Sykes kicks off Safe Sleep Awareness Month with local hospitals

State Rep. Emilia Sykes (D-Akron) today kicked off Safe Sleep Awareness Month with visits to Akron Children’s Hospital, Cleveland Clinic Akron General and Summa Health Systems Akron Campus to drop off onesies and discuss safe sleep practices with new mothers. 

The onesies, donated by the Ohio Hospital Association, have “This Side Up” printed across the front—a reminder to parents that doctors recommend all infants sleep on their backs to reduce Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Sykes spoke with hospital staffers about the steps they are taking to reduce infant mortality as Ohio continues to have one of the highest rates in the nation.

“As Ohio continues to grapple with a dismal infant mortality rate, it’s more important than ever to raise awareness and educate families about safe sleep practices for newborns,” said Sykes. “Through the tremendous efforts of local partners like Akron Children’s, Summa and Cleveland Clinic Akron General to support new parents, we can help to ensure more babies make it to their first birthday and beyond.”

According to the Ohio Department of Health, three babies die due to unsafe sleep environments each week. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents always place their baby on his or her back for every sleep time, use a firm sleep surface, and keep soft objects such as pillows, blankets, bumper pads or loose bedding out of the crib.