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 “It is critical for parents and caregivers to learn and use the ABCs
of Safe Sleep,” said Illinois DCFS Acting Director Marc D. Smith. “A
baby should sleep Alone, on his or her Back, in a safe Crib – every
time. Infant safe sleep deaths are preventable, and we are all
responsible for ensuring parents and caregivers are aware of the
danger to their child when they do not create a safe sleeping
environment.”
In 2019, 108 infants in Illinois under the age of 1 died as a result
of being put to sleep unsafely. 87 were found in locations other
than a crib, bassinet or ‘pack and play;’ 76 were found in positions
other than on their back; and 71 were co-sleeping with another
individual at the time of death.
Infants sleep safest alone in a crib with a firm mattress and
tightly-fitted sheet. The crib should be free of pillows, blankets,
bumper pads, stuffed animals and toys. Infants should never be
placed on an adult bed or couch to sleep. If parents of young
children are traveling, they should call ahead to make sure their
accommodations include a crib or bring a ‘pack and play’ to their
hotel or relatives’ residence if one is not available.
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To listen to the PSA,
click here.
About the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Founded in
1964, DCFS is responsible for protecting children from abuse or neglect by
responding to calls received on the Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-25-ABUSE
(1-800-252-2873). With the goal of keeping children safe, DCFS strengthens and
supports families with a wide range of services. When keeping a child safe means
removing them from the home, DCFS makes every effort to reunite them with their
family. When the best interest of the child makes this impossible, DCFS is
committed to pursuing adoption by loving families to provide children with a
safe and permanent home. DCFS is also responsible for licensing and monitoring
of all Illinois child welfare agencies.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |
