September is INFANT SAFE SLEEP AWARENESS MONTH. Between 2010 and 2017 there were 356 sleep-related infant deaths in Wayne County. We must do better. Please share the following information with families, partners, and community leaders.
Thank you,
Sleep-related infant death is a leading cause of death among infants less than one year of age. Please use these guidelines and take the time to put your baby to sleep safely.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports that when babies sleep, they are actually safer on their back. When a baby is on his back, the air tube (trachea) is on top of the esophagus (the tube that carries food). If a baby spits up while on his back, the food and fluid run back into the stomach and not to the lungs. When a baby is on his stomach, the esophagus (or food tube) is on top of the trachea and any food or fluid that is regurgitated or refluxed can more easily pool at the opening of the trachea, making it possible for the baby to aspirate or choke.