Unsafe sleep conditions tied to most sudden infant deaths. - Central Jersey Dental Sleep Medicine

A newborn sleeps soundly in his crib which is properly outfitted for his safety. Credit: Rick Wood

June 22, 2016

By Crocker Stephenson of the Journal Sentinel

The vast majority of babies who experienced sudden unexpected infant death in Wisconsin during 2013 and 2014 were exposed to multiple risks for unsafe sleep, according to a report released Wednesday by Keeping Kids Alive in Wisconsin.

During that two-year period, 119 babies died of SUID, which is the death of an infant less than 12 months old that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly and whose cause is not immediately obvious before an investigation.

Though a disproportionate number of African-American babies died, SUID claimed the lives of children of all ethnicities in 33 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties, according to the report.

“The latest data emphasizes that this can happen to any family of any background,” said Abby Collier, senior project manager for injury prevention and death review for the Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin.

The Keeping Kids Alive program is led by the alliance. “But there are steps that can be taken to minimize the risk of a child dying for unexplained reasons.”

The report examined the fatalities in light of 10 recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics to reduce sleep-related deaths. The recommendations were explored in depth by the Journal Sentinel’s “Empty Cradles” series about infant mortality.

In more than 80% of sudden unexpected infant deaths, more than three of the recommendations were not followed, creating a risk.

While not all risks are equal, the three most common were:

■ Not using a firm sleep surface, such as a crib or a bassinet. More than three-quarters of the babies who died were not placed on a firm surface. Half were sleeping in an adult bed.

■ The presence of soft objects or loose bedding, most commonly comforters, blankets or pillows. Nearly 80% of the babies who died were exposed to loose, soft objects.

■ Not using a pacifier during naps and bedtimes. More than three-quarters of the babies who died were not using a pacifier.

The academy also recommends:

■ Babies should be placed to sleep on their backs. Nearly a quarter of the infants who died were not placed on their backs.

■ Babies should share a room with an adult, but they should have their own sleep environment.

Nearly 60% of the babies who died were sharing a sleep surface with an adult, child or animal.

■ Pregnant women should receive regular prenatal care.

■ Pregnant women should not smoke. Babies should not be exposed to cigarette smoke.

■ Pregnant women should not use drugs or alcohol during pregnancy and after birth.

■ Babies should be breast-fed. Nearly three quarters of the babies had formula for their last meal.

■ Avoid overheating.