Collins Highlights October as Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month

CHICAGO – To bring awareness to unsafe sleep for infants, state Rep. Lakesia Collins, D-Chicago, is highlighting October as Infant Safe Sleep Awareness month.

“Being a working parent isn’t easy, especially for children under one years old,” said Collins. “This October, I am encouraging every parent to review their safety plan for their children to ensure that mistakes are not made when they put their children down for a nap, whether at home or at daycare.”

Unsafe sleep is the leading cause of death for children one year and younger according to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).  In 2020, 114 infants in Illinois under the age of 1 died from unsafe sleeping conditions. Infants are safest when they sleep alone in a crib with a firm mattress and tightly fitted sheet.  Cribs should be free of pillows, blankets, bumper pads, stuffed animals and toys.  Parents can follow the ABCs of safe sleep: infants should always sleep Alone, on their Backs, in a safe Crib.

“Unsafe sleeping deaths are preventable and small changes can be made to ensure infants are safe,” Collins said. “This October, families should take some time to review their safe sleep plan, both at home and at their daycare provider.”