MARQUETTE – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging parents to learn about and implement safe sleep practices for infants during Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month, highlighting the life-saving steps families can take to help every baby sleep safely and grow up healthy.

Safe sleep refers to recommended practices that reduce the risk of sleep-related injuries or death in infants by providing a safe and secure sleep space for babies. On average, a sleep-related infant death occurs every two to three days in Michigan.

“Safe sleep isn’t just a routine, it’s a powerful tool to prevent infant deaths,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “With awareness and support, every parent and caregiver can feel confident and empowered to create a safe sleep environment for their baby. Every nap and every night should follow guidelines that protect babies and give parents peace of mind.”

If all sleep-related deaths were prevented, Michigan’s infant mortality rate for 2022 would have decreased by 23.1%, saving the lives of 150 babies. Many of these deaths are preventable with evidence-based safe sleep practices.