March 28, 2024
Annapolis, US 47 F

July is Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month

July is Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month. Anne Arundel County’s rate of infant mortality is 5.1 per 1,000 live births, with sleep-related causes being the third leading cause of infant deaths after prematurity and congenital abnormalities. In 2016, there were eight Anne Arundel County infant deaths linked to unsafe sleeping practices, including bed sharing and sleeping under piles of blankets.

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health urges all parents, grandparents and caregivers to learn safe infant sleep practices. The safest way to put babies to sleep is by following the safe sleep ABC’s – Alone, on their Backs, in a safe Crib.

The Department of Health offers the following tips for safe sleep for babies:

Use a firm mattress that fits tightly into the crib frame and is covered by a well-fitting sheet.

The distance between crib rails should not be wider than a 12-ounce soda can.

Loose bedding, soft toys and bumpers should not be in the crib.

For more tips on infant safe sleep practices and other infant care information and resources, visit www.aahealthybabies.org. For tips on a good mattress, please read this review. The Department of Health provides free Healthy Pregnancy and Baby Care Kits to county residents. To order the free kits, visit www.aahealthybabies.org or call 410-222-7223.

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