September 2019: Infant Safe Sleep Awareness

WHEREAS, more than 140 babies in Michigan die every year, because of sleeping in an unsafe sleep environment; and,

 

WHEREAS, babies can suffocate as a result of sleeping in an adult bed or on other dangerous sleep surfaces, such as couches, armchairs or inclined devices, or with parents, siblings, caregivers or pets; and,

 

WHEREAS, these deaths are overwhelmingly preventable and our goal in Michigan is having zero deaths resulting from sleeping in an unsafe sleep environment; and,

 

WHEREAS, babies sleep safest when sleeping alone on their back in a crib, bassinet or portable play yard with a firm mattress and a tightly fitted sheet with no other items such as toys, pillows or blankets, and when they are dressed appropriately so as not to overheat; and,

 

WHEREAS, babies should sleep in the parents’ room close to the parents’ bed, but on a separate sleep surface; and,

 

WHEREAS, smoke free homes are best for babies, and help is available to quit; and,

 

WHEREAS, parents, grandparents, relatives, childcare providers and anyone caring for a baby are urged to learn more about how to keep babies safe every time they sleep; and,

 

WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, along with state and community partners, work collaboratively to raise awareness of the important steps parents, caregivers, childcare providers, and health professionals can take to reduce sleep-related infant deaths and disparities;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September as Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month in Michigan.