Crib Deaths Jump in Anne Arundel County

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Parents are being reminded of how to safely put infants to sleep after a spate of babies who accidentally suffocated in their cribs.

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health says that since January 2016, there have been four infant deaths identified as probable suffocation in the county. All four deaths were linked to unsafe sleeping practices, including infants sharing a bed and sleeping under piles of blankets, health officials said.

In 2015, the county had two cases of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome); there were three SIDS cases in 2014, officials said. In those years, the deaths were also due to accidental suffocation or strangulation in bed.

Parents, relatives, babysitters and caregivers should be aware of the following:

• Co-sleeping and bed sharing can be deadly. Never let your baby sleep or nap with you or other people on a bed, sofa, chair or other place.
• Sleeping on the back is the safest for a baby. Tummy or side sleeping can be dangerous.
• Don’t put fluffy, loose bedding, soft toys or plastic bags in the baby’s crib. Use a firm mattress covered by a well-fitting crib sheet. Don’t let your baby get too hot. Try a one-piece sleeper or a sleep sack to prevent overheating.

Remember the ABCs of safe sleeping: Children younger than 1 year old should sleep Alone on their Backs in a safe Crib.

For more information on safe and healthy baby care, Anne Arundel County residents can visit www.aahealthybabies.org or call 410-222-7223.