Safe Sleep & SUID

Every 3 Days in Illinois, an Infant Dies While Sleeping

Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) is the leading cause of death for infants once they are home from the hospital. Nearly all of these tragedies happen during sleep. At least one in four deaths are found to be caused by accidental suffocation, and most deaths occur in sleep environments that have suffocation hazards - in beds or couches; with pillows, blankets or other soft bedding; while sleeping with other adults or children (bedsharing); or while side or stomach sleeping.

Understanding the circumstances surrounding sleep-related infant deaths provides insight into effective prevention strategies. Here are links to local and national SUID data:

Cook County SUID Case Registry: 5-year report

Infant Safe Sleep Practices PRAMS 2020-2022

SUIDs by Cause & Race & Ethnicity: CDC Data

Promotion and Education on Safe Sleep & SUID

Using Early Visits to Reinforce Safe Sleep

The newborn, 1-month, 2-month, and 4-month well visits are prime opportunities for pediatricians to help families build safe sleep habits. These early months are when parents are most open to guidance and when routines are still forming. By rethinking how much of these visits are devoted to discussing safe sleep environments, positioning, and addressing common challenges, you can make a meaningful, concrete change that helps reduce sleep-related infant deaths and supports families in creating safe, healthy sleep routines.

AAP's SUID Prevention Program Webinars           Contact AAP's SUID Program

 

 

Use any opportunity to counsel parents on preventing suffocation.

Resources For Families

To help protect our infants, families and communities.