The Lehigh County Coroner’s Office & Forensic Center is reminding parents, caregivers, and families of the importance of safe sleep practices for infants following four infant deaths in Lehigh County during 2026 in which co-sleeping was identified as a contributing factor.

The loss of any child is a tragedy that profoundly impacts families, friends, and our entire community.

These deaths serve as a sobering reminder that infants are safest when placed alone, on their backs, and in a crib, bassinet, or play yard designed specifically for infant sleep.

Co-sleeping, which includes sharing a bed, couch, recliner, or other sleeping surface with an infant, can significantly increase the risk of accidental suffocation and other sleep related deaths.

These tragedies often occur in loving homes and involve caring parents or caregivers.

For this reason, infants should always be placed in their own safe sleep space designed specifically for infants.

The Lehigh County Coroner’s Office & Forensic Center is proud to partner with the Allentown Health Bureau in promoting safe sleep education throughout our community.

The Allentown Health Bureau offers a home visitation program that focuses on safe sleep education and assessment of safe sleep environments for pregnant women and parents of newborns.

This valuable program helps families create safe sleeping spaces and provides education designed to prevent sleep-related infant deaths.

“These deaths are heartbreaking because they are often preventable,” Buglio said. “Our goal is not to place blame, but to educate families and caregivers so that every infant has the safest possible sleep environment. By working together with health care providers, public health professionals, and community partners such as the Allentown Health Bureau, we can help prevent future tragedies and save lives.”

Families interested in learning more about the program can contact the Allentown Health Bureau at 610-437-7760 or by email at injuryprevention@allentownpa.gov.