Tips could curb isles’
10 annual crib deaths
The number of sleep-related infant deaths in Hawaii has dropped from 26 in 1992 to an average of 10 annually, but one is too many, the Safe Sleep Hawaii committee emphasizes.
Sleep-related injuries are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among Hawaii infants and the third leading cause of death overall, the committee said.
The American Academy of Pediatrics in 1992 recommended that infants sleep on their backs to prevent sleep-related deaths, and these deaths dropped after a national "Back to Sleep" public awareness campaign.
However, the Safe Sleep Hawaii committee said studies show other risks to sleeping children. Parents and others caring for infants are urged to follow these guidelines:
>> Put infants to sleep on their backs on a hard surface.A "Back to Sleep" handout is available online at the Keiki Injury Prevention Coalition Web site at www.kipchawaii.org and from the Department of Health at 733-4056.>> Make sure the crib has a firm, tight-fitting mattress and meets safety standards.
>> Don't allow pillows or any other soft bedding or toys in the baby's sleep area.
>> Make sure the baby's head and face are never covered.
>> Don't allow smoking around the baby.
>> Don't allow the baby to get too warm during sleep.
>> Prevent "overlaying," which occurs when a person sleeping with an infant rolls onto the infant and unintentionally smothers the child.