Reports of deaths statewide
show need for more education
By Becky Long
Publisher
Clay County Sheriff’s Office in partnership with the Department of Social Services is raising awareness about sleep related deaths involving infants.
Infant death and accidental suffocation are on the rise, according to an informational report sent by Clay County Lt. Joe Wood.
Tragically in recent weeks two infants from Clay County died while sleeping, according to the report.
The number of these accidental deaths reflects the need for more education.
More than 100 infants in North Carolina die suddenly and unexpectedly each year while sleeping. An infant is defined as a child under 1 year of age.
Most of these deaths are associated with unsafe sleep environments, such as blankets in a crib, sleeping on an adult bed, or sharing a bed or couch with another person (co-sleeping).
Here’s information from the recommended website: safesleepnc.org
What is SUID? Is it the same as SIDS?
“If you’re a new parent or are expecting a child, you may have already heard a lot about SIDS,” says Sarah Lazarus, DO, a pediatric emergency department physician at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. “What we don’t talk about as commonly is SUID, or sudden unexpected infant deaths. SIDS is actually a type of SUID, but there are other types, too.”
Types of sudden unexpected infant deaths include:
• Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
• Accidental suffocation or strangulation in bed (ASSB)
• Unknown cause of death
Here are some SUID fast facts for parents to keep in mind:
The risk for SIDS is highest for babies younger than 6 months.
SUID rates are higher in non-Hispanic Black infants and slightly more common in males than females.
Factors that increase the risk for SUID include mom smoking, baby not being properly vaccinated and poor prenatal care.
The ABCs of safe sleep
Putting baby to sleep safely is a matter of getting back to basics. Don’t worry about fancy gadgets or old wives’ tales—just focus on the ABCs of safe sleep:
Put your baby to sleep alone. “Snuggling is a great way to bond with your baby, but bed sharing is never safe,” says Lazarus. Sharing a bed or napping on the couch puts your baby at risk for suffocation.
Place your baby on their back. Your baby’s neck muscles aren’t strong enough to prevent suffocation if they sleep on their stomach, so being flat on their back on a firm surface is the only safe way to sleep.
Ensure your baby’s sleep space is clear. Their crib mattress should be firm, covered in only a fitted sheet, and the crib should be empty. Blankets, toys, lovies, bumper pads and other items can all cause suffocation.
Visit: safesleepnc.org/safe-sleep-recommendations/