2 Butler County infant deaths believed to be sleep related

The cause of death for two infant boys, one in Fairfield and the other in Hamilton, is still pending, but are believed to be sleep related, according to the Butler County Coroner’s Office.

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Sleep-related infant deaths occur in infants under one year old during observed or unobserved sleep periods such as napping and nighttime sleep. These deaths include Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and deaths from accidental suffocation, asphyxia, and entrapment of the infant, coroner’s office officials said.

The risk of sleep related death increases with co-sleeping or bed sharing with adults and/or other children, and unsafe sleep environments such as an adult bed or sofa, with pillows or blankets, and even stuffed animals, according to the coroner’s office.

In Ohio, three infants die every week due to unsafe sleep environments, two thirds of which are co-sleeping deaths, according to Butler County Coroner Dr. Lisa Mannix.

In order to avoid possible harm, or even death, Mannix, advises against sleeping with your baby.

“What may seem like a parent-child bonding experience can turn into a parent’s worst nightmare,” she said.

Mannix, the Butler County Health Department, health care providers and hospitals encourage the “ABCs” of safe sleep — Alone, Back, Crib. Infants should always sleep alone, on their backs, and in a crib.

The health department offers free Pack N Plays to any qualifying family on Medicaid or WIC. Call 513-863-1770 for more information.

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