The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is highlighting the importance of safe sleep practices for infants during Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month in October. Caregivers are being reminded to follow the ABCs of safe sleep: babies should always sleep Alone, on their Backs, and in a safety-approved Crib. Officials note that unsafe sleep environments continue to be a top contributor to infant deaths in Illinois. The department is urging families and childcare providers to remove pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals from cribs, and to avoid bed sharing with infants, to prevent tragic and preventable outcomes.
“Protecting the safety and well-being of children is at the heart of our mission, and one important way we can achieve this by reminding parents and caregivers of their ABCs: infants should always sleep Alone, on their Backs and in a safe Crib,” said Illinois DCFS Director Heidi E. Mueller. “We know parents want to do everything possible to keep their infants healthy and safe, and we also know that sleep-related infant deaths are more likely when children are sleeping in unfamiliar environments or not in the care of a parent. Communicating a sleeping plan with your family, babysitters or caregivers can help keep your infants safe and prevent the heartbreaking loss of infant lives.”
For more safe sleep information and resources, visit the Sleep Safety page on the DCFS website.
