The Alabama Department of Public Health announces the #CleartheCrib Challenge to combat infant mortality

DOTHAN, Ala. (WTVY) – Infant mortality is a tragedy that no one wants to have to deal with, yet hundreds do every year.

Newly released numbers from the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) show that 391 babies died in Alabama in 2022. Of that number, 105 of them were Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUIDS).

The last time the ADPH reported infant mortality figures was in 2022.

“We were better than before,” said Amy McAfee, ADPH’s State Perinatal Program Manager. “We had improved our infant mortality rate since 2021.”

Even as the number of deaths has declined, it remains a heavy burden for parents.

According to McAfee, there are a number of leading causes of infant mortality in Alabama.

One of the main causes is sleep-related.

This is where ADPH’s #CleartheCrib social media challenge comes in handy.

It clarifies what a safe crib environment looks like and promotes safe sleep for babies.

Safe sleep is part of the ADPH calls “The ABCs of sleep:” Alonely, on their back, in one crib.

All pillows, loose blankets, bumper pads, cuddly toys and even baby hats should be removed.

To complete the timed challenge, you must remove unsafe items and safely position a doll representing a sleeping baby.

McAfee said babies should also generally be in their own crib and not share a bed with parents who have holes or soft mattresses and pillows.

“We have a phrase we use: ‘share your room, not your bed.’ Put them in their own bed,” said McAfee.

Reducing high-risk environments, she says, can keep Alabama on track in reducing infant mortality as new numbers come in and new babies are brought into the world.

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