GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A West Michigan doctor says safe sleep strategies including back sleeping, keeping cribs clear and avoiding smoking can help protect your baby from SIDS.

Around 3,400 babies die from sudden infant death syndrome, SIDS, per year, according to the CDC. There are a few key practices that parents can use to protect their children, Vice President of Medical and Clinical Operations at Priority Health Dr. David Rzeszutko told News 8.

Key safety tips include putting babies to sleep on their backs, avoiding smoking and keeping cribs clear of blankets, stuffed animals and pillows. Cribs, bassinets and play pens should have firm, flat mattresses with fitted sheets. Breastfeeding may also prevent SIDS, according to Rzeszutko.

“The reason that we want to use a back to sl

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