Rep. Byrum offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 203.

A resolution designating October 2007 as Safe Sleep Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death in infants between one month and one year of age. Many parents are unaware of the dangers of SIDS; and

Whereas, The risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome can be mitigated by reducing the baby's exposure to smoke and unsafe sleep practices, including overheating, suffocation and accidental fatal injuries; and

Whereas, Babies are needlessly dying because they are put to sleep in environments that are not safe, including: couches and adult beds, sleep areas with other children, adults or pets; pillows, blankets, adult beds or children's cribs with stuffed animals or other toys; and

Whereas, There are seven simple, inexpensive steps one should take to ensure babies sleep in a safe environment which include: the baby always sleeps alone in a crib; the baby sleeps on his or her back; there is nothing in the baby's sleep area; the baby's face is uncovered; there is no smoking around the baby; the baby is not overheated or overdressed; the baby must sleep on a firm mattress with a tight-fitting sheet; and

            Whereas, A broader understanding of safe sleep practices by Michigan’s parents will help prevent the nearly eight of 1,000 babies that die before their first birthday; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body designate October as Safe Sleep Awareness Month in the state of Michigan to promote awareness of safe sleep practices; and be it further

            Resolved, That Michigan's hospitals are encouraged to instruct safe sleep practices to all new parents in order to prevent unsafe sleep environments and reduce infant deaths because of unsafe sleep; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to Tomorrow's Child as a token of our thanks for helping raise awareness of safe sleep practices and providing support to families who have lost a baby.