COLUMBUS, Ohio — After Ky’Air Thomas’ death was ruled as sudden unexpected infant death (SUID), the American Academy of Pediatrics released a new study on the rates of SUIDs.
The coroner said Thomas, who was one of the twins kidnapped and found back in December before dying at his home last month, was in an unsafe sleep environment before he died, but ruled his death unknown or unexplained.
Every year, thousands of babies fall victim to SUID. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 3,300 infants died from SUID back in 2020. While the cause is unknown, some infants can be more at risk than others.
“It’s a higher risk for sleep related deaths, for babies that were born preterm, low birth weight, and for babies that are less than about six months of age,” said Dr. Stephanie Napolitano, an assistant professor in pediatrics at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
New numbers show the risk has increased for Black babies. According to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the SUID rate for Black infants grew significantly since 2017, while the rate for other races declined during that time. Rates grew the most from 2019 to 2020.
Napolitano said the heightened disparities caused by the pandemic could be a contributor.
“Housing stresses, financial stresses, job stresses, not having a safe financially, people were strapped and so potentially not having a place for your baby to sleep separate from you,” said Napolitano. “All of those things I think can go into impact that that rate seen.”
While research on how to identify or prevent SUIDs and sudden infant deaths (SIDs) is ongoing, hospitals across the country continue to preach the ABC’s of safe sleep. Caregivers want to ensure babies are alone, on their back and in a crib.
Napolitano said this safe sleep practice has contributed to the overall decline of SUID deaths.
“With research and over time looking at epidemiologic data by practicing the ABC’s of safe sleep, since 1992 these deaths have been reduced by 70% over the past 30 years,” said the assistant professor. “So we know that these measures do work.”
The ABC’s are:
- A: Alone. Babies should always sleep alone. Pillows, blankets, toys, stuffed animals, and all other soft should be kept out of the sleep space.
- B: Back. Babies should sleep on their backs.
- C: Crib. Babies should be in a crib, bassinet or portable play yard with a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet, as recommended by Nationwide Children’s hospital.
Last year, Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 110, which allows the Ohio Department of Medicaid to extend postpartum coverage a year after the baby is born. Care includes mental health services, family planning, physical health check ups and more.
