"Every infant death is tragic:" Infant boy dead, officials indicate child was co-sleeping



MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s office is investigating the death of a 10-day-old infant boy in the city of Milwaukee. Initial reports indicate the infant was co-sleeping with his mother and a sibling.

The Medical Examiner’s Office was called to a home near S. 82nd and W. Oklahoma early Monday morning, November 10th.

The infant was pronounced dead just before 5:45 a.m.

An autopsy has been scheduled for Tuesday, November 11th.

City of Milwaukee officials have been working for years to reduce the infant mortality rate and educate parents on the dangers of co-sleeping.

From the "Strong Baby Campaign" to talks hosted by Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and educational campaigns by Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, there's no shortage of effort when it comes to safe sleeping in Milwaukee. So why are we still seeing infant deaths?

"The fact though that we haven`t gotten anywhere with co-sleeping deaths or unsafe sleeping deaths over the past five years now is more frustrating because that`s a simpler problem to tackle. Every infant death is tragic and this one`s no exception -- but I think again, that emphasizes the importance of always practicing safe sleep," Dr. Jason Jarzembowski, the chair of the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin Safe Sleeping Initiative said.

Dr. Jarzembowski says parents need to remember their ABCs. When putting your child to sleep, they should be alone, on their backs and in a crib.

"It`s an easy thing to do and it`s a decision that really puts your baby in the safest environment," Dr. Jarzembowski said.

Just last year, 20 babies died in the Milwaukee area due to unsafe sleeping environments.

Dr. Jarzembowski says using a sleep sack can help to prevent infant deaths.

"We believe this is entirely -- that these co-sleeping deaths and unsafe sleep deaths are entirely preventable," Dr. Jarzembowski said.

The city of Milwaukee participates in the "Cribs for Kids" program -- which works to provide families with cribs and Pack 'n Plays if they are unable to purchase them.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Cribs for Kids program.



Related stories: