(Springfield) -- As families head out for the holiday, the Springfield Greene County Health Department wants to remind parents prepare a safe sleeping environment for their kids.

Over the last two years, nine infants have died as a result of unsafe sleeping arrangements.

Parents are reminded not to place an infant on a pallet or an adult bed.

The health department says the safest place for a baby to sleep is in a crib with a firm mattress.

Nothing soft, fluffy or loose should be in the crib with the baby.