Do not allow anyone to smoke around your baby. This holds true whether your baby is asleep or awake. Babies who are exposed to smoke face an increased risk of SIDS, as well as other health complications, such as asthma.

If your child spends time with a child-care provider, baby­sitter, grandparent, or anyone else, insist that safety guide­lines are followed in that environment also.

Keep your baby warm, but not too warm. Keep the bedroom at a comfortable sleeping temperature, usually between 65°F and 72°F (i8°C to 22°C). Be careful not to overheat your baby. If your newborn comes home from the hospital wear­ing a hat, ask your doctor if he should wear it to sleep and for how long. A hat could contribute to overheating.

Do not use blankets or comforters under or over the baby. They can entangle your baby or become a suffocation haz­ard. Instead, when the temperature warrants, dress your baby in warm sleeper pajamas layered with an undershirt.

Dress your baby in flame-resistant and snug-fitting sleepwear, not oversized, loose-fitting cotton or cotton-blend clothing. Billowy or cotton fabrics pose a burn hazard in case of fire or even with a close encounter with your stove or fireplace.

Do not allow your baby to sleep on a soft sleeping surface such as a pillow, sofa, water bed, beanbag chair, pillow-top mattress, foam pad, sheepskin, feather bed, or any other soft and flexible surface. Baby should sleep only on a firm, flat mattress, with a smooth, wrinkle-free sheet that stays securely fastened around the mattress.

Do not leave stuffed toys or pillows in bed with your baby. You may leave a small, safe "lovey" as described on pages 117—119 with a baby more than four months old who can roll over and lift and move his head easily.

Keep night-lights, lamps, and all electrical items away from where Baby sleeps.

Make sure you have a working smoke detector in Baby's sleeping room, and check it as often as the manufacturer sug­gests.

Do not put a baby to sleep near a window, window blinds, cords, or draperies.

If your baby is sick or feverish, call your doctor or hospital promptly.

Keep your baby's regular appointments for well-baby checkups.

Never shake or hit your baby. (The National Commission on Sleep Disorders Research concluded that infant abuse often occurs when a parent is sleep-deprived and at the end of his or her rope. If you feel like you may lose your temper with your baby, put her in a safe place or with another care- giver, and go take a breather.)

Never tie a pacifier to your baby with a string, ribbon, or cord, as any of these can become wound around your baby's finger, hand, or neck.

Follow all safety precautions when your baby is sleeping away from home, whether in a car seat, stroller, or unfamiliar place. Take extra time and care to create a safe sleeping place for your baby, no matter where you are.

Never leave a baby unattended while in a stroller, baby seat, swing, or car seat.

Never leave a pet with access to a sleeping baby.

Learn how to perform infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Be sure that all other caregivers for your baby are also trained in infant CPR.

Keep your baby's environment clean. Wash bedding often. Wash your hands after diapering your baby and before feed­ing. Wash Baby's hands and face frequently.

Breastfeed your baby whenever possible. Breast milk decreases the risk of certain illnesses and infections, which, in turn, can decrease the risk of SIDS and other health problems.

Pay attention to your own health and well-being. If you have feelings of anxiety, panic, confusion, sadness, regret, irri­tability, or hopelessness, you may be suffering from postpartum depression. Please see your doctor and explain your symptoms. This condition is common, and treatment is available.

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