Children's Health

Safe Sleep for Infants

Protecting your baby starts with safe sleep.

Every year, thousands of infants die unexpectedly during sleep due to unsafe sleep environments. These deaths are often preventable. The Florida Department of Health in Clay County (DOH-Clay) is committed to educating families and caregivers about safe sleep practices to reduce the risk of Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUID), including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, and strangulation.

The ABCs of Safe Sleep

Alone. Back. Crib

Follow these simple guidelines every time your baby sleeps:

• Alone – No toys, pillows, blankets, or other people in the sleep space
• Back – Always place your baby on their back to sleep, for naps and at night
• Crib – Use a firm, flat sleep surface like a safety-approved crib or bassinet

Safe Sleep Tips for Parents and Caregivers

• Use a fitted sheet only – no loose bedding
• Keep baby’s sleep area in the same room, but not the same bed
• Avoid overheating – dress baby in light sleep clothing
• Never place baby to sleep on couches, armchairs, or adult beds
• Breastfeeding and pacifier use at sleep time may reduce the risk of SIDS
• Make sure everyone who cares for your baby knows these guidelines

Resources and Support

• Florida Healthy Babies Initiative
• Safe to Sleep® Campaign – NIH
• Contact DOH-Clay for local resources, crib programs, or educational materials

Together, we can keep babies safe. Help us spread the word about safe sleep. Share this page with family, friends, and caregivers. Every safe sleep counts.

Questions? Contact us 904-529-2800 or email ClayCHDWeb@FLHealth.gov to speak with a public health educator or request a safe sleep presentation for your organization.

Downloadable Flyers and Handouts

Help spread awareness with these printable resources:

• Safe Sleep ABCs Flyer
• What Does a Safe Sleep Environment Look Like?