FYI,

another excerpt from the pamphlet, "Back to Sleep, Questions and Answers for
Professionals on Infant Sleeping Position and SIDS":

"While this has been a significant concern to health professionals and
parents, there is no evidence that health babies are more likely to
experience serious or fatal aspiration episodes when they are supine.  In
fact, in the majority of the very small number of cases of death due to
aspiration, the infant's position at death, when known, was prone.  In
addition, indirect reassurance of the safety of the supine position for
infants comes fromthe knowledge that this position has been standard in
China, India, and other Asian countries for many years.  Finally, in
countries such as England, Australia, and New Zealand, whee there has been a
major change ininfant sleeping position frompredominately prone to
predominantly supine or side sleeping, there is no evidence of any increased
nuber of serious or fatal epissodes of aspiration of gastric contents."

The pamphlet also addresses:
effectiveness of side vs back position
when infants should be placed prone
best sleeping positon for the preterm infant
full term baby postion
if supine position causes flat heads
use of products to keep baby in supine position
use of soft surfaces for sleep
and other interesting questions

A copy of this pamphlet can be obtained (in the US) via the "Back to Sleep"
campaign line 1-800-505-CRIB

Cosponsors
American Academy of Pediatrics
US Public Health Service
SIDS Alliance
Association of SIDS and Infant Mortality Programs

Hope this helps,

Pierrette Mimi Poinsett MD FAAP
Modesto CA