The Woodlands Fire Department followed all established Safe Haven Baby Box protocols, and the baby was taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation, according to a news release.

Texas law allows a parent to anonymously surrender an infant 60 days old or younger at designated emergency facilities without facing criminal charges, provided the child has not been abused or neglected.

The Safe Haven Baby Box provides a secure, anonymous option for legally surrendering an infant. When a baby is placed inside the climate-controlled box, a silent alarm immediately alerts firefighters, allowing personnel to respond within minutes while preserving the surrendering person’s anonymity.

“This Safe Haven Baby Box exists for moments exactly like this,” Fire Chief Palmer Buck said in the release. “Today, a baby is safe because someone chose a secure and legal option during what was undoubtedly a difficult situation. We are grateful the system worked as intended and that the baby is now receiving the care they need.”

Information about the baby, including gender, was not released.

Indiana-based Safe Haven Baby Boxes has installed the devices across the country since its founding in 2016. The nonprofit was created by Monica Kelsey, after she discovered that she was abandoned as an infant and after seeing a similar device at a church in Cape Town, South Africa, according to the nonprofit’s website.

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors approved the installation of the Safe Haven Baby Box as part of its 2025 budget. 

“Today’s news is a powerful reminder of why our community invested in this life-saving resource,” Township Board Chairman Brad Bailey told the Houston Chronicle. “The Safe Haven Baby Box exists to protect the most vulnerable among us during an unimaginable crisis. Because this option was available, a child is safe today. We are grateful to our firefighters, first responders and everyone who helped make this resource available to our community. It reflects The Woodlands’ commitment to protecting life and ensuring help is available when it is needed most.”