, firm pillow rather than a soft, fluffy one. Many children sleep fine without pillows well into childhood.

Is SIDS genetic? Should I worry if a family member’s baby died from SIDS?

Most cases of SIDS are not genetic. However, siblings of SIDS victims may have slightly increased risk, possibly due to shared genetic factors or environmental risks. If a family member’s baby died from SIDS, discuss this with Dr. Abu-Shaaban. While your baby’s risk remains low, extra vigilance with safe sleep practices is appropriate. Some families in this situation feel more comfortable with medical-grade monitoring, which Dr. Abu-Shaaban can discuss based on your specific circumstances.

Can air conditioning increase SIDS risk?

Air conditioning itself doesn’t increase SIDS risk and may actually decrease risk by preventing overheating. In Dubai’s hot climate, air conditioning is necessary for comfort and safety. Ensure the room temperature is comfortable—not too hot or too cold. Dress baby appropriately for the air-conditioned indoor temperature rather than for outdoor heat. Good air circulation from fans or air conditioning may provide some protective effect against SIDS.

Should I wake my baby to check if they’re breathing?

Once you’ve created a safe sleep environment following all guidelines, you don’t need to constantly check on your baby. Healthy babies will wake and cry if they need attention. Frequent checking disrupts your sleep and baby’s sleep without providing safety benefits. If you’re extremely anxious, check on baby when you naturally wake between sleep cycles, but don’t set alarms or force yourself to stay awake for checking. Trust that safe sleep practices provide protection.

What should I do if I find my baby sleeping on their stomach?

If your baby can’t yet roll independently, gently return them to their back. Once babies can roll both directions independently (usually 4-6 months), it’s safe to leave them in whatever position they roll to. The key is always placing baby on their back initially—if they roll to their stomach with sufficient developmental skills to do so, that’s okay. However, ensure the crib remains empty with no loose blankets, toys, or other items that could pose suffocation risk regardless of sleeping position.

How long should my baby room-share?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends room-sharing for at least six months, and ideally for the first year. After the first birthday, SIDS risk decreases dramatically. The decision to move baby to their own room after six to twelve months is personal and can be based on factors like space, sleep quality for parents and baby, and family preferences. There’s no harm in continuing room-sharing beyond one year if it works for your family.

Can I sleep with my baby on my chest?

Supervised skin-to-skin contact while you’re awake is wonderful for bonding and is encouraged. However, sleeping with baby on your chest poses risks similar to bed-sharing. If you’re drowsy or might fall asleep, place baby in their own safe sleep space. Never sleep with baby on your chest on a couch or armchair, which poses extremely high risk. For skin-to-skin contact during times when you might doze, have another adult present to monitor you and baby.

Protecting your baby from SIDS is one of the most important things you can do as a new parent. At myPediaClinic in Dubai Healthcare City, Dr. Medhat Abu-Shaaban and our pediatric team provide comprehensive safe sleep education and support to help you create the safest possible environment for your precious little one. Remember that while SIDS is a concern, following evidence-based safe sleep practices dramatically reduces risk and allows you to rest more peacefully knowing you’ve done everything possible to protect your baby.