WHEREAS,

Every year in the United States, around 3,500 infants die of sleep-related deaths; and

WHEREAS,

The breast cancer mortality rate is higher for Black women in Maryland in comparison to white women in Maryland; and

WHEREAS,

In Maryland, an average 46 infants died of sleep-related deaths annually between 2018-2022; and

WHEREAS,

78% of infant sleep-related deaths from 2012-2022 in Maryland were deemed preventable; and

WHEREAS,

Parents, families, childcare providers, and hospitals should engage in safe sleep practices by placing babies on their back for all sleep times on a firm and flat sleep surface that is free of blankets, pillows, bumper pads, and toys; and

WHEREAS,

Parents, families, childcare providers, and hospitals should engage in safe sleep practices by placing babies in a smoke-free environment; and in a shared room, but on a separate surface such as crib that meets the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission for infants, ideally for at least the first 6 months; and

WHEREAS,

Parents, grandparents, relatives, childcare providers and everyone caring for infants are encouraged to learn more about how to keep infants safe when they sleep; and 

WHEREAS,

All people should help spread awareness of infant safe sleep practices to help babies sleep safely and reduce the risk of sleep-related deaths.