November 14-20 Declared Infant Safe Sleep Week In Ramsey County, Minnesota

Press release from Ramsey County Government:

November 14, 2021

Governor Tim Walz has declared November 14-20, 2021 Infant Safe Sleep Week in Minnesota.

Every year, 50 or more Minnesota babies die suddenly and unexpectedly. Most of these deaths are caused by unsafe sleep environments. These preventable deaths affect families across all races, ethnicities, socioeconiomic backgrounds, national origins and political beliefs.

The safest sleep position for babies is on their back because there is lower risk for accidental suffocation. This is true for all babies, including preterm babies, until they are one year old. The best way to prevent infant sleep-related deaths is to make sure that a baby’s sleeping environment and position are safe. Anyone who takes care of babies should know the ABCs of infant safe sleep.

In addition to the ABCs of safe sleep, always remember to:

Following safe sleep guidelines is now more important than ever. The COVID-19 pandemic is causing stress and fatigue among many, making it crucial for anyone who takes care of babies, including parents, caregivers, child care providers, health care providers, and family members, to follow safe sleep practices every time an infant sleeps or naps.

This content was developed based on Minnesota Department of Health guidelines.

This press release was produced by Ramsey County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.