Sudden infant death syndrome prevention apparatus

A safety pad or mattress such as for use in a crib prevents sudden infant death syndrome by ensuring an oxygenated breathing space beneath the infant. Reticulated foam or other air permeable material is made into the shape of a pad or even a mattress and covered with a fitted open weave fabric covering. An air tube is embedded in the pad or mattress and interconnected with an air pump which circulates fresh, i.e., oxygenated, air in a breathing space formed beneath an infant by the air permeable mattress. The forced air circulation flushes any exhaled carbon dioxide from the breathing space, even when the infant is face down or otherwise in a prone position on the mattress, to prevent carbon dioxide poisoning. The materials of the fabric covering and air permeable mattress permit any fluids regurgitated from the infant to drain away from the infant's face. A relatively tight fit for the fitted covering obviates loose fitting sheets to further prevent potential entanglement and suffocation of a recumbent infant.