TIPPECANOE CO., Ind. (WLFI) – Within the last 21 days, three infants have died in Indiana due to co-sleeping, and experts say these are not isolated cases.
The recent incidents have Tippecanoe County’s Child Fatality Review Team looking for ways to educate parents. Tippecanoe County Prosecutor Patrick Harrington said awareness is the only way to stop these unnecessary infant deaths.
“If you know of any parent out there, or parents, who have a child 18 months or younger, call them now and tell them — ‘Do not sleep with your child’,” said Harrington.
It’s a tragedy he’s seen time and time again.
“They work, they come home, they’re fatigued, the child is fussy. They put the child on their chest, feeding the child, they fall asleep. It’s accidental, but these are things parents have to think through,” explained Harrington.
So far, there have been six infant deaths in Indiana alone due to co-sleeping in 2015. There were three last year. Harrington said the only way to prevent it is to make sure everyone knows the dangers.
The Tippecanoe County Child Fatality Review Team is seeking ways to educate parents about the dangers of co-sleeping. They’re handing out free books to new parents. The book is called “Sleep Baby, Safe and Snug” — it’s a children’s book, but it provides a “Do and Don’t” list for parents on the back.
Hospitals like IU Health Health Arnett and Franciscan St. Elizabeth are giving the books to parents with newborn babies. Harrington said they’re looking to give the books to Rigg’s Medical Center as well.
If you don’t have access to the book, Harrington has an easy way to remember safety tips.
“Think of the ‘ABC,’ child always sleeps ‘alone,’ always on their ‘back,’ and always in a ‘crib,’” explained Harrington.
