The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) and Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) are reminding parents and caregivers that creating a safe sleep environment every time a baby sleeps can help prevent sudden unexpected infant deaths.
In Louisiana, about 90 babies die in the sleep environment each year, and most of those deaths are preventable. About 70% of sleep-related infant deaths from 2021 through 2023 occurred before the baby was 4 months old.
“Babies should sleep on their backs, in their own safe sleep space, on a firm, flat surface with nothing else in the crib," said Louisiana Surgeon General Evelyn Griffin, MD. "Parents and caregivers should also pay attention to what their baby is exposed to, and tell their baby's doctor about any concerning changes in their health or behavior. Creating a safe sleep environment and staying alert to other risks can help protect babies and save lives.”
Parents and caregivers can help babies sleep safely by:
-Putting babies on their backs for every sleep.
-Giving babies their own sleep space. Use a crib, bassinet, or pack ’n play with a firm mattress and fitted sheet.
-Keeping the sleep space clear. Do not place pillows, blankets, toys, stuffed animals, bumper pads, or loose bedding in the baby’s sleep area.
-Moving sleeping babies out of car seats, swings, and other furniture. Move them to a crib, bassinet, or pack ’n play as soon as possible.
-Keeping babies away from tobacco smoke and nicotine exposure.
Sharing safe sleep practices with everyone who cares for the baby. Make sure family members, babysitters, and childcare providers know how to create a safe sleep environment.
Being mindful of medications and substances that can cause drowsiness or impairment. These can make it harder for a caregiver to stay alert and increase a baby’s risk of a sleep-related death, especially if the caregiver falls asleep while holding or caring for the baby.
Families can find more information about safe sleep, including resources and videos for parents and caregivers, at GiveYourBabySpace.org. Families can also call (800) 251-BABY (2229) for information and connections to family resources and services. The helpline is confidential and available 24 hours a day.