The Alabama Department of Public Health wants you to help combat infant mortality by joining the #ClearTheCrib #SafeSleepAL challenge. Sleep-related infant deaths are still a major problem in Alabama. Of the 391 babies that tragically died in 2022, 105 are counted as Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths. SUIDs include deaths with the following causes listed on the death certificate: sudden infant death syndrome, accidental suffocation or strangulation in bed and undetermined.

Sudden infant death syndrome is the sudden death of a baby younger than 1 year of age that does not have a known cause, even after a full investigation. “There’s been a shift away from talking about SIDS and instead talking about Sudden Unexpected Infant Death,” Alabama Perinatal Division Director, Carolyn Miller said. Many of the deaths classified as undetermined occur in an unsafe sleep environment, even though they are not documented as SIDS. Creating a safe sleep environment for infants could significantly decrease the prevalence of sleep-related infant deaths.

October is SIDS Awareness Month and ADPH continues to promote the ABCs of safe sleep — Alone, on their back, in a crib.

To help highlight and clarify what a safe, clear crib environment looks like, ADPH is promoting the National Institute of Health’s Safe to Sleep® #ClearTheCrib challenge. This social media challenge is a fun and engaging way to highlight the importance of a clear crib to reduce the risk of suffocation and other SUIDs. All pillows, loose blankets, bumper pads, stuffed animals and even baby hats should be removed from a crib for a baby to sleep safely. To successfully “Clear the Crib,” participants need to remove all unsafe items from a cluttered crib and ensure that the doll representing the baby is safely positioned. This is a timed challenge.

For more information about the social media campaign, visit alabamapublichealth.gov/perinatal/safe-sleep.html

If you can’t afford a safe place for your infant to sleep, visit alabamapublichealth.gov/perinatal/cribs-for-kids.html