💤 October is SIDS Awareness Month
Promoting Safe Sleep to Prevent Infant Deaths
Every year, thousands of families are affected by the sudden and unexpected loss of an infant. October is SIDS Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and promote safe sleep practices that can save lives.
At Parent Support Network (PSN) and Prevent Child Abuse Rhode Island (PCA RI), we are committed to educating families, caregivers, and communities about the simple steps we can all take to keep babies safe while they sleep.
🍼 What is SIDS?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexplained death of a seemingly healthy baby under one year old, typically during sleep. It is the leading cause of death for infants between 1 month and 12 months of age in the United States.
While SIDS cannot always be prevented, decades of research show that following safe sleep guidelines can significantly reduce a baby’s risk.
🛏️ Safe Sleep: What Every Parent and Caregiver Should Know
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends the following safe sleep practices for infants:
✅ Back to Sleep
Always place your baby on their back for every sleep—nap time and nighttime.
✅ Firm, Flat Sleep Surface
Use a firm mattress with a tightly fitted sheet in a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or portable play yard.
✅ Nothing Else in the Crib
Keep the sleep space bare—no pillows, blankets, bumpers, stuffed animals, or toys.
✅ Room Share, Don't Bed Share
Keep your baby's sleep area in the same room as you (ideally for at least the first 6 months), but not in the same bed.
✅ Smoke-Free Environment
Avoid smoking during pregnancy and maintain a smoke-free home and car.
✅ Breastfeeding & Pacifier Use
Breastfeeding and offering a pacifier at nap and bedtime (after breastfeeding is established) may reduce the risk of SIDS.
💙 Supporting Families Through Education and Connection
At PSN and PCA RI, we understand that parenting can feel overwhelming—especially during the newborn stage. That’s why we offer:
📞 Family peer support
🎓 Parent education
🧸 Connection to resources for safe sleep information
🌐 Community collaboration to help spread awareness
We believe every baby deserves a safe start in life, and every parent deserves support in giving them one.
🗣️ How You Can Help
Whether you're a parent, caregiver, grandparent, healthcare provider, or community member, you play a role in preventing SIDS and promoting infant safety.
👶 Share safe sleep tips with new parents
📚 Advocate for education in hospitals and community centers
💞 Support local programs that provide cribs and sleep sacks to families in need
📲 Follow and share PSN and PCA RI's posts throughout October to spread awareness — we will be sharing tips from local and national resources
🧡 You're Not Alone
If you're a new parent struggling with sleep safety, grieving a loss, or simply in need of support, we're here for you. Reach out to Parent Support Network or Prevent Child Abuse Rhode Island to connect with someone who cares.
Together, we can help every baby sleep safe—and every family sleep a little easier.
💞 Resources for guidance regarding safe sleep practices
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Safe Sleep Info with 1-page flyers available for download in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, and Haitian Creole
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Safe Sleep Information for Parents plus local testimonials from #SafeSleepStory campaign
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Safe to Sleep national public education campaign - includes toolkit to help spread awareness
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How to keep your sleeping baby safe from the American Academy of Pediatrics
