Home > New & Expectant Parents > Overheating

Overheating

Take care not to overheat your baby. Overheating, sometimes referred to as thermal stress, is considered to be a leading risk factor for SIDS. It is still unclear why thermal stress may trigger a SIDS death. A number of hypotheses and theories continue to be investigated and new information and research are published periodically. Research indicates that SIDS deaths are more common in the winter and fall seasons. One theory links seasonality with overheating and a tendency to overdress during colder seasons.

Be sure that you don't overheat your baby with too much clothing and/or bedding and keep room temperature at what would be comfortable for a lightly clothed adult. When bringing baby in from the outside, remember to remove outwear and other coverings immediately, and do not use blankets or other coverings as a weather or sun screen.