Monroe County resources to help prevent sleep-related infant deaths

Babies are still dying while sleeping.

Monroe County had 11 sleep-related infant deaths from 2018-2022, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Across Michigan during that time, 768 babies died while sleeping.

“On average, a sleep-related infant death occurs every two to three days in Michigan. Many of these deaths are preventable with evidence-based safe sleep practices,” according to MDHHS.

Christi Rogers, executive director of Monroe’s Child Advocacy Network, and Monroe County Health Department offer some infant sleep tips. They also share what’s free for local parents.

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What are people still doing wrong when it comes to infant sleep?

“People are still co-sleeping,” Rogers said. “We love our babies and want to cuddle them, but that’s not safe when we’re sleeping or feeling sleepy.”
“(People are) leaving infants in car seats or other types of seats for sleep. This can restrict the airway,” Rogers said.
“Another common mistake is over-covering the baby. Many parents put their babies in heavy sleepers and a sleep sack, which can lead to overheating—one of the risk factors for SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome),” Rogers said.

Why is belly sleeping no longer recommended?

“Years ago, people were told to place babies on their bellies in case they vomited during the night. But research has proven that’s less safe. When a baby sleeps on their back, the trachea is above the esophagus, so gravity helps prevent vomit from entering the airway. When babies sleep on their stomachs, their airway can become blocked or restricted,” Rogers said.

What else can keep infants safe while sleeping?

“Always place your baby on their back, on a flat, firm surface with no bumper pads, stuffed animals or blankets. A sleep sack is safe to use,” Rogers said.
“Breastfed babies have a lower risk of SIDS and sleep-related deaths. It’s also critical to keep the baby’s environment smoke-free, as exposure to second-hand smoke increases the risk,” Rogers said.
Instead of co-sleeping, room-share with baby for at least the first six months, recommended the Monroe County Health Department.

What sleep-related resources are available to Monroe County parents? Are home visits available?

“Child Advocacy Network provides pack ‘n plays and sleep sacks to families in need of a safe sleep environment,” Rogers said.
“I also provide sleep training, and we partner with community organizations such as the Monroe County Health Department, Mercy House, local homeless shelters and DHHS to reach families across Monroe County,” Rogers said.
“The Monroe County Health Department offers home visits where families can learn about safe sleep practices,” Rogers said.

Two programs are available through the Monroe County Health Department.

“The Helping Baby Grow program offers residents a free, one-time newborn home visit by an experienced registered nurse after the delivery of a baby. The home visit includes an overall health assessment, safe sleep discussion, nutrition needs, growth and development review and additional new parenting tips. Each new baby’s parent in Monroe County is eligible for this free program,” said the health department.

“The Maternal Infant Health Program is a home visiting program for pregnant women and infants with a Medicaid health plan. The program provides support services with the ultimate goal of maintaining a healthy pregnancy and positive birth outcomes,” according to the health department.

To reach Rogers, email [email protected]. To reach the Monroe County Health Department, call 734-240-7800.

— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at [email protected].

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