Launched in 1994, the Back to Sleep Campaign is led by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), a part of the National Institutes of Health. Campaign partners include the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Pampers Parenting Institute, the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, and SIDS Alliance, and the Association of SIDS and Infant Mortality Programs.

In 1992 the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommended that babies be put to sleep on their back or side to possibly reduce the risk of SIDS. In 1996 that recommendation was amended; the AAP now believes that the back sleep position offers the lowest risk of SIDS. Studies have shown that infant stomach sleeping in the United States has decreased from 70% before the campaign to 21% in 1997; simultaneously the death rate from SIDS has dropped 43%.

* In its goal to reach every newborn nursery in the country, the Back to Sleep Campaign offers a variety of resources for the public. Consumers can telephone toll-free (800)505-CRIB (800)505-2742) or obtain free information on the campaign and SIDS. Materials available include brochures and videos in English and Spanish for parents and other caregivers, as well as crib stickers and door hangers to remind parents to place babies on their back.

* While no one knows what causes SIDS, we do know a lot about it. The search continues to find out why babies die and how to prevent these deaths from happening. Back sleeping will not prevent SIDS from happening in all cases.
*There have been SIDS cases where the baby was on their back, but it may reduce the risk of SIDS.*