OCTOBER 02, 2000 - Director Kathy Wilbur said the Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services is distributing an alert to the state’s 22,000 licensed child care providers in recognition of Governor John Engler’s designation of October as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month.

Wilbur said CIS is distributing copies of the Michigan SIDS Alliance’s "Back to Sleep" brochure and a SIDS bulletin to child care providers licensed and regulated by the department. The materials includes critical steps parents and child care providers can take to help reduce the risks of SIDS in child care settings, such as placing healthy babies on their backs to sleep and making sure they are sleeping on firm, flat mattresses rather than couches, waterbeds, blankets or other soft materials.

"Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known as crib death, is the leading cause of death among healthy infants. National studies indicate that 20 percent of these deaths occur when infants are in the care of someone other than their parents," Wilbur said. "CIS addresses this issue in Michigan by working year round to educate child care providers, including a mandatory viewing of a SIDS informational video before applicants receive a license to operate a daycare home."

Wilbur added that parents and licensed child care providers are often well-educated about SIDS dangers, which include smoking around infants and not checking on infants while they sleep. However, relatives and others who care for the child in the parent’s absence may not realize the dangers.

"It is important that child care providers and working parents make sure that everyone who cares for the child knows the importance of putting a baby on its back to sleep and other safety precautions. SIDS Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity for parents to talk to their child care providers to ensure that they are taking every step possible to reduce the risks of SIDS," Wilbur said.

For additional SIDS information, please visit CIS’ web site or contact the Michigan SIDS Alliance at 1-800-331-SIDS for a copy of its "Back to Sleep" brochure.

SIDS BULLETIN!

ATTENTION

ALL CHILD CARE PROVIDERS

October Is SIDS Awareness Month

That Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or crib death is the leading cause of death among healthy infants?

That SIDS deaths are more likely to occur when infants are in the care of someone other than their parents?

That the following are recommendations for your care of infants?

1. Healthy babies should sleep on their back.

2. Babies should sleep on a firm, flat mattress with a tightly fitted sheet.

3. Babies should not get too hot.

4. Babies should not be exposed to cigarette smoke.

5. Make sure your CPR and First Aid skills are current.

6. Check sleeping infants often.

7. Parents should be called immediately if babies seem ill.

Develop policies which address the recommended infant sleep position.

v Discuss and share these policies on sleep position with the parents.

v Help them to understand the steps you will take to reduce the risk of SIDS while their child is in care.

v Share the "Back to Sleep" brochure with the parents.

v Connect to the SIDS Alliance website

v Call the Michigan SIDS Alliance at 1-800-331-SIDS

Read more Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry Services press releases.