Safe Sleep Awareness

April 16, 2026

It is “National Wear Your PJs to Work Day” and the team at Taney County Health Department (TCHD) is wearing pajamas in the workplace today for a special cause. TCHD has joined forces with Cribs for Kids to promote awareness about infant sleep practices. Wearing bunny slippers into the office might sound silly, but the goal is serious: spreading the message about safe sleeping environments for babies. Placing infants alone, on their back, and in a crib can help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. TCHD is here to support local families with the education and resources they need to keep their little ones safe.

“We need to protect the most vulnerable members of our community” shares Kara Miller, TCHD Health Educator. “Taney County Health Department is committed to sharing safe sleep resources with families.”

Knowing and practicing the ABC’s of infant safe sleep is important for all parents and caregivers:
Alone: Babies should always sleep alone without anyone or anything in the sleep space.
Back: Babies should always be placed on their back to sleep.
Crib: Place baby in a crib, bassinet, or portable play area with a firm sleep surface and fitted sheet.

TCHD participates in the Safe Cribs for Missouri Program. This program provides portable cribs and safe sleep education to families who lack the resources to obtain a crib. To be eligible, participants must be Missouri residents, 34 weeks pregnant to 6 months postpartum, WIC recipients and/or income eligible for Medicaid, have no other means of obtaining a crib, and complete two safe sleep education classes with TCHD.

Remember that safe sleeping environments are essential for all babies. TCHD is here to help anyone learn more about the ABC’s of safe sleep. For more information about the Safe Cribs program, contact the Taney County Health Department at 417-334-4544. To keep up with TCHD, please like our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X pages.