October 2022: Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month

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

WHEREAS, babies can suffocate when sleeping in an adult bed or on other dangerous sleep surfaces such as couches and armchairs; or with parents, siblings, caregivers, pets, or with soft objects; and,

WHEREAS, deaths due to unsafe sleep environments are overwhelmingly preventable and our goal in Michigan is zero preventable deaths; 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 dressed appropriately to prevent overheating; and,

WHEREAS, babies should sleep in the parent/caregiver’s room close to the parent/caregiver’s bed on a separate sleep surface; and,

WHEREAS, breastfeeding is encouraged because it is associated with lower instances of sleep-related infant death; and,

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

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

WHEREAS, significant health disparities exist in sleep-related infant deaths with Black babies dying at more than three times the rate of white babies as a result of inequities rooted in systemic racism; and,

WHEREAS, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, working collaboratively with families, communities and institutional partners, raises awareness and promotes system changes that result in Michigan babies being able to sleep safely;

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