ST. LOUIS, MO (May 13, 2025) Approximately 3500 infants die each year in the United States from sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUIDs), sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), undetermined causes, and accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. The national “Back to Sleep” campaign helped reduce SUID rates from 1990 to 1998. But, since 1998, little progress has been made in decreasing the SUID rate.
Over the last four years, the United States has seen an increase in infant deaths from SUIDs.
To counter this national concern, SSM Health in St. Louis participates in the Infant Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program from Cribs for Kids that awards certification to hospitals that demonstrate the highest standards in safe sleep processes. Cribs for Kids is a national organization created to prevent infant sleep-related deaths by educating parents and caregivers on the importance of practicing safe sleep for their babies.
SSM Health St. Clare Hospital – Fenton has been awarded a Cribs for Kids Gold Certification, signifying the highest commitment to providing the safest care delivery practices for moms and their babies.
To be a Safe Sleep Gold certified hospital, families and caregivers must receive education from the designated hospital about safe sleep and model safe sleep practices while infants are in the facility.
An SSM Health St. Clare Hospital mom says, “learning that the hospital participates in this program was good to know because it helped me feel like I made a good decision to have my babies here.”
In 2022, Missouri's infant mortality rate was 6.8 per 1,000 live births, which was higher than the national average of 5.6.
Watch NBC affiliate KSDK Channel 5’s feature on SSM Health St. Clare Hospital’s Safe Sleep Certification.
The Family Birthplace at SSM Health St. Clare Hospital is dedicated to providing care that revolves around you and your baby. Focusing on delivering exceptional, comprehensive, and personalized health care, we empower women to make the most informed decisions. We offer the comfort of private suites close to home, making it easier to welcome your newest addition. Our strong connection to maternal-fetal medicine specialists at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – St. Louis and pediatric experts at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital gives you confidence that you are making the best decision for you and your baby.
