Middlesex DA Ryan is Working to Keep Infants Safe

By SUSAN PETRONI (Patch Staff)

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death among infants between 1 month and 1 year of age.

Last week, the Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan met with medical staff at the MetroWest Medical Center in Framingham to share her Safe Babies, Safe Kids campaign.

The campaign is a comprehensive approach to child injury and fatality prevention and wellness efforts.

Ryan met with Dr. Lisa Capra, Associate Director for the Division of Pediatric Medicine, part of Tufts Floating Hospital for Children at MetroWest Medical Center. Dr. Capra is part of the DA’s task force.

Ryan also met with Dr. Jerry M. Wortzman, chair of the Department of Pediatrics at MetroWest Medical Center and
Dr. Paul Kotzampaltiris, medical director of pediatrics emergency room at MetroWest Medical Center.

Ryan distributed posters, created by students, on keeping infants safe when they sleep. Students at Greater Lowell Technical High School created graphic designs for the initiative, and students Sarah Gorski and Ashley Tran’s designs were chosen to appear in brochures and posters across Middlesex County to help educate the public about “best practices” for keeping infants and young children safe.

The posters encourage parents to:

• Always place baby on his/her back to sleep
• Keep baby’s sleep area free of pillows, soft of loose bedding, padded bumpers, soft objects and toys
• Place baby in a safety-approved crib with a firm mattress and tightly-fitted sheet
• Place baby to sleep in a separate sleep area close to where you or others sleep
• Prevent overheating by not overdressing baby and keeping room temperature between 68-72 degrees
• Give baby plenty of tummy time when awake and someone is watching

The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office (MDAO) serves the largest county in New England, covering 54 diverse cities and towns, including Belmont.