The month of October is designated as Infant Safe Sleep and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month in the New York.

The Department of State Division of Consumer Protection is stepping up efforts to educate parents and caregivers on creating a safe sleep environment for infants.

With tragic statistics highlighting that unintentional suffocation is the leading cause of injury death among infants in the U.S., the department emphasizes the importance of adhering to safe sleep practices.

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Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley passionately stated, “It’s important for not only parents, but anyone who takes care of infants, including family members, friends and babysitters, to learn and follow the ABCs of safe sleep. Remembering these simple but critical steps could save your child’s life.”

In their newly released Safe Sleep Product Guide, experts urge parents to be vigilant when selecting sleep products for their babies. The guide outlines essential tips to help avoid unsafe items, as over 100 infant sleep-related deaths each year are associated with nursery products, many of which are preventable.

“Infant unsafe sleep-related deaths are tragic and 100% preventable,” Mosley further emphasized. The guide aims to empower not just parents but all caregivers to recognize safe sleep essentials.

Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden, Commissioner of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Every baby deserves safe and uncompromised sleep. Parents benefit emotionally and physically when there is confidence that their child is secure in a sleep setting. Yet, unsafe sleep is a factor in more than 120 deaths that come to the attention of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) every year, an abysmal reality that can be avoided.”

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald reinforced the urgency of the situation, saying, “It is absolutely critical that everyone who cares for a baby knows the ABCs of safe sleep, which stand for Alone, Back and Crib. I urge parents, guardians, family members and friends to remember that babies should sleep ALONE, on their BACK and in a safe CRIB to avoid accidental suffocation or strangulation.”

To ensure a safe sleep environment, caregivers are reminded to always shop for safe sleep products, place babies on their backs for sleep, and keep toys and other objects out of baby sleep areas. The guidelines simplify safe sleep into three vital components:

– A – Alone: Baby should always sleep Alone.
– B – Back: Put baby to sleep on their Back.
– C – Crib: Put baby in a safe Crib.

Additionally, the New York Department of State urges parents to stay informed about product recalls, ensuring that all baby items meet safety standards set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Those purchasing used items online or at garage sales are encouraged to confirm their safety by checking official recall websites regularly.