• Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiencies are common in the United States, which is unfortunate because healthy vitamin D levels prevent a host of illnesses like Parkinson"s disease, cancer, asthma and osteoporosis. A lack of vitamin D may also be one reason why rates of SIDS among African Americans are almost twice those of other ethnicities. It may also explain why SIDS is more common in winter months, when sunlight is scarce.

I will be publishing an article that Dr. John Cannell recently published, which suggests that vitamin D deficiency in the pregnant mom may be one of the major contributing factors for autism. It is absolutely imperative that all pregnant women have their vitamin D levels tested and make sure their blood levels are between 50 and 60 ng/ml.

Ideally you should get your vitamin D from healthy sun exposure (and healthy sun exposure for your baby after he’s born), but you can supplement with a high-quality, natural vitamin D as long as you have your levels monitored.

• Omega-3 fats: Omega-3 fat DHA is accumulated in fetal tissues, particularly the central nervous system. However, because animal cells cannot form omega-3 fatty acids, a fetus must obtain all of its omega-3 fats from its mother’s diet. A mother’s dietary intake and plasma concentrations of DHA directly influence the DHA status of the developing fetus.

Aside from lowering the risk of SIDS, omega-3 fats also help to prevent premature deliveries and maximize your baby’s intelligence.

• Pregnant women should make sure they’re eating very healthy, basing your diet on whole, fresh foods and including plenty of animal-based omega-3 fats, such as krill oil, and vitamin D from the sun or a high-quality oral supplement.

• Breastfeed your baby. Several studies performed in the United States and other industrialized nations reveal increased risks of SIDS among babies who receive formula instead of breast milk.

• Put your baby to sleep on their back. Babies who sleep on their tummy or side are more likely to die from SIDS.

• Use a chemical-free crib mattress, or one covered with an appropriate mattress cover. The mattress itself should be firm, and there should be no covers, pillow, bumper pads, stuffed animals, or toys, as these all increase the risk of SIDS.

• Be careful not to put too many clothes on the baby at bedtime. Use just enough clothing to keep the baby comfortable but not so much that they could overheat.

• Keep your baby’s room temperature comfortable (again, you want to avoid overheating the baby), and use a fan to help circulate the air.

• Learn about the risks of vaccinations, and decide which ones are right, or not right, for your baby.

• Avoid cigarette smoke. Babies born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy, or raised in an area where they’re exposed to tobacco smoke, are more likely to die from SIDS.