Keep room temperature at 20°-22°C and refrain from
overdressing and excessive use of blankets and covers

The possible role of thermal stress in the etiology of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has been suggested by many researchers who have showed that many babies are put to bed under excessive amounts of bedding. Infants sleeping in the prone (face down) position with an excess of bedding are more likely to become hyperthermic than infants in the supine (on back) position with equal bedding. Raising the environmental temperature around healthy infants aged 3 months or less may have a negative effect on the respiratory control system. Thus, infants in this age range, which is the age of peak incidence of SIDS would be at increased risk of the consequences of overwrapping. The effect of overwrapping would likely be greater at the time of acute illness. Studies have shown that many parents respond to infections by increasing the amount of clothing and bedding. Researchers suggest that parents should be made more aware that overheating and hyperthermia may develop during illness and that appropriate bedding and clothing may help to reduce the incidence of SIDS further.

In conclusion:

	Do not over-clothe infants while sleeping especially if the baby is ill and has a fever.
	Use enough clothes to keep the baby warm without having to use a cover.
	Keep a room temperature that is comfortable for the parents, approximately 20°-22°C.