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The 20th Anniversary Walk for the Future with the Iowa SIDS Foundation will be held in cities across the state, including Washington, on Saturday. The event provides a chance for SIDS and SUID families to celebrate the lives of their babies, while raising awareness for sudden unexpected sleep-related infant death. SIDS is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and the unexpected death of a baby less than a year old, often they happen during sleep or in the baby’s sleep area.

Saturday’s walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Sunset Park with registration starting at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds from the Walk for the Future go to help educate Iowa parents, healthcare professionals, and childcare providers on safe sleep practices, as well as bereavement support to families.

The Centers for Disease Control states about 3,500 babies in the United States die suddenly and unexpectedly each year. The best way for baby to sleep is on his or her back on a firm, flat sleep surface with only a fitted sheet on the mattress. It’s also recommended that babies sleep in the same room as parents until at least 6 months old; share a room but keep the sleep area separate, meaning baby in a bassinet next to the bed not in the same bed as parents. Pillows, blankets, and toys should not be placed with baby at naps or bedtime. Additional recommendations to reduce the risk of SIDS include not smoking during pregnancy or around your baby, do not drink alcohol while pregnant, breastfeed your baby, take baby for regular check ups, and offer baby a pacifier at nap time and bedtime.