LOWVILLE — Lewis County's Department of Social Services has joined a statewide campaign to help prevent baby co-sleeping deaths.

The "Babies Sleep Safest Alone" public education campaign — undertaken jointly by the state, counties and New York City — is intended to warn adults of the potential dangers of sharing a bed with babies, according to a release from the state Office of Children and Family Services.

Since 2006, 89 infant or small child deaths in the state have been attributed to co-sleeping with a parent, sibling or caregiver, the release states. Lewis County has had two since 2005.

"By leveraging our joint resources, we will educate caregivers to save children's lives," Lewis County DSS Commissioner Penny A. LaBarge said in a prepared statement.