Last updated: May 16, 2022

Infant Deaths Due to Unsafe Sleeping Continue to Occur in Anne Arundel County

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health would like to alert the community about infant deaths related to unsafe sleeping practices.  Anne Arundel County infant deaths continue due to accidental suffocation linked to unsafe sleeping practices, including infants sharing a bed with others or sleeping under piles of blankets.

Parents, relatives, babysitters and caregivers should be aware of the following:

• Bed sharing can be deadly. Never let your baby sleep or nap with you or other people on a bed, sofa, chair or other place. You may share a room, but never a bed.
• Sleeping on the back is the safest. Tummy or side sleeping can be dangerous.
• Don’t put fluffy, loose bedding, soft toys or plastic bags in the baby’s crib. Use a firm mattress covered by a well-fitting crib sheet. Don’t let your baby get too hot. Try a one-piece sleeper or a sleep sack to prevent overheating.

Remember the ABCs of safe sleeping. Children under the age of 1 should sleep Alone on their Backs in a safe Crib.

For more information on safe and healthy baby care, Anne Arundel County residents can visit Healthy Moms and Healthy Babies – Safe Sleep or call 410-222-7223.