By Scripps Howard News Service

The American Academy of Pediatrics published a 2005 policy statement that discourages parents from sharing beds with infants. The statement includes recommendations to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome during naps and overnight. Here are the academy's seven guidelines:

Safe baby sleep zone: This graphic describes federally recommended procedures to keep babies safe when put to bed. (SHNS graphic by Chris Campbell)1. Infants should be placed on their back for sleep. Side sleeping is not as safe and is not advised.

2. Soft materials, such as pillows or comforters, should not be placed under a sleeping infant.

3. Keep soft objects and loose bedding out of the crib.

4. Create a separate but nearby sleeping environment.

5. Consider offering a pacifier throughout the first year of life.

6. The infant should be lightly clothed for sleep. Avoid over-bundling.

7. Avoid commercial devices marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS. Do not use home monitors (since) there is no evidence that monitors reduce its frequency.