Every year in the United States, approximately 3,500 babies die suddenly and unexpectedly. Of these sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID), approximately 1,600 babies die from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Despite infant safe sleep educational efforts dating back to 1992 with the national Back to Sleep Campaign and the current Safe to sleep Campaign, we are still losing thousands of babies suddenly and unexpectedly. In Ohio alone, nearly 3 infant deaths each week are sleep related!
We know that there are no ways to prevent all sudden unexpected infant deaths but there are protective measures parents and caregivers can take to reduce the risk of this happening to their baby. Many of the risk factors for SIDS and sleep related infant deaths are similar. Because of this, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) expanded their recommendations in 2016 and focused on safe sleep environments that will reduce the risk of all sleep related infant deaths including SIDS.