Safe Sleep

The Union County Health Department wants every child to be safe. That’s why we offer free Pack ‘N Plays to Union County families who need a safe place for their baby to sleep. To be eligible for a free Pack ‘N Play, expectant parents must be at least 36 weeks pregnant or have an infant under 1 year of age and be income eligible (WIC or Medicaid eligible). To learn more about the Cribs for Kids program, please call EmmaLee Denney at 937-645-2089.

Ohio Facts

  • More than three Ohio infant deaths each week are sleep-related.
  • Infant sleep-related deaths outnumber deaths of children of all ages (0-17) from vehicular crashes.
  • Forty-two percent of infant deaths from one month to one year old are sleep-related.
  • Sixty percent of sleep-related deaths occurred in adult beds, on couches or chairs; only 23 percent occurred in cribs or bassinets.
  • Sixty-six percent of the cases occurred in infants who shared a sleep surface with another person.

Check out the below safe sleep brochure and find more information here.

Safe Sleep Brochure

Safe Sleep Recommendations

  • Always place your baby on his or her back for every sleep time.
  • Always use a firm sleep surface. Car seats and other sitting devices are not recommended for routine sleep.
  • The baby should sleep in the same room as the parents, but not in the same bed (room-sharing without bed-sharing).
  • Keep soft objects or loose bedding out of the crib. This includes pillows, blankets, and bumper pads.
  • Don’t use wedges and sleep positioners.
  • Pregnant women should receive regular prenatal care.
  • Don’t smoke during pregnancy or after birth.
  • Breastfeeding is recommended.
  • Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime.
  • Avoid covering the infant’s head or overheating.
  • Do not use home monitors or commercial devices marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS.
  • Infants should receive all recommended vaccinations.
  • Supervised, awake tummy time is recommended daily to facilitate development and minimize the occurrence of positional plagiocephaly (flat heads).

For more information, including helpful resources for parents, go to:

Parent Resources