The Illinois State Police is reminding parents and caregivers throughout Southern Illinois about the importance of safe sleeping practices for infants as October is recognized as Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month.
According to state officials, sleep suffocation is the leading cause of reported child deaths in Illinois, with unsafe sleeping environments contributing to preventable infant fatalities.
Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly says investigators serving on Child Death Review Teams frequently witness the devastating effects of unsafe sleep conditions.
Those teams investigate child deaths and work to identify ways to prevent similar tragedies.
Common dangers include placing infants on soft sleeping surfaces, leaving blankets or stuffed animals inside cribs, allowing babies to sleep unsupervised in car seats or infant swings, and sharing a bed with parents or siblings.
State officials emphasize that babies should always sleep alone, on their backs, in a crib or bassinet equipped with a firm mattress and tightly fitted sheet.
Cribs should remain free of pillows, blankets, bumper pads, stuffed animals and other loose items.
Parents are also reminded that adult beds, couches, recliners, chairs and other soft surfaces are not safe sleeping locations for infants.
Illinois Department of Human Services Secretary Dulce Quintero says providing families with clear information about safe sleeping practices can help prevent unnecessary deaths.
Officials note that Sudden Unexpected Infant Death can affect families regardless of race, ethnicity or income level.
The Illinois State Police encourages parents, grandparents, babysitters and childcare providers across Wayne County and surrounding communities to follow safe sleep recommendations every time an infant is placed down to sleep.
Additional information and resources are available through the Illinois Department of Human Services Infant Safe Sleep website