Sanford, Florida — In recognition of October as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month, the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County’s (DOH-Seminole) Florida Healthy Babies program is inviting parents to register for childbirth classes starting October 16.

“Education is key to help parents and caregivers reduce the risk of SIDS. The Florida Healthy Babies childbirth education class is an excellent way for parents to learn more about how to prevent SIDS and other important topics,” said Donna J. Walsh, health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County.

About 3,700 infants died of SIDS or other sleep-related causes in the US in 2015. It is important to create a safe sleep environment for you baby and prevent SIDS by practicing the following tips:

• Place your baby on his or her back for all sleep times
• Use a firm sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib or bassinet covered only by a fitted sheet
• Have the baby share your room, not your bed
• Keep soft objects, such as pillows and loose bedding out of your baby’s sleep area
• Do not allow smoking around your baby.

To learn more about SIDS and other important information on childbirth and caring for your newborn register for one of the childbirth education class sessions by visiting www.seminolecohealth.com. The classes cost only $25 per session and are offered at the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County located at 400 West Airport Boulevard in Sanford.

For more information please contact Alfredo Maldonado at (407) 665-3274 or visit www.seminolecohealth.com.

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.