Infant sleep-related deaths are one of the leading causes of infant death in Baltimore City, and they are overwhelmingly preventable. Families and caregivers can keep babies safe by following these rules:

• Alone. Babies should never sleep with anyone else. Share a room, but not a bed with your baby.
• Back. Babies should always sleep on their backs. Babies are less likely to choke when on their backs.
• Crib. Babies should always sleep in a crib – every night and every nap. The crib should be clean and clear. There should be no toys or blankets in the crib.
• Don’t Smoke. Never smoke cigarettes or marijuana in a home with babies, young children, or pregnant women. Smoke in the home makes it harder for babies to breathe well.

The Safe Sleep program at HealthCare Access Maryland provides safe sleep and family planning education, assessment, referral and provision of a portable crib to qualifying Baltimore City residents. A Safe Sleep Coordinator will come to your home to:

• Deliver a new portable crib and show you how to put it together;
• Show you the safe sleep video and explain how to keep your baby safe when sleeping;
• Tell you how to sign up for HealthChoice and health insurance;
• Give you information about family planning, smoke-free homes, and other resources.

You may be able to get a portable crib if you live in Baltimore City and:

• Are at least 36 weeks pregnant, or have a baby who is less than 8 months
• Have a baby who is less than 24 pounds
• Make a very low income or use WIC, Temporary Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance or SNAP (Food Stamps)
• Have no other way to get a crib–you cannot buy one, borrow one, or get one as a gift.

To learn more about the Safe Sleep referral criteria and how to receive Safe Sleep education and resources, please call 410-649-0500, option 2.