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What is SUIDS and how can we protect babies from it?

The number of SUIDS-related deaths in Arizona is decreasing, experts say, and that’s why this month and mission are so important.

PHOENIX — October marks SUIDS Awareness Month which stands for "Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Syndrome." Arizona officials said they are seeing a decrease in SUIDS deaths, and that’s why they’re on a mission to continue the conversation and sharing of resources.

12News spoke with Brandi Samaniego, a statewide program coordinator for Healthy Families Arizona through the Arizona Department of Child Safety. Samaniego shared the most recent data (from fiscal year 2022-2023) shows 74 babies died from SUIDS in Arizona.

“When I see 74 that's not a number to me. It's a face and the heartbreak that families go through is unimaginable," shared Samaniego. "The cries that you hear when you lose a child is something that no one should have to experience.”

She shared tragically 97% of those deaths were preventable due to unsafe sleep environments. 53% of those deaths happened while bed-sharing which experts stress is unsafe.

“Bed sharing is really something that so many people are interested in doing, but really all the data suggests and experts will suggest that it is just not the safest option for families,” said Samaniego.

 She wants all parents and caregivers to know the ABCs of Safe Sleep:

A: Alone

Make sure your baby is alone while they sleep with nothing surrounding them.

B: Back

Make sure your baby is sleeping on their back.

C: Crib

Make sure your baby is asleep in their crib. This includes if your baby falls asleep in your car, and once you arrive home move the baby into their crib for a safe sleep.

“We want to make sure nothing is around a baby,” said Samaniego. “This means blankets, any stuffies that you might have, any sort of pillows, those things because baby does not have the coordination, or the fine motors or gross motor skills to move their neck. So if they get stuck in one of these stuffy or blankets, they are not able to turn their body away from it. So it's very important to make sure that their neck and headspace are completely free of anything,” she added.

 Samaniego said parents should not be afraid to share the ABCs of Safe Sleep with anyone who will be watching their child. She suggested having an open and honest conversation about why it’s so important.

The number of deaths they have seen in Arizona is decreasing, she added, and that’s why this month and mission are so important.

“I see this number and that it can be changed, and it can be decreased, and we do this through honest conversations and support through our community, and also knowing that you're not alone as a parent,” said Samaniego. 

If you have more questions she suggests parents reach out to your child’s pediatrician.

You can also find help through Healthy Families Arizona. It’s a voluntary program and they can visit you in your home to offer support to expecting and new parents.

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