DICKINSON COUNTY -- If you're the mother of a baby, SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, is probably always in the back of your mind.

Although numbers have shown that laying a child on his or her back can reduce the rate of SIDS by nearly 50 percent, is there something else that could help?

A recent study published by the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine showed that babies who slept in a room with a fan were 72 percent less likely to die from SIDS, apparently because of increased circulation.

Pediatrician Dr. Tom Lamirand says it's a reasonable study, but feels more research needs to be done to confirm the finding.

"By moving the air, they probably provide some stimulation and then also may help to eliminate some carbon dioxide in the room and carbon dioxide in and around the infant's face as well," explained Lamirand.

More research or not, mother of two-and-a-half-month-old Lawson, feels it's definitely worth a shot.

"It was absolutely worth doing for the small cost, or wouldn't even say inconvenience, of using a fan," said Nicole Lutz.  "Absolutely anything that would help."

Experts say SIDS is the leading cause of death of infants between one month to 12 months of age.  They say it affects one in every 2,000 infants.

Since 1992, research shows the number of SIDS cases has dropped nearly 50 percent after experts started recommending infants be placed on their backs when sleeping.  But Dr. Lamirand says there are other ways to help decrease the risk.  He advises keeping the cribs clear of clutter such as pillows, comforters, and stuffed animals.  Placing blankets just under the abdomen and tucking them tightly around the child can also help.

But are certain babies more at risk?  Dr. Lamirand says yes, some are, including premature infants and those with low birth weight.

"We think it probably has something to do with the level of brain development," said Lamirand.  "It's thought that babies who ultimately die of SIDS that, the trigger isn't, is inappropriately set, so they don't take that breathe when they need to."

Officials say nearly 90 percent of cases occur within the first 6 months, and the danger is gone after a year.  But in the meantime, a simple fan in the baby's room may enable parents to sleep better at night.