The Every Baby Sleeps Safe program educates parents and caregivers on the importance of safe sleep for infants and provides a free portable crib to families who otherwise cannot afford a safe place for their baby to sleep.
Guidelines to qualify for the program:
- Must meet WIC income guidelines
- Must display a need for a safe sleep environment
- Must either be at least 32 weeks pregnant or
- Must be a parent/custodian of an infant 12 months or younger
Follow these tips to learn why the ABCs of infant safe sleep are safest for baby:
- The safest place for your baby to sleep is in the room where you sleep, but not in your bed (room-sharing without bed-sharing).
- Place your baby on his or her back for every sleep time.
- Use a firm surface. Never place babies to sleep on adult beds, chairs, sofas, waterbeds, cushions or soft surfaces.
- Dress your baby in sleep clothing, such as a sleep sack, and do not use a blanket. Keep soft objects or loose bedding out of the crib. This includes pillows, blankets, and bumper pads.
- Do not use wedges and sleep positioners.
- Supervised, awake tummy time is recommended daily to facilitate development and minimize the occurrence of positional plagiocephaly (flat heads).
- Consider using a pacifier at nap time and bed time, once breastfeeding is well established.
- Talk to those who care for your baby, including child care providers, family, and friends, about placing your baby to sleep on his back for every sleep.
- Obtain regular prenatal care to reduce the risk of SIDS even before birth.
- Do not use home monitors or commercial devices marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS.
- Avoid alcohol and illicit drug use during pregnancy and after birth.
- Avoid letting the baby get too hot. Keep room temperatures in a range comfortable for a lightly clothed adult.
- Arrange for your infant to receive all recommended vaccinations.
- Breastfeed to help reduce the risk of SIDS.
- Avoid smoke exposure during pregnancy and after birth. Place the crib in an area that is always smoke free.