Maryland

The Maryland Department of Health provides comprehensive guidelines to ensure safe sleep practices for infants, aiming to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related causes of infant mortality.

Safe Sleep Guidelines
Back to Sleep: Always place your baby on their back for all sleep times—naps and nighttime. This position significantly lowers the risk of SIDS.
Firm Sleep Surface: Use a firm, flat, and level sleep surface, such as a safety-approved crib mattress covered only by a fitted sheet. Avoid placing infants on soft surfaces like sofas, cushioned chairs, or adult beds.
Keep Sleep Area Bare: Ensure the crib is free from pillows, blankets, bumpers, stuffed animals, and other soft items to prevent suffocation hazards.
Room Sharing Without Bed Sharing: Place your baby's crib or bassinet in your bedroom, close to your bed, but do not share the same sleeping surface. Room sharing can decrease the risk of SIDS by up to 50%.
Appropriate Sleep Attire: Dress your baby in a wearable blanket or other sleep clothing to keep them warm without the need for loose blankets. Overheating has been associated with an increased risk of SIDS.
Avoid Smoke Exposure: Keep your baby's environment smoke-free. Exposure to smoke increases the risk of SIDS.
Offer a Pacifier: Offering a pacifier at nap time and bedtime can reduce the risk of SIDS. If breastfeeding, introduce the pacifier after breastfeeding is well established.

Free or Low-Cost Cribs
Maryland offers several resources and programs to promote safe sleep practices for infants and assist families in accessing appropriate sleep spaces:

Cribs for Kids Program: This national initiative partners with local organizations in Maryland to provide safe sleep education and distribute free cribs to families in need. Eligibility typically includes financial need, infant age of 12 months or younger, and participation in safe sleep education. Learn more

HealthCare Access Maryland (HCAM) Safe Sleep Program: HCAM provides portable cribs and safe sleep education to pregnant and postpartum women in Baltimore City. The program includes home visits, crib delivery, and instruction on safe sleep practices. Learn more

Howard County Health Department: Offers the Cribs for Kids Program, providing free portable cribs and safe sleep education to eligible families. Learn more

Garrett County Health Department: Provides pack-n-plays to families facing homelessness or housing instability to ensure a safe sleep environment for infants. Learn more

Washington County Health Department's Cribs for Kids® Program: Offers free pack and plays to caregivers without a safe sleep space for their infants and provides education on safe sleep.

Education and Support

Maryland Department of Health (MDH): Provides comprehensive information on safe infant sleep, including recommendations and resources for parents and caregivers. Learn more

By adhering to these safe sleep guidelines and utilizing available resources, families in Maryland can create a safe sleeping environment for their infants, thereby reducing the risk of sleep-related injuries or deaths.