Safe Sleep

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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, 

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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.

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Unsafe places for baby to sleep:

various images of unsafe places for a baby to sleep

Safe Sleep Myth Busting

Myth: Babies should sleep swaddled all night long after they start rolling

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. 

Myth: Babies need a blanket, pillow, or stuffed animal to feel cozy.

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.

 

Myth: My baby sleeps better on their stomach, so it must be okay.

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.

Myth: It’s safe to sleep with my baby on my chest if I’m just “resting my eyes.”

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.

Myth: Naps in the car seat at home are safe as long as I watch them.

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.

Myth: If the room is quiet and dark, baby will sleep anywhere — even in a swing.

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.

Myth: My baby is strong enough to move blankets or pillows out of the way.

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.

Myth: If my baby rolls onto their stomach, I should keep flipping them back.

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.

 

Myth: Babies will be cold without a hat or extra layers at night.

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.

Myth: Bedsharing “just for a little while” is safe if I stay awake.

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

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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. 

Resources

Explore trusted programs and services - offered by CelebrateOne and our partners - that support you and your baby.

 

Connect With a CelebrateOne Connector
Our Connectors work alongside families, neighbors, healthcare providers, and community partners to make sure parents have the support they need for healthy pregnancies and safe, happy babies.
Call: (614) 570-3592
Referral link: Click here

 

Infant Safety Classes
Do you want to hold an infant safety class at your organization or attend an upcoming one? 
Contact our Infant Safety and Vitality Manager, Tiffany Groce: TMGroce@columbus.gov

 

Columbus Public Health Healthy Moms & Babies Home Visiting
Call: 614-724-BABY (2229)
Learn more: Click here

 

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline:
Call/Text: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)

 

Project Milk Mission | Breastfeeding Support 
Visit: projectmilkmission.org

 

Baby Needs & Supplies:
Visit: cap4kids.org

 

WIC:
Call: 614-645-7280
Learn more: Click here

Some tips from CelebrateOne for those tough nights:

  • Keep the room dark - Even a little light in the room can keep your baby awake.
  • Warmth of room - Babies sleep best when the room is between 68 - 72 degrees
  • Bedtime plan - Your plan could include bath, quiet play, books, and then bed. Your baby should go to sleep at the same time each night. Keep your night plan simple and then stick to it.
  • Learning to sleep on their own - At 3 - 4 months of age, you can begin teaching your baby to fall asleep without your help. Put your baby in the crib when they are tired but still awake. Your baby may cry for a while. Short periods of crying help babies learn to calm themselves and fall asleep.

 

Contact Us

Office: (614) 570-3592
Hours: Mon.–Fri. 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Email: CelebrateOne@columbus.gov

 

1111 E. Broad St.
Columbus, OH 43205

  

Every baby deserves to celebrate their first birthday. 

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