Surge in infant deaths prompts warning to parents from Indiana's health department

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Suffocation caused by unsafe sleep environments is the third-leading cause of death for Indiana infants, state officials said in a new warning to parents Monday.

Health officials in Indiana are reminding parents to make sure infants and young children are safe when sleeping, including not co-sleeping, in which parents share their bed with young children.

The warning from the Indiana Department of Health came after 10 infant deaths in August caused by "unsafe sleep environments," according to a news release Monday from state officials. The release said the department usually sees only about two cases a week over the course of a year.

Unsafe situations include children co-sleeping with adults (such as in a bed), having blankets and pillows in the baby's crib or placing the baby on his or her stomach to sleep.

According to the release, 36% of unsafe sleep deaths occurred during naps from 2015-19. That's why officials are urging parents and caregivers to make sure young children sleep in a safe place every time.

"I can’t stress enough how important it is to place babies in a safe sleep environment," State Health Commissioner Lindsay Weaver, M.D., FACEP said in the release. "These tragic deaths are preventable and can have a profound impact on communities."

IDOH said babies should be placed to sleep following the ABCs of safe sleep:

Alone: Babies should be placed alone, with a caregiver nearby in the same room.

Back: On his or her back.

Crib: With only a tight-fitting sheet, no bumper pads, pillows, blankets or stuffed animals. Never place a baby to sleep on a couch, chair, air mattress, or other soft surface.

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