Safe Kids Fairbanks is led by Fairbanks Safe Kids Coalition at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital, which provides dedicated and caring staff, operation support and other resources to assist in achieving our common goal: keeping your kids safe.

Part of Safe Kids Worldwide, Safe Kids Fairbanks is dedicated to protecting kids from unintentional injuries. 

Based on the needs of the community, this coalition implements evidence-based programs, such as car-seat checkups, safety workshops and essential safety gear to help parents and caregivers prevent childhood injuries.

PREVENTABLE INJURIES ARE THE #1 KILLER OF KIDS IN THE U.S.

Every year, 8,000 families lose a child because of a preventable injury. When a child dies, the lives of families are changed forever. And almost every one of these tragedies is preventable. 

MILLIONS MORE CHILDREN ARE INJURED EVERY YEAR

In the United States nearly 7.7 million children are treated for injuries in emergency departments every year. These are often serious injuries that can affect them for a lifetime.

THE ABC'S OF SAFE SLEEP

Safe Sleep, is a program designed to reduce the number of babies who die from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Use this information to keep your baby safe while sleeping. 

• Sleep Position: Always place the baby on their back for naps and bedtime to minimize the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

• Sleep Environment: Use a firm sleep surface like a crib, bassinet, or portable crib with a fitted sheet, following safety standards. Avoid adult beds, couches, or chairs for baby's sleep.

• Room Sharing: Keep the baby's sleep area in the same room as the parents for the first year, but ensure the baby sleeps in their own safety-approved space, not in the parent's bed.

• Avoid Sitting Devices: Refrain from using bouncy seats, swings, carriers, or strollers as routine sleep spaces for the baby.

• Remove Soft Objects: Keep soft items such as pillows, blankets, toys, and bumpers out of the baby's sleep area to prevent suffocation hazards.

• Avoid Smoking: Pregnant women should not smoke, and smoking should be prohibited around the baby to reduce health risks.

• Maintain Optimal Temperature: Ensure the baby does not get too hot during sleep by regulating the room temperature and avoiding overdressing.

• Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding is encouraged, offering various health benefits for both the baby and the mother.

• Pacifier Use: Provide a dry pacifier that is not attached to a string for naps and nighttime sleep after breastfeeding is established to reduce the risk of SIDS.

• Skin-to-Skin Contact: Engage in supervised skin-to-skin contact between mothers and infants immediately after birth for at least an hour, promoting bonding and well-being.

• Healthcare Guidance: Follow healthcare provider recommendations regarding vaccines and regular health checkups for the baby's overall well-being.

• Safe Sleep Happens Outside of the Car Seat: Once you have reached your final destination, remove the sleeping infant from their car seat and transfer them to a safe, flat sleep surface.