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?

Drowning Prevention

Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional injury death in Florida—especially among children ages 1 to 4. In Clay County, this risk is heightened due to the abundance of pools, lakes, and natural waterways. According to Florida Health CHARTS, drowning remains a preventable tragedy that affects families across our community.

Local Impact: Clay County Drowning Statistics

• Clay County has reported multiple unintentional drowning deaths in recent years, with children under 5 being the most vulnerable group.
• For every child who dies from drowning, five more receive emergency care for nonfatal incidents, often resulting in long-term disabilities.
• More than 50% of drowning victims treated in emergency departments require hospitalization, compared to just 6% for other unintentional injuries.

Key Prevention Tips

Help reduce the risk of drowning by following these proven safety practices:

For children:

• Always supervise children near water – no exceptions
• Install barriers – like pool fences with self-latching gates
• Teach water safety and swimming skills early
• Use life jacket – in and around natural bodies of water
• Empty buckets, tubs, and kiddie pools immediately after use

At home:

• Keep toilet lids closed and use safety latches on bathroom doors
• Never leave a child unattended in the bath
• Secure pet water bowls and other small water sources

Outdoors:

• Swim in designated areas with lifeguards
• Learn CPR and basic rescue techniques
• Avoid alcohol while supervising children or swimming
• Be aware of rip currents and weather conditions

Every second counts. Drowning is silent and fast nut it is preventable. Let’s work together to keep Clay County families safe around water.

Resources

• WaterSmartFL.com: Statewide hub for water safety education and updates including the Swim Lesson Voucher Program.
• DOH-Clay Outreach Events: Contact us for upcoming water safety workshops and community events

Downloadable Materials

• Water Safety for Parents & Caregiver