South Central Reporter

The Hospital Sisters Health System's (HSHS) Women and Infants Centers are emphasizing the importance of safe sleep habits to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This reminder comes in light of October being Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month.

Unsafe sleep is a significant cause of death for children under one year old. In 2022, approximately 3,700 sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) occurred in the United States, with 1,529 attributed to SIDS. Notably, non-Hispanic black infants were over four times more likely to die from SUID than their non-Hispanic white or Hispanic counterparts in 2021.

Medical experts advocate for the ABCs of safe sleep practices until babies reach one year old: Alone, Back, and Crib. Babies should sleep alone without blankets or bumpers, always be placed on their backs, and use a crib with a firm mattress.

Debbie Martin, APRN, NNP-BC, a neonatal nurse practitioner at HSHS St. Joseph’s Women and Infants Center stated, “We educate all of our parents on safe sleep habits. Babies should be laid down to sleep on their backs until they are old enough to roll over and have enough neck strength to turn their heads from side-to-side.”

HSHS hospitals in Southern Illinois have received various accreditations for promoting safe care during delivery. St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon was recognized as a Gold Cribs for Kids Infant Safe Sleep Hospital by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program in August 2024. St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care.

Amanda Schaefer MSN, RN, Manager of Women and Infants Center at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital advised parents about staying awake during late-night feedings: “If you think you’re likely to fall asleep, remove bedding or other objects from the area.”

For further information on safe sleep habits, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website at aap.org.