Infant Safe Sleep

The Mercer County Health District and the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Bureau of Maternal, Child and Family Health is partnering with Cribs for Kids® and other local organizations throughout Ohio to provide Cribettes® and safe sleep education to eligible families. Cribettes® are certified as being compliant with Consumer Product Safety Commission standards, and are part of a safe sleep kit that also includes a fitted sheet and safe sleep educational materials. In order to receive a kit, eligible families must also receive education provided by their local program. In this session, the parent/caregiver(s) receives important education on infant safe sleep practices and how to properly use the Cribette® for their baby. Contact the Mercer County Health District to schedule an appointment at 419-5869-3251, Option 2.

 

With all the information being thrown at new moms, it’s tough to sort out fact from fiction. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations are based on science and extensive research. The full text of the AAP recommendations is available here. Follow these guidelines to keep your baby safe: Always place your baby on his or her back for every sleep time.

• Always use a firm sleep surface. Car seats and other sitting devices are not recommended for routine sleep.
• The baby should sleep in the same room as the parents, but not in the same bed (room-sharing without bed-sharing).
• Keep soft objects or loose bedding out of the crib. This includes pillows, blankets, and bumper pads.
• Don’t use wedges and sleep positioners.
• Pregnant women should receive regular prenatal care.
• Don’t smoke during pregnancy or after birth.
• Breastfeeding is recommended.
• Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime.
• Avoid covering the infant’s head or overheating.
• Do not use home monitors or commercial devices marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS.
• Infants should receive all recommended vaccinations.
• Supervised, awake tummy time is recommended daily to facilitate development and minimize the occurrence of positional plagiocephaly (flat heads).

Mercer County Health District offers free portable cribs to those who qualify.  The requirements are:

• Proof of WIC, Medicaid or other Assistance
• 32+ Weeks Pregnant or
• Infant no older than 12 months
• Parents/Guardians Only—Not Available for Caregivers
• Learn about Safe Sleep

For more educational information, visit Infant Safe Sleep | Ohio Department of Health.