RHHD and HDSS recommend safe sleep tips during SIDS Awareness Month

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- In recognition of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month, the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) are partnering with the Henrico Department of Social Services (HDSS) to spread awareness and educate parents and caregivers about safe infant sleep.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the term used to describe the sudden death of a baby younger than 1 year of age that doesn’t have a known cause, even after a full investigation.

Researchers do not know exactly what causes Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, they do have a theory that may explain how SIDS happens, which is called the Triple-Risk Model.

Possible factors within the Triple-Risk Model that may explain a cause or causes for SIDS include unknown medical conditions, changes that the baby experiences due to development, and outside stressors. By itself, each risk situation is usually not a problem, but when all three occur at the same time, officials said a death from SIDS becomes more likely.

In 2022, RRHD said there were about 3,700 sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) in the U.S., and 1,040 of those deaths were from accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. In 2023, there were reportedly 69 cases of SUID in Virginia. 

RHHD and HDSS offered the following tips for creating a safe sleep environment: 

• Remove any extra items in the baby's sleep area, including soft objects, toys, and crib bumpers.  
• Always place babies on their backs for naps and when they go to sleep at night.  
• Make sure the sleep surface is firm, flat, level, and covered only with a fitted sheet.   
• Share a room with babies for at least the first six months. Give babies their own sleep space (crib, bassinet, or portable play yard) in your room, separate from your bed.  

“Awareness is one of the strongest tools we have to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome,” said RHHD Maternity Navigation Program coordinator Adranae Mena. “RHHD provides safe sleep education through the Low-Income Safety Seat Program. We provide families with the right equipment for their vehicles and the knowledge to protect infants in their crib or bassinet. Through partnerships, education, and community support, RHHD gives parents and caregivers the confidence and resources they need to help infants sleep safely.” 

For more information, visit RHHD's website.