Alabama

Alabama Cribs for Kids
Alabama has partnered with the national Cribs for Kids Program and is dedicated to "Helping every baby sleep safer." Families who meet qualifications and need a safe sleep environment for their infants under one year of agereceive these portable cribs through referrals from partner agencies.

Safe Sleep
The Alabama Collaborative on Safe Sleep (ACSS) under the Alabama Department of Public Health works with numerous stake-holders to promote public awareness to reduce the number of preventable child deaths in Alabama due to sleep-related conditions.

Position Statement- Recommendations from Alabama Collaborative on Safe Sleep

Recommended Safe Sleep Position

 Babies are placed on their backs to sleep for naps, bedtime, or anytime.
 Babies are given time on the tummy while awake and supervised by a responsible person.
 Parents tell relatives, friends, church workers, daycare providers, and babysitters that the baby will be
placed on his/her back to sleep.
 Never use devices like wedges, positioners, or monitors that are marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS/SUID.

Recommended Safe Sleep Environment

 Babies are placed to sleep in a safety-approved crib or bassinet with a firm mattress, using a well-fitting
sheet made for the crib or bassinet.
 Parents/caregivers maintain the home free of cigarette smoke, alcohol, and drugs at ALL times.
 Babies are NEVER placed to sleep on soft mattresses or cushions, such as on beds, sofas, chairs, recliners,
bean bags, or waterbeds.
 Babies sleep environment is free of toys or other soft bedding items, such as blankets, comforters, stuffed
animals, or bumper pads.
 Babies should not be allowed to sleep in car seats, swings, or any place other than a safety approved crib or
bassinet.
 Babies should not be overdressed and the room temperature should be maintained at a comfortable level.
 Babies sleep environment is free of unsafe items, such as plastic sheets, plastic bags, strings, cords, or ropes.
 Room sharing, NOT bed-sharing, is safest for baby to sleep.

If parents do not have a safe crib for baby to sleep, they should notify a provider or look for resources in
the community that can/will help provide a portable crib. Contact numbers include: ADPH @ (334) 206-
5675 or the Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention @ (334) 262-2951.