October is recognized as Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month, a time to promote safe sleep practices for infants and raise awareness about the risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

The highest rates of death for infants are linked to unsafe sleeping conditions, with most fatalities occurring between one and four months of age. In fact, 90 percent of these deaths happen before the baby reaches six months old. In 2023 alone, more than 100 infants younger than one have died due to unsafe sleeping environments.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services emphasizes the ABCs of safe sleep: infants should sleep Alone on their Backs and in a Crib that meets safety standards. To reduce risks, infants should never sleep on a couch, adult bed, car seat, or infant swing.

Those having difficulty getting their babies to sleep should contact their pediatrician or the Fussy Baby Network at 1-888-431-BABY (2229).