University Health System gives Baby Box starter kits to new parents

Program aims to decrease sudden infant death syndrome

SAN ANTONIO – University Health System is giving out Baby Box starter kits in hopes to decrease the amount of sudden infant death syndrome cases in Bexar County.

The number of babies who have died because of unsafe sleep practices has increased every year since 2009 in Bexar County, according to Dr. Sanjie Garza-Cox, chief of staff at Children's Hospital of San Antonio.

While browsing Facebook, John Chance saw a program being used in Finland that was helping to decrease the amount of sudden infant death syndrome cases.

"I did research, and for 75 years, the government of Finland provided Baby Boxes with mattresses and a whole bunch of supplies for the first year of the baby's life," Chance said.

As part of the North Central Rotary Club, Chance presented the idea of trying out the Baby Box to University Health System.

The idea of putting a baby in a box to sleep may seem hard for some parents to grasp, but it is safe.

"We want to raise awareness to parents that it's best that their babies sleep in a firm surface on their back, and with no stuffed animals around or thick blankets in the crib," said Dr. Cynthia Blanco with University Health System.

Right now, a little over 100 kits will be given out, but the hope is that eventually every new mom in San Antonio will be given a Baby Box at every hospital.


About the Author:

Erica Hernandez is an Emmy award-winning journalist with 15 years of experience in the broadcast news business. Erica has covered a wide array of stories all over Central and South Texas. She's currently the court reporter and cohost of the podcast Texas Crime Stories.