News and Events

October is Safe Sleep and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month

The month of October is dedicated to educating caregivers on practices that reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, such as accidental suffocation, strangulation, and SIDS. A safe sleep environment includes placing an infant on their back to sleep on a firm, flat surface with a fitted sheet and using a wearable blanket instead of loose blankets, pillows, or stuffed toys. The goal is to provide consistent information to help families make informed decisions and reduce the approximately 3,400 annual sleep-related infant deaths in the U.S.

In Alabama, we need to be aware every day. Each year, babies die suddenly and unexpectedly. Some of these deaths result from unknown causes, such as SIDS, while others are from known causes, including unsafe sleep practices. Safe sleep is hard, but your baby is worth it. Follow these guidelines for safe sleep:

1. Make a safe sleep plan and follow that plan even when you are exhausted.
2. Always follow the ABCs of safe sleep.
   • A is for Alone: Babies should not sleep with pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, or other people.
   • B is for Back: Always place your baby to sleep on their back, not on their stomach or side.
   • C is for Crib: Always place your baby to sleep in their crib, not on an adult bed, sofa, cushion, or other soft surfaces.

Let's keep Alabama babies safe!