ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is emphasizing the importance of safe sleep practices during Minnesota’s Infant Safe Sleep Week.
MDH says each year, approximately 50 healthy infants in Minnesota die due to unsafe sleep conditions like adult beds or sofas.
“This week, and every week, we want to make sure parents and caregivers know the things they can do to keep babies safe while they sleep,” said Dr. Brooke Cunningham, Minnesota Commissioner of Health. She stressed the importance of adopting safe sleep habits to prevent these tragic deaths.
Minnesota’s child care providers have made significant progress in reducing sleep-related deaths by implementing enhanced safe sleep requirements. Since a 2013 law, the average number of such deaths in licensed child care settings has dropped to one per year from six to 10 annually between 2008 and 2012.
Randy Keys, Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families Inspector General, highlighted the role of child care licensing in maintaining safety standards. “Licensing child care helps keep children safe and healthy by making sure providers meet basic standards for care and a safe environment,” Keys said.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the ABCs of safe sleep: Alone, Back, and Crib. Infants should sleep alone, on their backs, and in their own safety-approved sleep spaces.
Governor Tim Walz has proclaimed November 16-22 as Infant Safe Sleep Week. The I-35W Bridge will be lit in pink, white, and blue on November 19, and the Lowry Avenue Bridge will have similar lighting on November 22.
The Healthy Beginnings, Healthy Families Act, established in 2023, is part of MDH’s efforts to improve infant health outcomes. It funds statewide grants to Tribal Nations, nonprofits, and community health boards. Currently, 24 grantees are focused on safe sleep education.
MDH is working with Black and American Indian communities to address challenges like unstable housing and financial insecurity that increase risks for infants. Between 2019 and 2023, these communities faced higher rates of unexpected infant deaths compared to the state average.
For more information on safe sleep practices, visit MDH’s Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths webpage.
