Kansas

The safe sleep guidelines in Kansas follow the ABCs of Safe Sleep to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and sleep-related infant deaths:

ABCs of Safe Sleep

A – Alone: Babies should sleep alone, without pillows, blankets, bumpers, stuffed animals, or other items in the crib.
B – Back: Always place babies on their backs to sleep for naps and nighttime.
C – Crib: Babies should sleep in a crib, bassinet, or play yard with a firm mattress and fitted sheet. No soft bedding or loose items.

Additional Safe Sleep Recommendations

Room-sharing, not bed-sharing: Keep the baby’s crib or bassinet in the same room as the caregiver, but avoid co-sleeping.
Place the baby on a firm, flat, and level sleep surface, such as a crib, bassinet, or portable play yard, covered only by a fitted sheet. Ensure the sleep surface meets safety standards.
No smoking or secondhand smoke exposure: Exposure to smoke increases the risk of SIDS.
Use pacifiers: Offering a pacifier during sleep may help reduce SIDS risk.
Keep baby’s sleep area cool and comfortable: Overheating can increase risks, so dress the baby in light sleep clothing without extra blankets.
Following these guidelines can help ensure a safer sleep environment for infants in Kansas.
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Free or Low-Cost Cribs

For families in need of safe sleep spaces, Kansas provides several programs

a. Cribs for Kids Program: This national organization partners with local agencies in Kansas to provide Cribette portable cribs to families in need and safe sleep education. Kansas residents can search for nearby partners to request a crib. Eligibility typically includes financial need, infant age of 12 months or younger, and participation in safe sleep education.

b. Butler County Health Department: Offers free safety-approved portable cribs and safe sleep education to eligible families residing in Butler County. Schedule an appointment for a free safe sleep class and portable crib by contacting the Butler County Health Department.

c. Nurture KC: Provides eligible families with cribs and coordinates the Safe Sleep Task Force to reduce infant deaths through education on safe sleep practices. Learn more

Educational Initiatives

a. Kansas Infant Death and SIDS Network (KIDS Network): Provides free, self-paced Safe Sleep Training for child care providers and healthcare professionals, approved by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

b. Safe Sleep Toolkit: Developed by KDHE in partnership with the KIDS Network, this toolkit offers guidance for community training on safe infant sleep practices, aiming to create awareness and prevent sleep-related infant deaths.

c. Safe Sleep Community Baby Showers: Organized by the KIDS Network, these events educate new and expectant parents on infant safe sleep, tobacco avoidance, breastfeeding, and perinatal mental health.

These programs and resources aim to reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths by providing education and ensuring that every infant in Kansas has access to a safe sleep environment.