Safe Sleep
Each year in the United States, more than 3,500 infants, without a prior known illness or injury, die suddenly and unexpectedly. As of 2021, Georgia averaged three infant deaths per week due to sleep-related causes, which are contributing factors to the state’s current infant mortality rate. Georgia has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the country. Infant sleep-related deaths occur suddenly, but parents and caregivers can reduce the risk of these tragic deaths by following the ABCs of safe sleep:
- Alone: babies should sleep alone in their own sleep space, close to but separate from their caregiver.
- Back: babies should be placed on their back to sleep. Every nap. Every sleep. Every time.
- Crib: babies should sleep in a crib or bassinet with a firm, flat surface with no extra items such as crib bumpers, blankets or toys.
Safe Sleep Environment: View PDF
There is nothing more beautiful than a sleeping baby! GA Strong Families provides FREE pack and plays to enrolled families that need a safe sleeping environment for their little one.
Car Seat Safety
Learning how to use a new car seat is often the last step in preparing for the arrival of a new baby. Car seats often come with lengthy instructions that parents may not read or fully understand, causing many car seats to be used incorrectly. The best way to protect your new arrival in the car is to put him/her in the right seat, at the right time, and use it the right way! Correctly used child safety seats can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71 percent.
Children need a car seat that keeps them safe!
DPH offers a FREE Car Seat Class that provides general car seat and seat belt education and one-on-one help with car seat instillation. You may qualify for a free car seat! Must be a resident within the West Central Health District: Chattahoochee, Clay, Crisp, Dooly, Harris, Macon, Marion, Muscogee, Quitman, Randolph, Schley, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, Taylor, and Webster county.
Learn More About Car Seat Safety:
- Car seat safety information: https://www.safekids.org/car-seat
- Register for a car seat class today: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/dphcarseat
- Check for car seat recalls: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls#car-seats
Home Visiting/Case Management
Now serving the following counties: Clay, Crisp, Dooly, Muscogee, Stewart, Sumter, Talbot, and Taylor. Learn how we serve your community.
Preconception Project
GSF’s Preconception Project aims to work with individuals to improve their own health, promote family planning, and empower their success.
Fatherhood Initiative
Having an active, involved father can greatly affect a child’s cognitive and social development. You do not have to be a “Super Dad” to be a Great Dad!