Preventing SUID and Practicing Safe Sleep

Although the SUID/SIDS rate has declined exponentially since the 1990s, the acronyms still strike fear into the hearts of new parents.

This is Public Health is brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.

Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) is often used interchangeably with SIDS. SUID is actually a blanket term. It encompasses death by sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, and unknown causes of death in children less than a year old.

The A B C of Sleep & Other Things You Can Do

Medical professionals, sleep experts, and most childcare advocates preach the importance of the ABCs of Sleep.

• Alone- put your child to bed in their own space, void of blankets, pillows, and toys
• Back- lay your child down on their back for the first year
• Crib- the safest place for your baby is in their own safety-approved crib or bassinet

You can help prevent SUID by:

• not drinking or smoking during pregnancy
• refraining from smoking after your child is born
• breastfeeding your baby (if you are able)
• staying up-to-date with your child’s wellness check-ups

The Tuscarawas Health Department offers the Cribs for Kids program for low-income families. Through this program, you or someone you believe would benefit from this service may be eligible for a free Pack’n’Play from the TCHD. For more information on this program, email healthed@tchdnow.org or ​call (330) 343-5555 x182 or x111.

You can also visit www.tchdnow.org or find them on Facebook for more information about the Tuscarawas County Health Department and their services.

Audrey Mattevi
Reporting