Here’s some bittersweet news for parents and caregivers: while overall infant mortality rates in the U.S. have dropped significantly over the past two decades, sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) have spiked in recent years. A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that SUID cases jumped by nearly 12% between 2020 and 2022.

The good news? Infant mortality overall has fallen by 24% since 1999. But the troubling rise in sleep-related deaths has experts sounding the alarm. “The death of an infant from SIDS or SUID is unbelievably horrific,” said one pediatric expert involved in the study. “We need to do everything we can to reduce these risks.”

SUID is a broad term covering all sleep-related infant deaths, including sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. While the exact reasons for the increase remain unclear, the study also highlighted concerning disparities. Black, Native American, and Pacific Islander babies face significantly higher rates of sleep-related deaths compared to white and Asian infants.

Experts stress the importance of safe sleep practices, like placing babies on their backs in a crib free of blankets, pillows, or soft bedding. As researchers dig deeper into the causes behind this uptick, parents are encouraged to stay informed and vigilant about their baby’s sleep environment.

This study serves as a stark reminder that while progress has been made, there’s still much work to be done to protect our youngest and most vulnerable.