In a deeply upsetting case from Oregon, a woman named T. Biswanath has been sentenced to two years in prison after an 11-month-old baby died while in her care. The tragedy occurred at an unlicensed daycare she was running from her home, and the case highlights the life-threatening risks of unsafe sleep practices for infants.
What Went Wrong?
On the day of the incident in August 2022, Biswanath was looking after five children, including the victim. To help the baby sleep, she tightly wrapped him in a newborn-sized sleeping bag, even though he was 11 months old. She also placed a pacifier with a stuffed toy attached in his mouth and then laid him facedown on a bed in an upstairs room.
These actions go against basic safe sleep guidelines, which state that babies should always sleep on their backs, in an empty crib or bassinet, and without any loose bedding or toys nearby.
Trained Yet Negligent
Biswanath had previously worked at a well-known childcare center and had received professional training that specifically advised against swaddling older infants, especially those who could roll over or crawl.
Despite this training, she used a sleeping bag that was too small, restricted the baby’s arms, and left him alone upstairs while she attended to other children. She checked on him only after about an hour and found the baby blue and unresponsive.
Though her husband called emergency services and she tried CPR, the baby was declared dead shortly after. The autopsy confirmed the cause of death as a result of unsafe sleep conditions, which remain one of the top causes of preventable infant deaths in the U.S.
Legal Action and Sentencing
Biswanath was charged with criminally negligent homicide and found guilty by a jury last month. Earlier this month, Judge E. Buchér sentenced her to:
- 2 years in prison
- 3 years of post-release supervision
- A permanent ban from operating any childcare facility
- No contact with the victim’s family
Senior Deputy District Attorney C. Lewman, who handled the case, said that Biswanath showed a dangerous level of carelessness, despite having received proper childcare training in the past.
Steps Taken After the Tragedy
In response to the case, local authorities and the Child Abuse Multidisciplinary Team have partnered with the National Cribs for Kids Program. This initiative now offers:
- Free crib kits for eligible families
- Safe sleep education and guidance
- Training to reduce sleep-related risks in childcare
The District Attorney’s Office also released a statement expressing deep condolences to the family and urged all caregivers to follow safe sleep practices strictly.