Unexpected deaths of infants and children dropped to 171 in 2013 from 302 in 2007, a 43 percent decline, according to new state health data.
The numbers come from the Child Fatality Review, a nationwide effort to track and prevent the deaths, which include injuries, homicides, suicides sudden infant death syndrome and unknown medical conditions. Maryland began its program in 1999 and 2007 represents a peak year. There were 273 in 2000.
The data don't include deaths from a known medical condition. There were 696 deaths of infants and children from all causes in 2013, according to the state Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
State health officials attribute the decline in infants and older kids to a safe sleep initiative, better child safety seat laws and violence prevention measures, among other policies. Cell phone and texting bans while driving, as well as a crib bumper ban, an impaired driver program and pregnancy and tobacco cessation campaign are expected to further drive down the deaths, state officials said.
"We've worked aggressively to save the lives of our youngest and most vulnerable," said Gov. Martin O'Malley in a statement. "Through the work of our many partners to reduce infant mortality and reduce youth violence, we have provided a future to more than 600 children who otherwise may not have been here with us today"
The deaths are determined by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and reviewed by officials from various state agencies.