Arizonans have the power to prevent 95% of infant sleep deaths

Tenè Marion

Submitted photo

Let’s commit to sharing the message: Talk to your children’s grandparents, babysitters, neighbors and friends. Remind them that babies are safest sleeping alone, on their backs, in a crib. Keep cribs clear and the room cool. These aren’t just recommendations; they are life-saving actions.”

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Every parent’s hope is simple: to keep their child safe. Yet in Arizona, too many families face the unthinkable loss of an infant due to unsafe sleep practices — losses that could have been prevented with awareness and small changes in how babies are put to bed.

October is Safe Sleep Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about how we can protect infants from sudden unexpected infant death — SUID. Research shows that in Arizona, 95% of SUID cases are tied to unsafe sleep environments with 65% of these deaths coming from bed sharing, that’s nearly two-thirds of all cases. These numbers aren’t just statistics, they represent families left devastated by preventable tragedies.

The numbers are clear: nearly all sleep-related infant deaths in Arizona are preventable. That means we hold the power, together as a community, to change the outcome for countless children and families.

The good news is it begins with community-wide awareness. The responsibility doesn’t fall on parents alone. It extends to aunts, uncles, grandparents, foster parents, babysitters and neighbors — anyone who might spend time caring for an infant.

The Arizona Department of Child Safety has a simple message: safe sleep saves lives. Following these five steps can make all the difference:

• Alone, back, crib: Always place babies alone, on their back, in a crib or bassinet.
• No extras: Cribs should be clear — no toys, pillows, bumpers or blankets.
• Never bed-share: Even a short nap in an adult’s bed can be dangerous.
• Room-share safely: Keep the baby’s crib or bassinet in your room, but not in your bed.
• Keep cool: Dress infants in light sleep clothing and avoid overheating.

To many, these steps may seem simple or even obvious. But when you consider the hectic nature of parenting — or the well-meaning actions of relatives who may not know the risks — it’s easy to see how unsafe sleep environments happen. A grandmother might want to cuddle her grandchild during a nap. A tired parent might doze off with the baby in their bed after a late-night feeding. A babysitter might lay the baby on a couch or with a blanket, thinking it looks more comfortable.

Every one of these scenarios can turn dangerous in an instant. That’s why awareness is key — not just for parents but for everyone.

In Arizona, we often talk about the value of community and how it takes a village to raise a child. Safe sleep is one of the most direct ways that “village” can step in. By spreading the word, sharing resources and reminding each other about these life-saving practices, we can help protect infants across the state.

It’s also important to shift the conversation. Too often, when tragedies occur, families are left with grief and shame. Instead, let’s focus on equipping families and caregivers with tools and knowledge — so they feel empowered, not judged. Safe sleep is not about criticism. It’s about compassion, prevention and protecting Arizona’s most vulnerable.

Let’s commit to sharing the message: Talk to your children’s grandparents, babysitters, neighbors and friends. Remind them that babies are safest sleeping alone, on their backs, in a crib. Keep cribs clear and the room cool. These aren’t just recommendations; they are life-saving actions.

The next time you tuck in a baby, or see someone else do it, remember: one small change could save a life. Together, Arizona can ensure that every infant sleeps safely.

Editor’s note: Tenè Marion is prevention manager for the Arizona Department of Child Safety. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.

Arizona Department of Child Safety