Richmond-area health officials promote safe infant sleep
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Health officials from Richmond and Henrico County are sharing safe infant sleep practices this Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month. On Wednesday, Oct. 30, the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) of the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) issued a joint press release in partnership with the Henrico County Department of Social Services (HDSS) about this campaign to help families help their babies. It is especially important to ensure a safe sleeping environment for children under the age of two. These health officials are encouraging parents -- both expecting and current -- to have a discussion with their pediatricians about what they can do to protect their infants while they sleep. Married, off-duty state troopers among four severely hurt in Prince George head-on crash According to the RHHD, sleep-related deaths are the largest non-natural cause of death for infants. About 3,700 babies die each year for this reason. “Knowledge is the key to reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome,” said RHHD director of community programming Margo Webb. “Safe Sleep education helps families protect babies during a potentially dangerous time. We educate parents and caregivers about safe sleep practices as part of the Low Income Safety Seat Program.” That program centers around providing low-income families with child safety seats or boosters, but also provides various educational materials. “In Henrico, we are collaborating across agencies to provide families with opportunities for education, understanding, and support regarding safe sleep practices for children under the age of two,” said HDSS assistant director of service programs Mandi Green. “We are committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of Henrico’s youngest residents and their families.” 'It didn’t have to go that far': Hopewell parents react to leaked voice recording of fed-up Hopewell High teacher Here's a few tips to help give your infant safe sleep from the RHHD: Place babies on their backs when settling them in for sleep. Ensure that they're sleeping on a firm, flat, level surface that's covered only with a fitted sheet. Have your baby sleep in their own space (a crib, bassinet or portable play yard), separate from your bed. Sleep in the same room as your baby for at least the first six months. Take the #ClearTheCrib Challenge. Remove any extra items in your infant's sleep area, including soft objects, toys and hazardous crib bumpers. For more information, you can contact the RHHD at 804-205-3501 and the HDSS at 804-501-4001.
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Health officials from Richmond and Henrico County are sharing safe infant sleep practices this Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month.
On Wednesday, Oct. 30, the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts (RHHD) of the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) issued a joint press release in partnership with the Henrico County Department of Social Services (HDSS) about this campaign to help families help their babies.
It is especially important to ensure a safe sleeping environment for children under the age of two. These health officials are encouraging parents -- both expecting and current -- to have a discussion with their pediatricians about what they can do to protect their infants while they sleep.
Married, off-duty state troopers among four severely hurt in Prince George head-on crash
According to the RHHD, sleep-related deaths are the largest non-natural cause of death for infants. About 3,700 babies die each year for this reason.
“Knowledge is the key to reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome,” said RHHD director of community programming Margo Webb. “Safe Sleep education helps families protect babies during a potentially dangerous time. We educate parents and caregivers about safe sleep practices as part of the Low Income Safety Seat Program.”
That program centers around providing low-income families with child safety seats or boosters, but also provides various educational materials.
“In Henrico, we are collaborating across agencies to provide families with opportunities for education, understanding, and support regarding safe sleep practices for children under the age of two,” said HDSS assistant director of service programs Mandi Green. “We are committed to promoting the health and wellbeing of Henrico’s youngest residents and their families.”
Here's a few tips to help give your infant safe sleep from the RHHD:
- Place babies on their backs when settling them in for sleep.
- Ensure that they're sleeping on a firm, flat, level surface that's covered only with a fitted sheet.
- Have your baby sleep in their own space (a crib, bassinet or portable play yard), separate from your bed.
- Sleep in the same room as your baby for at least the first six months.
- Take the #ClearTheCrib Challenge. Remove any extra items in your infant's sleep area, including soft objects, toys and hazardous crib bumpers.
For more information, you can contact the RHHD at 804-205-3501 and the HDSS at 804-501-4001.
