Safe Sleep
The City of Columbus and CelebrateOne want to remind you about the ABCs of infant safe sleep and the safest way to put your baby to sleep, every nap, every night, every time.
Babies should always sleep ALONE
Babies should always sleep on their BACKS
Babies should sleep in an empty CRIB, with a firm mattress & fitted sheet
Scroll down below to see an instructional video and helpful tips for putting your baby to sleep safely.
Sincerely,
Need a Crib? CelebrateOne can help.
If you’re expecting or have recently welcomed a new baby and need a safe place for them to sleep, we’re here for you.
Families who qualify can receive a free Pack ’n Play crib.
To get started, call (614) 570-3592.
Franklin County Safe Sleep Community Education Video
Tips for Putting Your Baby to Sleep Safely
More and more babies are dying in Franklin County due to unsafe sleep Practices. These deaths are preventable.
We all must take action. You can keep your baby safe by practicing the ABCs of safe sleep every nap, every night, every time:
Alone, on their Back, in an empty Crib.
Make a safe sleep space:
Place your baby in a crib or Pack N’ Play with no blankets, no toys, NOTHING in the bed but baby.
Unsafe places for baby to sleep:
Safe Sleep Myth Busting
-
Truth: Swaddling is only safe before babies start showing signs of rolling. Once they roll or attempt to roll, swaddles should be stopped immediately — even one arm out isn’t safe. Switch to a sleep sack to keep them warm and safe.
-
Truth: Soft items increase the risk of suffocation. A firm mattress, fitted sheet, and a wearable blanket give your baby all the comfort and safety they need.
-
Truth: Stomach sleeping is one of the highest risk factors for sleep-related infant death. Always put your baby on their back for every sleep, even naps.
-
Truth: Accidental sleep on couches, recliners, and beds is one of the most dangerous situations. If you feel drowsy, place baby in a safe sleep space first.
-
Truth: Car seats are designed for travel, not sleep. Babies can slump forward, making it hard to breathe. Move them to a crib or bassinet as soon as you get home.
-
Truth: Swings, bouncers, strollers, and other sitting devices are not safe for routine sleep. Babies should always sleep flat, on their back, and on a firm surface.
-
Truth: Even older babies don’t have the strength or motor skills to move objects safely during sleep. Keep the sleep space empty until age one.
-
Truth: Once babies can roll both ways on their own, you don’t need to reposition them — but you should still put them down on their back every time and keep the crib completely clear.
-
Truth: Hats and too many layers lead to overheating, which increases the risk of SIDS. A sleep sack or wearable blanket keeps them warm without the danger.
-
Truth: No one plans to fall asleep, especially when exhausted. Bedsharing increases risk, and couches and recliners are even more dangerous. Always move baby to a safe sleep space before you nod off.
Ready to Test your Safe Sleep Knowledge?
Take the Cribs for Kids safe sleep quiz to ensure you can identify the safest environment for a baby
Resources