Springfield-Greene County Health is encouraging caregivers to take steps to prevent infant deaths due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) as a part of SIDS Awareness Month and Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.
Unfortunately, there have been several deaths in Greene County this year due to unsafe sleeping conditions. According to Greene County Sherriff’s Office, there was one death due to accidental asphyxiation among children less than one year old in 2021. So far in 2022, there have been five deaths reported.
According to Safe Kids Springfield, unsafe sleep is the top cause of preventable infant death. The organization, led by Mercy, provides several tips for reducing an infant’s risk for SIDS and suffocation by creating a safe sleeping environment. These tips include:
- The ABC’s of Safe Sleep: always place your baby alone, on their back and in a crib for naps and nights until they are 1 year old.
- Ensure that babies are sleeping on firm, flat surfaces in their own crib
- Remove toys, blankets, pillows, bumper pads and other accessories from the crib.
- Do not smoke or allow smoking around your baby.
Expecting parents can learn more about how to keep their baby safe and healthy through the Health Department’s NEST Partnership. Pregnant individuals and parents of infants six months or younger who need more support than their doctor is able to provide may be eligible for services through this nurse care management program. More information and an interest form can be found at nestpartnership.org.
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Media may contact the Health Department PIO Team by call or text at 417-380-2556 or email at [email protected].
Springfield-Greene County Health Department
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