More children dying from asphyxia in Ohio - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - For the second time since 2000, more Ohio children have died from asphyxia than from vehicular crashes.

"Infants are dying because they are co-sleeping or bed sharing and we have that proof. This report is proof that infants are dying. One child every three days dies in a sleep environment death in Ohio, one every three days," said Akron Children's Hospital neonatologist Dr. Elena Rossi.

The state has been working to reduce preventable child deaths since 2000 when it established the Child Fatality Review.

In its most recent report, seven percent of all deaths reviewed were from asphyxia, including suffocation, strangulation and choking. Half of the deaths were children less than one year of age and many occurred in a sleep environment.

"That is why we've been putting forth this effort to educate and put the billboards on the busses etc. to try to reduce the number because it is so preventable. We hope through education to change behavior," said Mahoning County Health Commissioner Patricia Sweeney.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has put forth recommendations for safe sleep practices. Neonatologist Dr. Elena Rossi said they're very clear. "The safe position for sleep for all babies is on their back and only on their back, in their own bed with no bumper pads, no loose items in the crib with a tight fitted sheet."