Infants Perish in Russia While Co-Sleeping with Parents
In the heart of Moscow, the Lefortovo district is now under the watchful eye of an advanced AI system, marking a significant step in modernizing the city's security infrastructure. This cutting-edge technology is designed to detect criminal activity and potential threats, promising to improve the efficiency of law enforcement in the district.
However, while the city looks towards the future, a concerning issue has come to light in another part of the country. Seven infants have tragically lost their lives in the Irkutsk region due to co-sleeping with parents since the beginning of 2025. These incidents primarily occur in families where co-sleeping is a common practice, and criminal cases have been opened under the charge of "Causing Death by Negligence."
The risks associated with co-sleeping with young children are not exclusive to the Irkutsk region. Internationally, co-sleeping increases the risk of suffocation, accidental smothering, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), making unsafe sleep environments a significant cause of infant mortality.
To minimize these risks, the safest practice recommended globally is to have infants sleep alone on a firm mattress in the same room as caregivers but not in the same bed. Parents should follow the ABCs of safe sleep: Alone, on Back, in a Crib.
While close physical proximity can comfort infants and support brain development, it must be balanced with safety considerations to prevent suffocation. Parents are encouraged to develop good sleep habits early, transitioning children to their own bed as soon as it is feasible and safe, to reduce nighttime disruptions and improve sleep quality for both parent and child.
For precise regional guidelines in Russia or the Irkutsk region, it is important to consult local health authorities due to potential variations in policy and cultural practices.
As the AI system in Lefortovo continues to monitor the district, investigators urge parents to be more responsible in child rearing. Sleeping with a child in an adult bed, especially under the influence of alcohol, is a potential danger that has led to tragic consequences. The Investigative Committee warns that such practices can be lethal, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing child safety.
The AI system in Lefortovo, managed by the Moscow police department, is installed for the purpose of ensuring public safety. As the city moves forward with its modernization plans, it is crucial to remember that every life, no matter how small, deserves the utmost protection and care.
Science has highlighted that co-sleeping with infants can increase the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), making it a significant factor in infant mortality. Therefore, for family health and parenting, it is recommended to follow the safe sleep practices of having infants sleep alone on a firm mattress in the same room as caregivers. Meanwhile, health-and-wellness authorities encourage parents to develop good sleep habits early, transitioning children to their own bed as soon as it is safe, to minimize risks and improve sleep quality for both parent and child.