August 18, 2025
El Paso County, CO– In an effort to raise awareness and prevent sleep-related infant deaths, El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH) is proud to launch an Infant Safe Sleep campaign. This public health initiative is aimed at educating parents, caregivers, and communities about safe sleep practices to help reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths.
EPCPH, in partnership with the El Paso County Coroner’s Office, facilitates the El Paso County Child Fatality Review Team. This multi-disciplinary group reviews injury and violence-related deaths among 0–17-year-olds to develop child mortality prevention recommendations as required by the Colorado Child Fatality Prevention Act (C.R.S 25-20.5-401).
In 2024, the team identified sleep-related infant death as the leading cause of death among cases reviewed. From 2019-2023, leading causes of death reviewed by the team were sleep-related infant deaths, suicides, and transportation-related deaths. While youth suicides and transportation-related child deaths declined from 2023 to 2024, there was no decrease in sleep-related infant deaths.
The “Infant Safe Sleep” campaign emphasizes a safe sleep environment to help keep babies safe by practicing the ABC’s (alone, back, crib) of safe sleep. Safe sleep practices include the following:
- Alone
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- Keep baby’s sleep area clear of all objects including toys, pillows and blankets.
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- Share your room with baby, but never your bed.
- Back
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- Put baby on their back to sleep at night and for naps.
- Crib
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- Use a firm and flat sleep surface with only a fitted sheet.
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- Put baby to sleep in a crib, bassinet, or playpen.
- Couches, chairs, and adult beds are not safe for babies to sleep on.
“Our goal is to ensure every caregiver understands how critical it is to create a safe sleep environment for their infant,” said Emma Bernick, Injury & Violence Prevention Planner “These simple steps can save babies’ lives.”
A Safe Sleep Station is now available at the EPCPH Vital Records Office, where parents and caregivers can access educational brochures, diaper tags, and other materials promoting safe sleep practices. Additionally, educational materials will be distributed to community partners to expand and enhance reach. For more information on the Infant Safe Sleep visit https://www.elpasocountyhealth.org/injury-and-violence-prevention/ or contact safesleep@elpasoco.com.
Contact: Erin Thompson, Communications and Public Relations Specialist
719-663-4033
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