CHICAGO —The recently launched Illinois Safe Sleep Support program, led by 12 government and community agencies, aims to address sudden unexpected infant death, one of the leading causes of infant mortality. They will focus on outreach and education to expand community-based promotion of safe sleep practices and promote resources to improve safe sleep environments. Sudden Unexpected Infant Death is one of the leading causes of infant mortality in Illinois and the nation. The state lost 737 babies to infant death before their first birthday in 2020. These deaths often happen during sleep or in the baby’s sleep area and are frequently caused by accidental suffocation.
“All Illinois families should be aware of the risks and ways to prevent crib deaths and keep their loved ones safe. This gives babies the best chance to thrive during their first year and beyond,” said Governor Pritzker.
Although the quality of healthcare has improved in Illinois, racial disparities for infant mortality have remained a concern. Rates of SUID have remained steady since 2000 in the state, but rates are disproportionately higher for Black infants. In Cook County, SUID occurred 16 times more often in Black infants.
The Illinois Safe Sleep Support program aligns with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines which include placing infants on their backs to sleep and keeping soft items like pillows, blankets, and bumpers out of their sleep space. Together, these actions help prevent suffocation or strangulation. For more information on Illinois Safe Sleep Support program, visit InfantSafeSleep.Illinois.gov.
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