Safe Sleep & Cribs
Ensuring safe sleep for infants is vital to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related incidents. Utah offers various resources and programs to educate families on safe sleep practices and provide access to safe sleep environments for their babies.
Safe Sleep Guidelines
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Utah Department of Health and Human Services recommend the following safe sleep practices: Learn More
Back to Sleep: Always place babies on their backs for every sleep time naps and bedtime to significantly reduce the risk of SIDS.
Use a Firm Sleep Surface: 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 the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) safety standards.
Keep the Sleep Area Bare: Avoid using soft bedding, including crib bumpers, blankets, pillows, and soft toys. The crib should be bare to prevent suffocation hazards.
Room-Sharing Without Bed-Sharing: It is recommended to have the baby sleep in the same room as the parents but on a separate sleep surface. Bed-sharing increases the risk of sleep-related deaths.
Avoid Overheating: Keep the baby's room at a comfortable temperature and dress the baby in appropriate clothing to prevent overheating.
For more detailed guidelines, click here
Free or Low-Cost Cribs
For families in need of safe sleep spaces, Utah provides several programs
Cribs for Kids® is a national nonprofit dedicated to preventing sleep-related infant deaths by providing safe sleep education and free portable cribs (Cribettes) to families who cannot afford a safe sleeping space for their babies. To find a crib around you, click here
Eligibility: Families with financial need and infants aged 12 months or younger.
Utah Diaper Bank: While primarily focused on providing diapers, the Utah Diaper Bank collaborates with various non-profits and government agencies that may offer assistance with baby supplies, including cribs.To learn more, click here
Little Lambs Foundation for Kids: This nonprofit organization provides diapers and baby supplies to low-income families and comfort kits which include blankets to children in foster care or emergency shelters. Learn More
Utah 211
Utah 211 is a comprehensive resource connecting residents to various assistance programs, including those offering baby supplies and safe sleep resources. Dial 2-1-1 or visit the Utah 211 website to search for local programs that may provide cribs or related support.
Education and Support
Utah offers various resources to educate and support families on safe sleep practices
Baby Your Baby: This program provides comprehensive information on safe infant sleep, including recommendations and resources for parents and caregivers.
Utah Department of Health: Provides detailed recommendations on infant safe sleep practices. Learn More
By adhering to these safe sleep guidelines and utilizing available resources, families in Utah can create a safe sleeping environment for their infants, thereby reducing the risk of sleep-related injuries or deaths.
Looking for an organization near you in Utah?
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