Reno, Nev. Oct. 1, 2025. October is Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month and the Washoe County Human Services Agency (HSA) is reminding the community about the importance of carefully putting an infant to sleep by using the A-B-C method, meaning a baby should always be put to sleep by placing it Alone, on its Back and in a Crib. Unsafe sleep practices have become one of the leading causes of death among otherwise healthy infants under the age of one in Washoe County. Unfortunately, there have been 23 infant deaths in Washoe County from Fiscal Years 2020 to 2025, all due to unsafe sleep situations. Studies show most infant safe sleep deaths can be prevented if those caring for an infant practice the following:
- Place infant on a firm mattress.
- Have a tightly fitted sheet.
- No other items, such as toys, pillows, or blankets should be included in the sleep area.
“October is Infant Safe Sleep Month, which serves as a great way to reiterate the importance of practicing safe sleep habits when putting a child down for bed. Babies can suffocate as a result of sleeping in an adult bed or on other dangerous sleep surfaces, such as couches, armchairs or pillows,” said HSA Director Ryan Gustafson. “We ask those caring for an infant to be vigilant and avoid tragedy.”
Learn more about infant safe sleep on our website.
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