8 Child Death Cases Reported in 2012 For Winnebago and Boone County

January 11, 2013 (WINNEBAGO) -- The sound of a newborn baby crying can add to the stress for many parents; especially when they don't know the reason why their baby is crying.

For some parents, co-sleeping with their child seems to be the more convenient answer to a stressful situation.

"Having your baby sleep in the crib, and having them cry is not an easy thing," said Carrie Lynn's Children Center Executive Director Kathy Pomahac. "The response to having them sleep with you I guess is easier."

The Department of Children and Family Services reports that of the 90 child deaths across Illinois, some of those cases are due to co-sleeping.

Parents would roll over on their child causing the newborn to suffocate to death.

Pomahac said, it's a death that can easily be prevented.

"It's certainly alarming when there's so much information out there about the risk and dangers of co-sleeping," said Pomahac. "Pediatricians and other child professionals will tell you not to do it."

Paula Culvey is the Nurse Manager for the pediatrics unity at SwedishAmerican Hospital. Culvey said, co-sleeping is unsafe on many levels.

Culvey advises parents to sleep in separate beds from their child. Avoid putting massive pillows or blankets in the baby's crib, and bumper pads should be avoided at all costs.

"This would be considered neglect," said Pomahac. "If you're putting your child at risk or in danger knowingly with information that tells you that you shouldn't then that's neglectful and abusive."

It's a risk and danger that could cost you your child's life.

We did some digging into the number of child deaths in Winnebago and Boone.

The Carrie Lynn Children's Center tells WTVO News, of the 8 reported cases last year, half were due to co-sleeping.