There were 62 sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUIDs) in Wisconsin during 2016, according to a new report by Keeping Kids Alive in Wisconsin, a program led by the Alliance in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Maternal and Child Health, Title V Program.

A SUID is defined as the death of an infant younger than age 1 that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly, and whose cause of death is not immediately obvious before investigation. SUIDs occurred in 30 percent of Wisconsin counties and included families of all ages, races and educational levels. All deaths occurred while the infants were in the sleep environment.

  • The American Academy of Pediatrics updated its evidence-based recommendations for safe infant sleep in 2016. The three most commonly unmet recommendations were:
  • Use a firm sleep surface, defined as a crib, Pack ‘n Play® or bassinet.
  • Put infants to sleep in the caregiver’s room, but on a separate surface designed for infants. Ideally this is recommended for the first year of life, but at least for the first six months.
  • Avoid soft objects or loose bedding, most commonly comforters, blankets or pillows in the sleep environment.

The Keeping Kids Alive in Wisconsin program is comprised of county-based or regional child death review and fetal infant mortality review teams. The teams are multidisciplinary and prevention-focused. The Alliance assists communities with establishing local teams and implementing prevention strategies based on recommendations developed from data gathered during child death and fetal infant mortality reviews.