Denver, Colorado – Unsafe sleep practices remain a significant concern contributing to sudden unexpected infant deaths in the United States. According to a recent study published in Pediatrics, about 75% of infants who died from sudden unexpected infant death were affected by multiple unsafe practices at the time of their death. Additionally, nearly 60% of these infants were found sharing a sleep surface with another person, contrary to safety guidelines.
Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) refers to the tragic loss of infants under the age of 1 year old who pass away suddenly and unexpectedly without a clear cause. These deaths, which include sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), accidental suffocation, and other unknown causes, account for approximately 3,400 deaths annually in the U.S.
The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly discourages infants from sharing a sleep surface with parents, other adults, or siblings due to the increased risk of such deaths. However, the recent study conducted on 7,595 infants who died from SUID between 2011 and 2020 revealed a concerning prevalence of bedsharing among these infants.
Compared to non-sharing infants, those who were found bedsharing at the time of their death tended to be younger (0-3 months old), non-Hispanic Black, and insured by Medicaid. They were also more likely to have been exposed to maternal smoking during pregnancy and were often supervised by someone impaired by drugs or alcohol.
The study also highlighted that despite recommendations for safe infant sleep, a significant number of infants were not placed in the recommended back position for sleep. Furthermore, many infants were found in sleep environments with soft bedding, which can increase the risk of suffocation.
Efforts to educate families on safe sleep practices are crucial in reducing the number of sudden unexpected infant deaths. Providing free cribs to families in need, implementing innovative education programs, and focusing on high-risk families are all strategies that could help prevent these tragic deaths.
Further research is needed to identify the most effective ways to educate and engage parents on safe sleep practices. By addressing these factors and prioritizing safe sleep environments for infants, we can work towards reducing the rates of sudden unexpected infant deaths and eliminating disparities in these occurrences.