Infant Safe Sleep

Governor Tim Walz proclaimed the week of November 17-23, 2024 as: Infant Safe Sleep Week. 

Infant Safe Sleep Week Proclamation (PDF)

Proclamation

WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota is dedicated to the wellbeing of its children and recognizes that the future of young people is built on a quality foundation of early childhood experiences; and

WHEREAS: Sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) are a subset of infant fatalities that occur suddenly and unexpectedly before age one from causes that are not immediately obvious; anda thorough investigation-including autopsy - is required to determine the cause and manner of SUID; and

WHEREAS: Every year, approximately 50 babies in Minnesota die suddenly and unexpectedly, and most of these deaths happen in an unsafe sleep environment; and

WHEREAS: These often-preventable  deaths can affect any family regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, national origin, or religious beliefs; and

WHEREAS: Anyone who takes care of babies, including parents, caregivers, childcare providers, health care providers, and family members, should follow safe sleep practices every time an infant sleeps or naps to prevent SUID; and

WHEREAS: Parents, families, childcare 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: Infant Safe Sleep Week provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations, government entities, health care facilities, and coalitions to promote the awareness of safe sleep practices and ensure the safety of infants while they sleep or nap; and

WHEREAS: No infant should die due to an unsafe sleep situation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim November 17-23, 2024, as:

INFANT SAFE SLEEP WEEK  

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 15th day of November.