Kentucky loses one baby every five days to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS. The state is launching a public awareness campaign to educate the public about the risks infants face when sleeping. Kentucky Department of Public Health mortality nurse Louan Cottrellsays after premature births and birth defects, SIDS is the leading cause of infant deaths
“Infants should never sleep in the same bed with an adult or with blankets, pillows, and soft toys, which all pose a risk of suffocation. Babies should always sleep on their backs alone in a crib.” Cottrell said.
Smoking during pregnancy or in the home around an infant is also a risk factor for SIDS. According to the state’s most recent figures, Kentucky had 386 sleep-related deaths among babies in 2013.
The state has posted an educational campaign online at safesleepky.org.
