Safe Sleep is Worth It: Understanding the Data, Hamilton County, 2017-2021

In recent years, Hamilton County has experienced a reduction in infant mortality, especially regarding preterm birth-related and birth defect-related deaths. However, sleep-related infant deaths have remained consistent over the past 11 years. 

In fact, sleep-related infant deaths remain the second leading cause of infant death for 2020 and 2021. 

To better understand this trend, Hamilton County Public Health, Cincinnati Health Department and Cradle Cincinnati reviewed data related to these deaths from 2017-2021. This analysis showed several disparities and risk factors for sleep-related infant deaths. Disparities and risk factors are present at a higher percentage among sleep-related infant deaths when compared to the percentage among all births.

Key findings include:

• Almost 7 of every 10 sleep-related infant deaths were black babies (67%). 
• Almost 6 of every 10 sleep-related infant deaths involved co-bedding (58%). 
• Almost 2 of every 10 sleep-related infant deaths occurred to a mom who smoked anytime during pregnancy (19%).
• In 9 of every 10 sleep-related infant deaths, the infant does not live beyond 6 months of age (91%). Over half of all sleep-related infant deaths occurred within the first two months of age.

You can find more key findings as well as recommendations here.