DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is reminding parents of three easy steps they can take to make sure their children sleep safely. 

“Even the greatest parents can make mistakes and not put their baby to bed safely when stressed or in a rush,” Morrison said. “Parents should make sure their baby is alone, on their back and safe in a crib. Those three simple steps can be the difference between life and death.”

Morrison is echoing the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services’ call to be especially aware of safe sleep for infants in a time when many parents are experience extra stress and exhaustion. Parents should remember the ABC’s of safe sleep. A child should be alone and never sleeping with someone else, placed on their back and not on their sides or stomach, and in a crib rather than on a bed or couch.

Last year, between January 1 and June 30, 53 infants in Illinois under the age of 1 died as a result of being put to sleep unsafely. Being placed in a location to sleep other than a crib, bassinet or pack and play; lying in positions that weren’t on their back; or co-sleeping lead to the deaths. 

Babies are the most safe when they are alone in a crib with a firm mattress and tightly-fitted sheets. The crib should not have any pillows, blankets or stuffed animals. Additionally, a baby should never be put to sleep on an adult bed or couch. 

“Creating safe sleeping arrangements for children is imperative for their health and safety,” Morrison said. “Please take the extra time to make sure your baby is in their crib properly.”