Nearly 4,000 infants die unexpectedly every year in the U.S., with the most common causes being Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and accidental sleep suffocation. In many other cases, a cause cannot be identified.
Reducing accidental sleep suffocation and promoting safe sleeping habits in infants is the main impetus behind Safe Sleep Awareness Month, held this October in Illinois.
“Safe Sleep is all about the ABCS: Babies should always sleep Alone, on their Backs in a safe Crib in a Smoke-free Environment,” said DCFS Acting Director Bobbie Gregg.
Experts list several additional measures parents can take to reduce the risk of harm to infants, including using a firm surface in a safety-approved crib and excluding soft objects, such as pillows and bedding from a baby’s crib. Experts also warn against letting infants sleep anywhere other than a crib.
DCFS displayed a crib at the Thompson Center in downtown Chicago this week, highlighting the importance of ensuring infants are safe while sleeping. State Senator Julie Morrison (D – Deerfield) visited the display.
“Reducing the incidence of SIDS and other injuries to infants begins with education,” Morrison said. “We must continue to make sure parents have all of the information they need to protect their children.”
Click below to learn more about Safe Sleep Awareness Month and general crib safety:
