WHEREAS, adult beds, couches, pillows and soft articles are not appropriate or safe for sleeping infants; and,

WHEREAS, babies sleep safest when sleeping alone, on their back in a bassinet or crib with a firm mattress and tightly fitted sheet and dressed appropriately so as not to overheat; and,

WHEREAS, during this month, we join with the Michigan Departments of Community Health, Education and Human Services, and other local agencies working collaboratively through the Infant Safe Sleep Advisory team, to raise awareness of the important steps parents can take to ensure the safety of their infant children while sleeping;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Snyder, Governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 2011 as Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month in Michigan.