Wednesday, Austin’s Center for Child Protection released its annual report on infant death rates in Travis County. Some fear the area is off to a grim start in 2008. Child experts have a warning for all parents.

“You can't help but be scared for the safety of your baby,” said Andrea Breen, mother of two.

She regularly checks on her 10-month-old baby girl, Audrey.

Infant safety was the focus of a news conference Wednesday at the Center for Child Protection.

“We as a community, centers like this, are the ones who have to step in for them and keep them safe,” said Art Acevedo, Police Chief.

Travis County officials released alarming numbers regarding infant death rates in the county. Nineteen children died in 2007 due to accidents.

The largest number of accidental deaths was caused by car crashes. But the second largest category is drawing the most attention. In 2007, seven children died of suffocation or asphyxiation. And so far in 2008, Travis County has already reached that same number.

“What we've seen this year, in 2008, that's so concerning to us is we've seen as many deaths this year as we saw in all of 2007,” said Amanda VanHoozer, Center for Child Protection.

Three of the seven children became wedged in pillows or against walls. Four became trapped next to an adult or larger child.

Travis County officials warn parents -- don't use alcohol, drugs or sedating medicines if you chose to sleep with your infant. The safest place for you baby to sleep is a crib or bassinet. Always place an infant on their back to sleep.

“The part that's so concerning to us is that these children, the asphyxiation deaths were one year old or younger,” said VanHoozer.

Child experts want to alert parents to the dangers lurking while infants sleep.

“Really it comes down to a safe sleeping environment for babies,” said VanHoozer.

And moms like Andrea agree safety should come first.

“I think any mom should be weary of letting a child be in bed with them,” said Breen.

Of the nine children who died in motor vehicle accidents, five were teenagers, and four or 44 percent were Hispanic.

Two children died of drowning last year in Travis County.

No Travis County children died as a result of being left in a hot vehicle or as a result of a house fire.