Infant Safe Sleep
Governor Tim Walz proclaimed the week of November 8-14, 2020 as: Infant Safe Sleep Week.
Infant Safe Sleep Week Proclamation (PDF)
Proclamation
WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota is dedicated to the well-being of its children and recognizes that their future depends on the care and quality of their early childhood experiences; and
WHEREAS: Sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) is a subset of infant fatalities that occur suddenly and unexpectedly before age one from causes that are not immediately obvious; and
WHEREAS: A thorough investigation is required including an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of SUID;and
WHEREAS: Every year, 50 or more Minnesota babies die suddenly and unexpectedly every year, and most of these deaths happen in an unsafe sleep environment; and
WHEREAS: Parents, families, child care providers, and hospitals can engage in safe sleep practices by placing infants on their backs in a smoke-free environment in a safety-approved crib free of blankets, pillows, bumper pads, stuffed animals, and toys; and
WHEREAS: These deaths, which can affect families regardless of race and ethnicity, socioeconomic background, national origin, and religious beliefs, can be prevented; and
WHEREAS: The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to cause stress and fatigue among many, making it crucial for anyone who takes care of babies, including parents, caregivers, child care providers, health care providers, and family members, to follow safe sleep practices every time an infant sleeps or naps; and
WHEREAS: No infant should die due to an unsafe sleep situation.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim the week of November 8-14, 2020, as:
INFANT SAFE SLEEP WEEK IN MINNESOTA
In the State of Minnesota.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Minnesota to be affixed at the State Capitol this 26th day of October.
