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Lehigh Co.coroner shares warning as 4 infants die in 2026 co-sleeping incidents – NBC10 Philadelphia.This year alone, four infants across Lehigh County have died in incidents in which, officials said, co-sleeping was a factor.And, in an effort to protect other children from untimely deaths, the Lehigh County Coroner's Office issued a warning on Tuesday morning to remind parents, caregivers and families of safe sleeping practices.Stream Philadelphia News for free, 24/7, wherever you are with NBC10."These deaths are heartbreaking because they are often preventable," Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio said in a statement."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 healthcare providers, public health professionals, and community partners such as the Allentown Health Bureau, we can help prevent future tragedies and save lives." Contacted Tuesday, the coroner's office declined to provide additional information on the deaths of the four infants who died in co-sleeping incidents this year, but, the office did provide information on how families and caregivers can prevent these kind of tragedies.Co-sleeping is when someone shares a bed, couch, recliner or any sleeping surface with an infant, officials said, and the practice can "significantly increase the risk of accidental suffocation and other sleep-related deaths" for a child."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," officials said in a statement.The office said families and caregivers should follow the ABCs of infant sleeping: - Alone - Babies should sleep by themselves, in their own sleep space with no other people.Keep - pillows, blankets, toys, stuffed animals, and all other soft items out of the sleep space.- Back - Place infants on their backs for sleep.They will eventually learn how to roll from back to tummy and tummy to back.Once they can confidently roll over both ways on their own, it’s ok to leave them like that, but always place them on their back initially.- Crib - Use a crib, bassinet, or portable play yard with a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet.The crib should not have bumpers of any kind, and nothing should be attached to the crib.Babies can sleep in a swaddle until they’re 8 weeks old and a sleep sack with their arms out after that.Avoid letting baby sleep on a couch or armchair, or in a device like a swing or bouncer.Sleeping in a car seat is ok, but only while riding in the car.Babies should be removed from the car seat and placed in a crib once the trip is done.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.