Modesto Bee Article

Bee Staff Reports
last updated: June 19, 2009

THE ISSUE: Last year, the Stanislaus County coroner's office noticed a troubling pattern of infant deaths caused by hazardous sleeping arrangements.

THE NUMBERS: Fourteen babies died in Stanislaus County during an eight-month period ending in April 2008, nearly all from accidental suffocation while sleeping with parents or family members. Two deaths occurred on the same day. In 2006, 12 babies died from asphyxiation or sudden infant death syndrome.

WHAT WAS DONE: County officials worked with media outlets to alert the public about the dangers of falling asleep next to a baby and urged parents to put their babies safely in cribs.

WHAT HAS HAPPENED SINCE: The number of deaths declined to four in the past year.

WHAT'S NEXT: To continue the positive trend, the coroner's office and county Health Services Agency launched a public education campaign Thursday with bilingual brochures, posters and a DVD on safe sleeping choices for infants. The cost of the materials was covered by a $10,000 grant from the Stanislaus County Children and Families Commission. County agencies are working with community organizations to distribute the information to the public. Parents need to know that how and where a baby sleeps matters. Tragedies may occur if a baby gets trapped under a sleeping parent, is smothered by pillows or blankets, or falls off the bed.

UNSAFE

• Babies should never sleep in a crowded bed or with adults on couches or recliners.

• Don't place a baby in a crib with soft, fluffy bedding, pillows and stuffed toys.

• Never sleep with your baby if you have been drinking alcohol, using drugs or taking medication that makes it hard to wake up.

SAFE

• A crib is the safest place for a baby to sleep.

• The baby should sleep on his or her back, with feet at the bottom of the crib and a light blanket tucked in snugly on three sides.

• Swaddling is a good way to keep an infant warm and safe.

• Anyone who watches your baby should know how to safely put a baby down to sleep.