Illinois DCFS Urges Safe Sleep for Infants: Saving Lives

Illinois DCFS Urges Safe Sleep for Infants: During Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month, Illinois DCFS reminds parents and caregivers of three simple steps they can take to ensure infants are placed to sleep safely, as unsafe sleep is a primary cause of death for infants and toddlers younger than one year old.

Illinois DCFS Urges Safe Sleep for Infants

“As much as we adore our babies, it is simply not safe to sleep with them. In fact, sleep-related fatalities are entirely preventable. Parents and caregivers must understand and adhere to the ABCs of safe sleep. Infants should always sleep alone; on their backs; and in a secure crib,” said Illinois DCFS Director Marc D. Smith. Following these simple procedures and removing crib bumpers, toys, blankets, and other objects could save your child’s life.

The majority of sleep-related infant fatalities occur between the ages of 1 and 4 months, with 90% occurring before the age of 6 months. In Illinois in 2022, 106 infants under the age of one perished as a result of unsafe sleep environments. 78 infants were discovered in locations other than a crib, bassinet, or “pack and play”; 24 infants were found in positions other than on their back; and 42 infants were co-sleeping at the time of death.

The safest sleeping environment for infants is a crib with a firm mattress and securely fitted sheet. There should be no pillows, blankets, bumper cushions, or toys in the crib. Never position an infant to sleep on an adult bed or couch. Parents traveling with young children should call advance to ensure that their accommodations include a crib, or bring a “pack and play” if none is available.

Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) of Illinois DCFS, which was established in 1964, is responsible for safeguarding children from abuse or neglect by responding to reports received through the Child Abuse Hotline at childabuse.illinois.gov (non-emergency situations) or 1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873).

With the aim of keeping children safe, DCFS strengthens and supports families with a wide range of services. When a child’s safety necessitates removal from their home, DCFS makes every effort to reunite them with their family. DCFS is committed to pursuing guardianship or adoption by loving families to provide children with a secure and permanent home when doing so is not in the child’s best interest. DCFS is also responsible for licensing and overseeing all child welfare agencies in Illinois.

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