The Cambridge-Guernsey County Health Department is a Cribs for Kids Partner, with the
mission of preventing infant sleep-related deaths by educating parents and caregivers on the
importance of practicing safe sleep for their babies and by providing portable cribs to families
who, otherwise, cannot afford a safe place for their babies to sleep.
Why is infant safe sleep so important?
- Over 3,500 babies in the U.S. die each year from sleep-related deaths.
Infant sleep-related deaths are the leading cause of death in infants between 1 month
and 1 year of age.
Many of these deaths are caused by accidental suffocation and can be prevented.
Babies who sleep on their stomach are much more likely to die than babies who sleep
on their back.
How can I protect my baby from sleep-related death?
- ALWAYS place your baby on the back to sleep
- Place your baby on a firm sleep surface like a safety-approved mattress covered with a tight-fitting sheet.
- Keep loose bedding, soft animals, and toys out of baby’s sleep area.
- Do not allow smoking around your baby.
- Keep your baby’s sleep area close to but separate from where you and others sleep.
- Think about giving your baby a clean and dry pacifier at sleep time.
- Do not let your baby overheat during sleep.
- Avoid products that are not consistent with safe sleep practices.
- Do not use home monitors to reduce the risk of SIDS or other sleep-related infant deaths. Home monitors can be useful in alerting you of your baby’s needs.
- Provide supervised Tummy Time.
Guidelines to Qualify for the Program to receive a portable crib:
- Must meet WIC income guidelines.
- Must display a need for a safe sleep environment.
- Must be at least 32 weeks pregnant or a parent/custodian of an infant 12 months or younger.
Please contact Jennifer Van Fleet at 740-439-4577, ext. 7241 to schedule an appointment.
Additional Information:
- ODH – Infant Safe Sleep
- CDC – Safe Sleep for Babies
- Safe to Sleep
- How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Position Explained
- American Academy of Pediatrics
Brochure Links Here:
- ABC Brochure – English
- ABC Brochure – Spanish
- Safe Sleep Brochure – English
- Safe Sleep Brochure – Spanish
