SOLANO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - October is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)/Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) Awareness Month. Solano County Health & Social Services, Public Health Division, encourages parents, caregivers and family members to learn how to reduce the risk of infant death through safe-sleep practices and other preventative measures. 

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome/Sudden Unexpected Infant Death refers to the death of a baby less than one year of age from unknown causes or from factors such as accidental suffocation or strangulation during sleep. It remains one of the leading causes of infant mortality between one month and one year of age. Each year in the United States, an estimated 3,500 babies die suddenly and unexpectedly while sleeping.

While infant deaths in Solano have steadily decreased to fewer than 20 per year overall, per the California Integrated Vital Records System, it remains a serious concern that Solano Public Health continues to address through prevention strategies and education campaigns.

Parents and caregivers can help protect their babies from this tragic event by understanding risk factors, taking preventive measures and staying informed about the latest research and guidelines to ensure the safest sleep environments for their infants. 

To lower risk, Solano County urges parents, caregivers and families to follow the ABCs of Safe Sleep. A is for Alone: babies should sleep alone, not in a bed with parents, siblings or others. B is for Back: always place babies on their backs for naps and bedtime. C is for Crib: use a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and no soft bedding, pillows or toys. 

Solano County Health & Social Services, Public Health Division established the Cribs for Kids program in 2023 to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome/Sudden Unexpected Infant Death and support families who might not have access to a safe sleep space for their babies. Through this initiative, eligible families receive a free Pack ‘n Play, a portable bassinet and playpen that offers a safe play area and sleeping space for a baby; and learn about the importance of safe sleep practices. 

To further raise awareness about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome/Sudden Unexpected Infant Death, Solano County Health & Social Services, Public Health Division, is partnering with Solano County Libraries to offer Safe Sleep presentations during Baby Bounce, a special story time designed for babies ages 0 to 18 months and their caregivers to bond through songs, rhymes and books.

For more information on safe sleep, visit https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov.