MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — Do you know the safest way to put your newborn to sleep? You might not know as much as you think and it could be putting your baby at risk.
Baldwin County has one of the highest infant mortality rates in Georgia. The county started a new program to curb the issue.
David Carver works for Grady Emergency Services in Baldwin County. He said just about every parent is guilty of endangering their infant at bed time.
"I loved having my child sleep on my chest and everything and that's been proven that's not the best thing to do," Carver said.
In August, Grady EMS in Baldwin County will start the Direct on Scene Education program or D.O.S.E. It's aimed at educating parents on the proper way to put their child to sleep and prevent unexpected infant deaths.
D.O.S.E. originated in Florida and Carver said EMS personnel there were able to cut their infant mortality rate from 13 infant deaths per year to just three.
Baldwin County averages three infant deaths per year.
"We just need to re-educate ourselves I think that's the big point. We can't just rely on the old information we've been doing for years and years. We're finding out that those things are wrong," Carver said.
Baldwin's Grady EMS team will be handing out educational cards and pointing out potential problems they see on house calls like parents sleeping in the same bed as the infant.
"The parents think they're bonding with that child but they're actually putting their child at risk because once we get into that deep sleep that REM sleep we may roll over," Carver said.
According to the Department of Health, over 50 percent of infant deaths occur in the adult bed.
Parents and caregivers should not place items that the baby can potentially suffocate on in the crib. They recommend keeping toys, bumpers, pillows and loose sheets out of the crib.
John Gonzales, Baldwin County coroner and district manager for Grady's EMS services in Baldwin County, said the department will provide training for any daycare, doctor's office or other service that asks. Call 404-616-1253 to set up an appointment.