‘The ABCs of survival’: How to protect your baby amid spike in sleep tragedies

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — Health officials and investigators in Southwest Florida are sounding an urgent alarm following a surge in infant deaths linked to unsafe sleep practices in Lee County.

According to new data from the Department of Children and Families (DCF), Lee County has already recorded five infant sleep-related deaths under investigation this year. To put that number in perspective, the county saw only one such tragedy last year and we are only a few months into the year.

A "Lethal Trap"

While official causes of death can take months or even years to verify through autopsy and toxicology reports, WINK Investigates has learned that the common thread in all five recent cases is asphyxia linked to co-sleeping.

For many new parents, the decision to bring a baby into bed isn’t born out of negligence, but sheer exhaustion. Ebony and Dory Williams, parents to five-month-old Quincy James, say the pressure to take the "easy route" during 2:00 a.m. feedings is a constant struggle.

"I specifically remember a time where I fell asleep holding him on the couch," Ebony Williams said. "I had a nightmare that he rolled off my arms and I smooshed him, and that terrified me."

Ebony said she knows a mother who lost her child due to unsafe sleep and the thought continues to haunt her.

“I know how hard it is,” she said.

The ABCs of Safe Sleep

Pediatric injury specialists at Golisano Children’s Hospital say education is the primary weapon against these preventable tragedies. Experts urge parents to follow the "ABC’s" of safe sleep:

• Alone: The baby should not share a bed with parents, siblings, or pets.
• Back: Infants should always be placed on their backs to sleep.
• Crib: The sleep surface should be a firm, flat mattress in a crib or bassinet, free of pillows, blankets, or toys.

"The common factor is that all of the babies were sleeping with their parents in the bed," said Vilmarie Colon, a specialist at Golisano. "We don’t want another baby on the list. We don’t want this to happen to any other family because it’s not easy."

Colon showed WINK Investigates a comparison of a crib safe for sleep and one that was unsafe.

She said the baby should have a flat sleeping area like a crib that is free of any blankets or toys, anything that could abstract the babies breathing should not be present. It’s okay and recommended for the first six months that the baby sleep in the same room as the parents but should never be sleeping with the parents directly.

A Push for Change

The spike in deaths has sparked a movement for legislative action. Some advocates are now pushing for mandatory safe-sleep education, similar to current laws regarding car seat safety.

In the meantime, organizations like the Healthy Start Coalition are working on the ground in Southwest Florida, providing free "Pack-n-Plays" to families who may not have access to a safe crib.

Experts stress that these safety practices should be maintained for the entire first year of a child's life.

Amanda Brunson with the Healthy Start Coalition told Chief WINK Investigates Reporter Chorus Nylander that the work is personal to her.

She was raised in a family with the “culture” of co-sleeping engrained in her. She knows that’s the case for many families and said she can’t stress enough the need to break free from those historical barriers.

“We’ve seen an increase. I feel there’s not enough education out there,” Brunson said. "It’s so sad to see families experience a loss like that when it’s something that’s so preventable.”

RESOURCES:

To find safe sleep resources or inquire about a free Pack-n-Play, visit theHealthy Start Coalition website.