Westchester Reporter

During October, recognized as Safe Sleep and Sudden Infant Death Awareness Month, the Westchester County Health Department emphasizes the importance of following safe sleep practices for infants. The department highlights the ABCs of Safe Sleep: Alone, on their Backs, and in a Crib. These guidelines are supported by both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Dr. Sherlita Amler, Westchester County Health Commissioner, advises caregivers to "always place baby to sleep on his or her back, alone in a crib on a firm flat mattress covered only by a fitted sheet, with no soft toys, blankets, pillows or bumpers." She further stresses that while room-sharing is acceptable, bed-sharing poses significant risks.

Statistics from the CDC indicate 3,400 sleep-related infant deaths occur annually in the United States. In New York State alone, approximately 90 infants die each year due to sleep-related causes. Over the past decade, nearly 80 child fatalities have been reviewed locally by the Westchester County Child Fatality Review Team.

Dr. Jennifer Canter, Professor of Pediatrics at New York Medical College School of Medicine and member of the County’s Child Fatality Review Team for 22 years, identifies unsafe sleep environments as a common factor in many infant deaths she has examined. She urges parents and caregivers to consistently apply safe sleep practices: "Parents, grandparents and caregivers can save their baby’s life by practicing the ABCs of Safe Sleep every time baby naps or goes to sleep."

The Health Department plans to disseminate information about safe sleep practices through social media platforms and its website.