FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Amy McAfee, R.N., (334) 206-6403

Sleep-related infant deaths remain a major problem in Alabama. Of the 414 babies who tragically died in 2024, 65 are classified as Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUIDs). The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) invites you to help combat infant mortality by joining the #ClearTheCrib #SafeSleepAL challenge.

A SUID is the death of an infant under one year of age, with the cause of death identified as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), accidental suffocation and strangulation, or an unknown cause. These deaths often occur while the infant is sleeping. Many 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 reduce the prevalence of sleep-related infant deaths.

October is National SIDS Awareness Month, and ADPH continues to promote the ABCs of safe sleep-Alone, on their Back, in a Crib. To highlight and clarify what a safe, clear crib environment looks like, ADPH is promoting the National Institutes of Health's Safe to Sleep® #ClearTheCrib challenge. This social media challenge is a fun and engaging way to underscore the importance of a clear crib in reducing 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 to ensure a baby can sleep safely. To successfully "Clear the Crib," participants must remove all unsafe items from a cluttered crib and ensure that the doll representing the baby is safely positioned. This is a timed challenge.

The goal is to have fun while spreading the word about keeping babies safe. Infants statewide need you to help raise awareness by joining the #ClearTheCrib #SafeSleepAL challenge. ADPH invites you to be creative and use your platforms to educate communities about safe sleep for infants. Please include the tags #ClearTheCrib and #SafeSleepAL.

Tana-Kae Lewis, ADPH Region I perinatal coordinator, said, "Safe sleep for infants may be hard, but your baby is worth it. Being up in the middle of the night is hard, especially when you're caring for a baby. Before your baby goes to sleep each night, make a plan for nighttime wakeups to help things go a little more smoothly."

Are you ready to help prevent infant mortality in your community? For more information about the social media campaign, including new radio public service announcements, visit ADPH's Perinatal Safe Sleep website.

Visit Cribs for Kids if you cannot afford a safe place for your infant to sleep.

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10/06/26

County health departments throughout Alabama provide a wide range of confidential and professional services. Contact your local county health department for additional information.

Mission: To promote, protect, and improve Alabama's health

Vision: Healthy People. Healthy Communities. Healthy Alabama.