Reno, Nev. Oct. 11, 2023. 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 2018 to 2023, all due to unsafe sleep situations.
As part of October being Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month, the Washoe County Human Services Agency (HSA), the Washoe County Health District, and the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office are collaborating in various ways throughout the year to remind the community about the importance of using safe sleep practices when putting an infant to sleep.
Health officials ask that anyone caring for an infant, practices the ABC’s of safe sleep. When putting an infant down, always have the infant Alone, on its 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.
Babies under the age of one can easily suffocate as a result of sleeping in an adult bed or on other dangerous sleep surfaces, such as couches, armchairs or pillows because their neck muscles haven’t fully developed. Sleep sacks are a wonderful alternative to blankets, and babies don’t need stuffed animals, crib bumper pads, or anything else in the crib to sleep.
The infant safe sleep awareness community outreach campaign will reach the community in several strategic ways throughout the year:
- Billboard campaign, courtesy of Lamar Advertising.
- TV and radio public service announcements.
- Posters at the Reno Swift Sportsdome.
- Social media campaign.
- Video trainings are being produced to distribute to first responders and local professionals.
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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