SIDS cannot be diagnosed or predicted and is, therefore, not preventable as such.  However, some risk factors have been identified:

- Low weight premature birth
- Multiple births
- Overheating
- Sleep position
- Maternal smoking
- Poor maternal pre-natal care

Greek Windflower
(anemone blanda)

Considering Alexander Foundation designed and produced a Nursery Thermometer in 1998 which suggested guidelines for the well being of your baby.  We reproduce them here.  Please note that this advice is well-intended and offered here in an attempt to offset any possible avoidable risks to which parents might unwittingly subject their new offspring; but, you should discuss any particular concerns you may have with your baby's doctor.

Babies should
not be too hot
or too cold.

Place the crib away from radiators. 

Feel your baby's tummy to find out if he/she is hot or cold.  The tummy should feel warm.  If the baby is sweating, he/she is too hot.  If this is the case,  remove blanket and/or heavy clothing to cool the baby down.

Considering Alexander Thermometer

For more information, please contact Considering Alexander  Foundation.  We will do our very best to answer any queries directly or we will refer you.

Always keep your baby's head uncovered indoors.  Young babies cannot throw off blankets if they are too hot.

When putting a baby down to sleep, make sure that the whole of the head is free from bedclothes.

Place your baby on his/her BACK to sleep and in the FEET TO FOOT position, so that the baby's feet touch the bottom of the crib, making it more difficult for the baby to wriggle under the blanket.

Keep your baby in a SMOKE FREE environment.  If you are a smoker, do not share a bed with your baby.

If you think that your baby is unwell, please consult your doctor immediately.

Once again we emphasise … PUT YOUR BABY TO SLEEP ON HIS/HER BACK, AND IN THE FEET TO FOOT POSITION (as pictured above).  It is very important not to put your baby to sleep on his/her stomach, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.