JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A 10-week-old child is dead after what appears to be a case of co-sleeping, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.
At about 3:22 p.m., patrol officers responded to the 5200 block of Lambing Road in reference to an unresponsive child, a 10-week-old girl.
JSO does not suspect foul play and the child's death "appears to be a case of co-sleeping," the agency said in a release.
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department personnel responded to provide life-saving measures and the child was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. JSO said that several people were inside a home where the child was found unresponsive.
Detectives with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit and Crime Scene Unit are conducting the investigation, though they stated the death is an isolated incident. The classification of the death is pending, the sheriff's office said.
The agency is asking anyone with information to contact 904-630-0500, email atjsocrimetips@jaxsheriff.org, or contact via Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS.
Co-sleeping refers to the practice of sleeping in the the same bed as a baby, which is discouraged by doctors due to the risk of suffocation. Experts say babies should always sleep on their backs in a crib without pillows or blankets. If you can't afford a crib or need help creating a safe environment, call Healthy Start Coalition at 904-723-5422 for more information.