Illinois State Police Promotes Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police is recognizing October as Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month and reminding parents and caregivers that safe sleeping practices can help prevent infant deaths. State police say sleep suffocation is the leading cause of reported child deaths in Illinois, and many of these deaths are preventable. Unsafe sleeping conditions include soft surfaces, blankets and stuffed animals in cribs, allowing infants to sleep unattended in car seats or swings, and sharing a bed with parents or siblings. The safest place for an infant to sleep is alone and on their back in a crib or bassinet with a tightly fitted sheet. Pillows, blankets, crib bumpers and other loose items should be kept out of the sleeping area. Adult beds, couches, chairs and other soft surfaces are not safe for infants to sleep on. Illinois State Police investigators work with Child Death Review Teams across the state to examine child deaths and identify ways to prevent similar tragedies. Parents and caregivers can find safe sleep guidance through the Illinois Department of Human Services.