Montana

Ensuring safe sleep for infants is crucial to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related incidents. Montana offers various resources and programs to educate families on safe sleep practices and to provide access to safe sleep environments for their babies.

Safe Sleep Guidelines
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) recommend the following safe sleep practices:

Back to Sleep: Always place babies on their backs for every sleep time — naps and bedtime. This position significantly reduces the risk of SIDS.

Use a Firm Sleep Surface: Place the baby on a firm, flat, and level surface such as a crib, bassinet, or portable play yard, covered only by a fitted sheet. Ensure it meets Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards.

Keep the Sleep Area Bare: Avoid using crib bumpers, pillows, blankets, and soft toys. The crib should be free from suffocation hazards.

Room-Sharing Without Bed-Sharing: Babies should sleep in the same room as parents but on a separate sleep surface to reduce sleep-related deaths.

Avoid Overheating: Dress the baby appropriately for the room temperature to prevent overheating. Learn more

Free or Low-Cost Cribs

For families needing a safe sleep space, Montana offers the following programs

Cribs for Kids— Montana Partners

Cribs for Kids partners with local public health offices and non-profits in Montana to provide free portable cribs to eligible families. Eligibility often includes financial need, parental education on safe sleep practices, and an infant under 1 year of age. Learn more

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Montana (HMHB-MT)

Through local outreach programs, HMHB provides portable cribs and sleep sacks to families in need, along with education about safe sleep practices. Learn more

Local Public Health Departments and Tribal Health Clinics

Many county health departments and tribal clinics (like the Blackfeet Tribal Health Department) distribute free Pack 'n Play cribs to qualified families.
Find your local department here: Montana Local Public Health Directory

Education and Support

Montana offers various programs to educate and support families on safe sleep practices

Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) — Safe Sleep Education: Offers statewide campaigns, brochures, and training modules for parents, caregivers, and professionals.

Safe Sleep Montana (Initiative of Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies)

This initiative provides downloadable educational toolkits, videos, and social media materials to raise awareness across Montana about safe sleep practices.

Local Public Health Centers and WIC Programs

Many WIC clinics in Montana offer safe sleep counseling during prenatal and postpartum visits, including free educational sessions or one-on-one consultations.

By following these safe sleep guidelines and utilizing Montana’s educational resources and crib distribution programs, families can create a safer sleeping environment for their babies, dramatically reducing the risks associated with unsafe sleep.