Governor Josh Green has declared October as Infant Safe Sleep Month in Hawaii, aligning with the national observance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month. This initiative aims to raise awareness about preventable infant deaths related to unsafe sleeping environments.
Annie Bell, a supervisor at the Hawaiʻi Department of Health's Maternal and Child Health Branch, emphasized the importance of safe sleep practices. "According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 3,400 infants die each year in the U.S. from sleep-related deaths," she stated. "Through Safe Sleep Hawaiʻi, we provide information, resources and referrals to help parents and caregivers create a safe sleeping environment for their babies."
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers several recommendations to reduce risks associated with infant sleep:
- Babies should always be placed on their backs for sleep.
- Soft objects like pillows or toys should not be in the baby's sleeping area.
- Infants should share a room but not a bed with parents for at least six months.
- A firm, flat surface is recommended for baby sleep.
- Swaddling is acceptable until babies begin rolling over.
- Breastfeeding is encouraged for at least six months if possible.
- Offering a pacifier can reduce SIDS risk.
- Avoid smoking or substance use around infants.
The Safe Sleep Hawai‘i webpage provides additional resources and links to community partners. The Parent Line offers parenting resources including free online workshops on safe sleep. They will host a Community Baby Shower on October 5 at the Child & Family Service ‘Ewa Community Center.
Another partner organization, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition of Hawaiʻi, supports birthing families through social services and runs the Hawaiʻi Cribs for Kids program offering education and cribs to eligible families.
For more information on safe sleep practices and resources available in multiple languages, visit health.hawaii.gov/safesleep.