Rising Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Expert Shares Tips for Safer Sleep Practices

Recent statistics highlight a concerning rise in sleep-related infant deaths in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 3,500 infants die annually while sleeping, with causes including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. The trend has been particularly noticeable over the past four years in regions like Suffolk County, NY, where up to 50% of infant deaths under two years old were linked to unsafe sleep environments.

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics reports a nearly 12% increase in sudden infant death rates between 2020 and 2022. Additionally, the CDC notes that instances of suffocation and strangulation in bed have been climbing since 1995, underscoring the need for heightened awareness.

Expert Susan Katz, RN, DNP, PNP, from Stony Brook Medicine, emphasizes the importance of safe sleep practices. She advocates for the ABCs of Sleep: Babies should sleep Alone, on their Back, and in a Crib. Katz stresses that most of these tragic deaths are preventable and offers essential guidelines for caregivers:

• Remove pillows, blankets, stuffed toys, and bumper pads from the crib, as these items can cause suffocation or strangulation.
• Share a room with your baby but avoid bed-sharing to prevent accidental suffocation.
• Dress infants in light sleep clothing and use sleep sacks instead of blankets to prevent overheating and suffocation risks.
• Never put a baby to sleep with a bottle, as it can lead to choking and dental issues; instead, feed them before placing in the crib.
• Use a pacifier at sleep times to reduce SIDS risk, but only after breastfeeding is well established.
• Keep the sleeping environment smoke-free and free from alcohol or sedative influence to ensure a safe environment.
• Never leave a baby unattended in a car seat, as heatstroke can occur rapidly even on mild days.

Implementing these precautions can significantly reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths. Parents and caregivers are urged to stay informed about safe sleep environments and practices to protect their little ones.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-infant-deaths-expert-babies-safer.html