Report: Arizona Child Fatalities Down Again

Arizona has seen a decline in the number of child deaths for the second year in a row.

The Department of Health Services' Annual Child Fatality Review Report released Tuesday shows there were 1,038 child deaths in Arizona in 2008, down from 1,143 a year earlier and 1,161 in 2006.

Deaths in 2008 from maltreatment and motor vehicle accidents were down from 2007.

However, the department says it is "astounding" that 90 infant deaths in 2008 occurred due to unsafe sleep environments, such as children sleeping on couches or adult beds.

Assistant Director Jeanette Shea says babies should be in cribs with firm mattresses.

Shea also says breast-feeding mothers should ensure there's nothing blocking their baby's face so it can easily breathe.