In SC, nearly two babies die every week from unsafe sleep.
This chart shows how many babies die annually from various causes.
Digging into the Data
BED-SHARING: 75 out of 95 deaths (78.9%) involved infants sharing a sleep surface, also known as bed-sharing, most often being an adult bed, and in some instances a couch.
UNSAFE OBJECTS IN SLEEP AREA: 69 out of 95 deaths (72.6%) had unsafe objects in their sleep area, the vast majority being bedding or pillows, followed by Boppy/U-shaped pillows, stuffed animals and clothing.
AGE: 68 out of 95 (71.6%) deaths occurred in babies who were newborn to 6-months old.
Regions
What is happening in your county?
The data on this page is provided by the 2024 SLED report.
What Can You Do?
Follow the ABCs of Safe Sleep: ALONE - Make sure babies have their own sleep surface; no sharing cribs or playpens. No stuffed animals, blankets, or pillows. BACK - Always lay babies on their backs for naps. If they can roll over by themselves, they will roll to a comfortable position and you can leave them there. CRIB - babies are safest when they sleep in a crib, on a flat, non-inclined mattress. Babies are not safe sleeping in swings, bouncy chairs, in car seats, or propped up on pillows of any kind. An incline of 10 degrees or more puts babies at risk of positional asphyxiation (cutting off their airways due to the position of their heads.)
Providers: Earn Your Sleep Safe SC Designation
Any child care program in the state may apply to receive certified training, onsite coaching, supplies, and materials to ensure that every baby in your care is protected from the risks of unsafe sleep. Programs awarded designation will have a digital badge recognizing their commitment to safe sleep on the SCDSS Division of Early Care and Education and ABC Quality websites, prominent listings on the SCPITC website and Sleep Safe SC website.
Families: Find a Sleep Safe SC Designated Child Care Program
Check out where a Sleep Safe SC Designated child care program is in your county to ensure the best practices are being applied to your baby.
Become a Sleep Safe Ambassador: Cribs for KidsThis organization offers portable cribs to families in need of a safe sleep environment, and their ambassador program helps educate others about the health, safety, and well-being of infants.
