St. Tammany Parish coroner Doctor Charles Preston is urging parents not to have their young children sleep in the same bed as them. He’s making this plea after his office investigated five infant deaths last year as a result of unsafe sleeping conditions. Preston says relatives tell parents it’s okay to have infant children sleeping with adults
“And so, there’s sort of this cultural idea that sleeping in the same environment with an infant promotes bonding, but in fact what it does is really jeopardize the infant’s life,” said Preston.
Working with the Cribs for Kids organization, Preston’s office is offering free training for parents, grandparents, and caregivers on the proper way for allowing an infant to sleep. Preston said follow your ABCs.
“Babies should be alone, on its back and in a crib, and a crib free of clutter. Free of toys, free of bumpers, free of blankets, anything that can obstruct the baby’s airway,” said Preston.
Preston said infant death by unsafe sleeping conditions is not unique to St. Tammany Parish but is a problem nationwide. Preston said in Calcasieu Parish they have had a successful program reducing infant death with Cribs for Kids.
“Who has had this program in place for ten years and they’ve seen a 66-percent reduction in infant mortality,” said Preston.
Once participants complete the 90-minute course they are giving a free Pack ‘n Play bassinet. Call the St. Tammany Parish Corner’s Office to register at (985) 781-1150.
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