Clear the Crib challenge involves high school sports teams & mascots to spread the message

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) -A campaign to make sure your babies are sleeping safely is taking a new twist to get your attention. The Alabama Department of Public Health launched the “Safe Sleep Clear the Crib” challenge involving sports teams as we head into SIDS Awareness Month.

Alabama is among the five states with the highest rate of infant deaths. According to ADPH, of the 443 babies who died in 2021, 101 of them were counted as SIDS.

SIDS stands for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It refers to the death of a baby under a year old that does not have a known cause, even after a full investigation. And experts say creating a safe sleep environment for babies could significantly decrease that number.

October is SIDS Awareness Month. ADPH is getting a jumpstart on using the month to promote the ABCs of safe sleep, put babies down Alone, on their Backs, and in a Crib.

It’s using social media, along with high school mascots and sports teams, to get the message across about what a safe, clear crib environment looks like. You’ll notice the hashtag #Clearthecrib on those social media sites, emphasizing that all pillows, loose blankets, bumper pads, stuffed animals, and even baby hats should be removed from a crib so that a baby can sleep safely. And you’ll see high school football teams around the state taking the challenge.

For more information or if you cannot afford a safe place for your infant to sleep, click here.

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