Last Updated: October 7, 2024
What is the main problem?
October is the awareness month for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). In the U.S., approximately 3,700 infants die every year from sleep-related deaths, the largest percentage of non-natural infant deaths.
No one should lose a child. We can take steps to keep our tiniest community members safe and healthy while they sleep!
What do I need to do?
The national Safe to Sleep campaign shares a lot of great information about ways to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths. Here are just a few steps you can take:
- Always place babies on their backs for naps and at night when they go to sleep.
- Make sure the sleep surface is firm, flat, level, and covered only with a fitted sheet.
- Remove any extra items in the sleep area—this includes soft objects, toys, and crib bumpers. You can take the #CleartheCrib challenge to practice this important step!
Why is it important for me to do this?
When we learn strategies for keeping babies safe during sleep, we can work together as families and caregivers to reduce the rate of SIDS in our communities.