Infant Safe Sleep

Governor Tim Walz proclaimed the week of November 12-18, 2023 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) are 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, approximately 50 Minnesota babies die suddenly and unexpectedly, and most of these deaths happen in an unsafe sleep environment; 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: These deaths, which can affect families regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, national origin, or religious beliefs, can often be prevented; 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; 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.

WHEREAS: Any infant death due to an unsafe sleep situation is one too many.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim the week of November 12-18, 2023, 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 7th day of November.