What is the safest way for a baby to sleep?

The safest way for your baby to sleep is along, on its back, in a crib. Babies have died because they were smothered by an adult, another child, or objects such as pillows, comforters, bumpers, soft bedding, and stuffed animals. Babies also get trapped between the bed and the wall or bed frame, or between cushions on a sofa. Sometimes a baby is injured by rolling off an adult bed. 

What if my babysitter wants to let my baby nap on a sofa or a cushioned chair?

Even away from home, a baby should always sleep in a safety-approved crib. Some parents use a portable crib or Pack ‘n Play for trips away from home.

I like the closeness of sleeping with my baby, how can I do this safely?

Cuddling with the baby during feeding time and waking hours can best develop that closeness. However, at bedtime, room-sharing is best. With a baby-safe crib placed next to your bed, the baby will sense your nearness and still have a safe place to sleep.

What are some guidelines for parents and caregivers to follow?

• The safest way for your baby to sleep is alone, on it’s back, in a crib.
• The baby’s crib should be in the parents’ room, if possible. The crib should have a firm mattress that is closely fitted to the sides of the crib, and a tight-fitting sheet.
• Don’t over-dress or over-bundle the baby. Consider using a sleeper or sleep sack instead. Do not use pillows, bumpers, toys, or wedge.
• Never let a baby fall asleep in a bed, chair, or on a couch with another person.
• A baby should sleep in a smoke-free home.
• Breastfeeding has important health benefits for babies, but do it safely. When breastfeeding, make sure you are in a position that will allow you to stay awake. When finished, return the baby to the crib.
• After breastfeeding is firmly established consider offering your baby a pacifier at naptime and night time.

Is my baby’s crib safe?

Your baby’s crib should have:

• Railings that are not more than 2 3/8 inches apart (you can’t fit a soda can through them).
• A firm mattress that fits snugly in the frame.
• A fitted sheet that is tight around the mattress.
• No quilts, comforters, duvets, heavy blankets, stuffed animals, bumper pads, sleep positioners, sheepskins, etc. They can obstruct the baby’s breathing.

Am I eligible for the Cribs for Kids® Program?

In order for an Applicant to secure a safe sleep environment (pack-n-play), along with safe sleep education (both of which are free of charge) the child must be born and the following documentation is required to be provided:

• Birth Certificate (or crib card if the infant has just been born)
• Insurance Card (for either the infant or the parent if the infant does not have one yet)
• Identification for Parent completing paper work (driver’s license/photo ID is preferable)
• Brief written document stating why the safe sleep environment is necessary
• (cannot afford one/unable to work due to complications/single parent, etc)