AUSTIN, TX — The majority of accidental infant sleep deaths in Austin and Travis County between 2018 and 2023 involved bed sharing and soft bedding, according to a new report from Austin Public Health.
Accidental suffocation or strangulation in bed is the leading cause of injury-related death for infants under 12 months in the area. Of 51 infant deaths in Travis County where risk factors were present, 40 occurred within Austin city limits.
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“The data we found shows that many of these deaths are avoidable,” said Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes.
The report analyzed data from the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office. Findings showed 68% of deaths occurred in adult beds, with 61% of infants bed-sharing with another person. Blankets were present in 84% of cases and pillows in 71%. Nearly half the deaths involved infants younger than 3 months old.
African American infants were disproportionately represented in the deaths, the report found.
Health officials recommend placing babies on their backs to sleep on firm, flat surfaces and keeping soft bedding, blankets and toys out of sleeping areas.
Austin Public Health’s Injury Prevention Program offers safe sleep education and works with hospitals and clinics to provide cribs to qualifying families.