MDHHS encourages parents to practice safe sleep guidelines in honor of Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is encouraging parents to learn about and implement safe sleep practices for infants during Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month, highlighting the life-saving steps families can take to help every baby sleep safely and grow up healthy. 

Safe sleep refers to recommended practices that reduce the risk of sleep-related injuries or death in infants by providing a safe and secure sleep space for babies. On average, a sleep-related infant death occurs every two to three days in Michigan. 

“Safe sleep isn’t just a routine, it’s a powerful tool to prevent infant deaths,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “With awareness and support, every parent and caregiver can feel confident and empowered to create a safe sleep environment for their baby. Every nap and every night should follow guidelines that protect babies and give parents peace of mind.”

If all sleep-related deaths were prevented, Michigan’s infant mortality rate for 2022 would have decreased by 23.1%, saving the lives of 150 babies. Many of these deaths are preventable with evidence-based safe sleep practices. 

The ABCs of Safe Sleep:  

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that babies sleep:  

• Alone. 

• Back (on their back, not their side or stomach). 

• Crib (in a safety-approved crib, bassinet or pack and play with a firm mattress with a tightly fitted sheet and no soft bedding, pillows, toys or bumpers). 

More recommendations for infant safe sleep practices include:  

• Putting babies to sleep on their back in their own sleep space.  

•     Back sleeping protects a baby’s airway and ensures access to fresh air. Babies are safest in a crib, bassinet or pack and play with a tightly fitted sheet.  

• Removing clutter from sleep spaces.  

•     Stuffed animals, pillows, blankets and other soft objects are a suffocation hazard and should be kept out of a baby’s sleep space.  

• Breastfeeding babies if possible. 

•     Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of sleep-related death. It provides the best nutrition, builds healthy immune systems and promotes bonding.  

• Avoid overheating. 

•     When a baby gets too warm, it can increase a baby’s risk of sleep-related infant death. Parents and caregivers should use a sleep sack or wearable blanket if baby is cold.  

• Do not use seats, swings or a couch for routine sleep.  

•     Babies are at risk of suffocation when they sleep in an inclined seat, on a couch or chair.  

•     If baby falls asleep in an unsafe location, they should be moved to a crib, bassinet or pack and play. 

• Planning ahead. 

•     Falling asleep with baby can put them at risk for suffocation, falling and other injuries. There are steps parents and caregivers can take to plan ahead.  

Parents should make sure everyone who cares for their baby knows how to keep baby safe while sleeping. For more information and resources on safe sleep, visit the MDHHS Safe Infant Sleep webpage. 

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