HAUPPAUGE, NY--Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine joined county health officials and legislators to remind new parents of the dangers of unsafe sleep habits on April 9.

“The recent headlines of infant deaths relating to parent rollovers or unsafe sleep condition are tragic,” said Romaine. “What adds to the tragedy is that these deaths were preventable with education.”

There have been 22 deaths in three years due to unsafe sleep conditions in Suffolk County. Five infant deaths have already happened in 2025.

The Suffolk County Department of Health and Human Services and the Suffolk County Department of Social Services want to remind newborn parents of the following:

· Have your newborn sleep on their back for all sleep times.

· Prepare any sleeping space using fitted sheets on a firm surface to maintain a flat sleeping environment. (large wrinkles and a soft mattress can create airflow obstructions)

· Never sleep in the same bed as your child.

· Do not put toys, stuffed animals, pillows or blankets in the crib area.

If you have any questions, please speak to your pediatrician or reach out to the Suffolk County Department of Health by calling Suffolk 311.

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