Reno, Nev. Oct. 1, 2024. As part of October being Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month, the Washoe County Human Services Agency (HSA) and the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office are reminding the community about the importance of using safe sleep practices when putting an infant to sleep.
Unsafe sleep practice is one of the leading causes of death among otherwise healthy infants under the age of one in Washoe County. Unfortunately, there have been 28 infant deaths in Washoe County from FY 2019 to 2024, all due to unsafe sleep situations.
“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. “When putting an infant to sleep, we are asking those who care for a child to make sure the child is sleeping Alone, always on their Back and in a Crib.”
Most infant safe sleep deaths can be prevented if those caring for an infant practice these easy-to-do, preventable measures:
- Infants should be placed on a firm mattress.
- Have a tightly fitted sheet.
- No other items, such as toys, pillows, or blankets in the sleep area.
Health officials recommend sleep sacks as a wonderful alternative to blankets, and babies don’t need stuffed animals, crib bumper pads or anything else in the crib to sleep.
Join HSA in raising awareness about the importance of infant safe sleep by using #InfantSafeSleep. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
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