County Health Department (and Public Health Partners)
Fill-in-Blank News Release on Safe Sleep Tips for Infants

Date:               _____, 2010

Contact:          _____, Administrative Director

                        _____ County Health Department

Phone:             (Phone Number)

Safe Sleep Tips for Infants to Help Save Lives
Preparing for a Lifetime, It’s Everyone’s Responsibility

 How do you put your baby to sleep? Hopefully it’s alone, on his or her back, in a safe crib. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the _____ County Health Department, the back to sleep position has been found to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

“All babies should be placed on their backs to sleep unless there is a specific medical reason given by your doctor against it,” said _____ County Health Department Administrator ______.  “And babies should also have their own sleeping space separate from adults.”

According to research by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), infants are 40 times more likely to suffocate in an adult bed than in a crib.

“Safe sleep practices can help save babies’ lives and lower the infant mortality rate in Oklahoma,” _____ said. “One goal of the statewide infant and child health initiative, Preparing for a Lifetime, It’s Everyone’s Responsibility, is to help reduce infant mortality by focusing on SIDS awareness and other sleep-related deaths.  We encourage parents, caregivers, health care providers and the public to learn more about and follow safe sleep practices for infants.”

As part of its observance of October as SIDS Awareness Month, the _____ County Health Department encourages parents to follow these AAP guidelines for a safe sleep environment for their infants: 

• Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep at nighttime and naptime. Tell everyone caring for your baby to do the same.
• Place your baby in his or her own separate sleep area in the same room with caregiver(s).
• Keep your baby’s sleep area free from secondhand smoke.
• Use a safety approved crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and tight fitting sheet.
• Keep your baby’s sleep space free of toys and other soft bedding, including fluffy blankets, comforters, pillows, stuffed animals, bumper pads, and wedges.
• Do not overheat or overdress your baby. Room temperature should be comfortable for a lightly clothed adult.
• Remember, adult beds, sofas, and chairs are not for sleeping babies and can greatly increase the risk of SIDS, suffocation and accidental infant deaths.

For more information about safe sleep and other infant and child health issues, contact the _____ County Health Department at (phone number) or visit Preparing for a Lifetime, It’s Everyone’s Responsibility at http://iio.health.ok.gov.

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