Contact:
Kent Donahue
Kent.Donahue@flhealth.gov

407-858-1418

Orlando, FL – Every baby deserves a first birthday. That is why, during Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month, the Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) focuses on reducing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) with the Baby Safe Sleep campaign.

SIDS is an unexplained death occurring during sleep of an otherwise healthy infant under 1 year of age. According to the National Healthy Start Association, one of the top five leading causes of infant mortality in the United States is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) / Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID).

Through its Baby Safe Sleep campaign, DOH-Orange encourages parents, caregivers, and medical professionals to remember their ABCs of Baby Safe Sleep - Babies sleeping Alone, on their Back, and in a Crib. The campaign also offers actions that can help babies sleep safely and reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths.

Baby Safe Sleep practices include:

• Use a firm mattress with a tightly fitted sheet
• No bumper pads in the crib
• No toys or blankets in the crib
• Don't overheat or overdress a baby
• Parents can share their room with their baby, but never their bed

There are several other risk factors that can contribute to infant mortality including: late prenatal care, being overweight, smoking, substance abuse, poor nutrition, domestic violence, and pre-term labor. 

DOH-Orange works collaboratively and tirelessly to ensure that every baby is able to celebrate its first birthday and beyond through programs such as Healthy Start Care Coordination, Nurse Family Partnership, and the Bellies, Babies and Beyond program. 

To learn more about DOH-Orange’s Healthy Start programs and the Baby Safe Sleep campaign, please call 407-858-1472.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.