ADPH encourages you to join the #ClearTheCrib #SafeSleepAL challenge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Amy McAfee, RN, (334) 206-6403

Sleep-related infant deaths are still a major problem in Alabama. Of the 449 babies who tragically died in 2023, 89 are counted as Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUIDs). The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) wants you to help combat infant mortality by joining the #ClearTheCrib #SafeSleepAL challenge.

What is a SUID?

SUID refers to the death of an infant under one year of age, in which the cause of death was identified as either sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), accidental suffocation and strangulation, or an unknown cause. These deaths often occur while the infant is sleeping. Many of the deaths classified as undetermined occur in an unsafe sleep environment, even though they are not documented as SIDS. Creating a safe sleep environment for infants could significantly decrease the prevalence of sleep-related infant deaths.

How You Can Get Involved

October is SIDS Awareness Month, and ADPH continues to promote the ABCs of safe sleep-Alone, on their Back, in a Crib. To help highlight and clarify what a safe, clear crib environment looks like, ADPH is promoting the National Institutes of Health's Safe to Sleep® #ClearTheCrib challenge. This social media challenge is a fun and engaging way to highlight the importance of a clear crib to reduce the risk of suffocation and other SUIDs.

All pillows, loose blankets, bumper pads, stuffed animals, and even baby hats should be removed from a crib for a baby to sleep safely. To successfully "Clear the Crib," participants need to remove all unsafe items from a cluttered crib and ensure that the doll representing the baby is safely positioned. This is a timed challenge.

The intention is to have fun while spreading the word on keeping babies safe. Infants statewide need you to help spread awareness by joining the #ClearTheCrib #SafeSleepAL challenge. ADPH invites you to be creative and use your platforms to educate communities about safe sleep for infants. Make sure to include the tags #ClearTheCrib and #SafeSleepAL.

Are you ready to prevent infant mortality in your community? For more information about the social media campaign, visit the Alabama Perinatal Program.

If you cannot afford a safe place for your infant to sleep, visit Cribs for Kids.

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10/20/25