In the past 12 months, seven babies in Highlands and Polk counties have died from suffocation as a result of a roll over or while bed sharing. Many parents and caregivers are unaware of the hidden hazards of bed sharing. The NICHD and AAP have developed the following safe sleep techniques to reduce the risk of infant deaths due to accidental suffocation and SIDS:
 Always place your baby to sleep on his or her back, never on side or stomach.
 Do not smoke around any baby or during pregnancy.
 Keep your baby's sleep area free of soft, fluffy bedding and stuffed toys.
 Use a firm mattress and safety approved crib.
 Keep blankets and others coverings away from your baby's nose and mouth and avoid overdressing baby with layers of clothing.
 Never sleep with a baby in any bed or allow a baby to sleep with another adult or child even if they are twins.
 All babies should be returned to their own crib after nursing or comforted.
 When using a portable crib or playpen be sure to use only the mattress or pad provided by the manufacturer.
 Make sure everyone who cares for your baby knows safe sleep techniques.

For more information, please call the Healthy Start Coalition of Hardee, Highlands, and Polk Counties, Inc. at 863-297-3043.