DHEC advertising Safe Sleep for Babies

In South Carolina, six infants die each month from unsafe sleep. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) warns parents about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or SIDS. Babies are at risk of sleep-related deaths until they are a year old, and most deaths occur when babies are between 1-4 months of age. There are about 3,500 sleep-related deaths among US babies each year. It’s important for parents and all caregivers to know and share the ABCs of safe sleep. Simple, consistent actions can make a big difference in keeping your baby safe. Alone: Babies should sleep alone in their own safe sleep space such as a crib or bassinet with a firm, flat mattress. For the first year of life, baby should have a separate safe sleep space in the parent’s room. Back: Always put your baby to sleep on his or her back, both for naps and at night. Placing babies on their backs to sleep is one of the most important ways to prevent SIDS. Crib: Make sure that the crib or bassinet you’re using is safety approved by the Consumer Products Safety Commission and that the crib is bare. Remove all pillows, blankets soft toys, or bumpers. Learn more, by visiting www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/safesleep/.