The number of child deaths in Kern County hit a five-year low in 2016, but there are still concerns over sudden unexpected infant death rates.

The County Health Department's Child Death Review Team presented its annual report to the county supervisors on Tuesday. 

A third of the 42 deaths of children 17-years-old and younger last year were categorized as sudden unexpected infant deaths. 

The CDRT recommended hospitals develop infant safe sleep policies, training for staff, and education for parents on safe sleep practices for infants.

October is also Safe Sleeping Awareness Month, a campaign supported by the Kern County Network for Children.