Ninety percent of these deaths occur by six months of age, and the peak period is from two to four months. Safe sleep recommendations are intended for the first 12 months of a baby's life.
The AAP recommends that you place your baby on his or her back at the start of all sleep periods in the first year of life. As they develop, a baby may turn over to another position during sleep. Once babies reach the age where they are well able to roll from back to belly and from belly to back on their own, usually by around six months, they can remain in the position they assumed.
No. The AAP does not recommend the use of any product that restricts the movement of an infant. These products can and have had unintended consequences resulting in deaths, and some have even been recalled because of that.
To protect a baby from the risk of a flat spot, the AAP recommends offering lots of tummy time for your baby when he is awake and being watched by you. Tummy time can begin once baby comes home from the hospital of birth. An early goal is to increase the time so that baby receives at least 15 to 30 minutes of tummy time by 7 weeks of age. Also, make sure that your baby isn't spending all his or her time in a crib, or a car seat or an infant carrier. Pick your baby up, spend time holding your baby, and enjoy lots of cuddle time.