SIDS is most common before babies turn 6 months old, especially between 2 and 4 months. After that, their neurologic systems are more developed, so their brains can better signal them to breathe when they're not getting enough oxygen. They also have the motor skills now to turn their heads to breathe. So put your child to bed on his back (the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends doing this for the first year), but if he flips over later, it's okay.

Just be sure to follow the other SIDS guidelines until he's 1, such as:

• Use a firm mattress
• Avoid soft bedding, pillows, or bumpers
• Avoid overheating or overbundling
• If you want your baby to sleep near you, go for a crib in the same room, instead of sharing a bed