Cribs for Kids Program
Columbus Public Health & CelebrateOne Cribs for Kids® Program
Columbus
Public Health (CPH) is committed to reducing sleep-related infant deaths by
providing education and a safe sleep surface to families without cribs for
their babies less than 1 year of age. Our Cribs for Kids®
program provides portable cribs (also called pack ‘n plays) for FREE to
families who meet requirements, along with safe sleep education and a
demonstration on correct usage.
Benefits
of a pack ‘n play:
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It is easy to use, view our how-to video here!
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It can be used until a child reaches 30 pounds and 35 inches,
often beyond 12 months of age.
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It folds up and is easy to take with you.
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It can be used when the baby is sleeping or as a playpen when a
baby is awake.
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It has a strong safety record and meets the Consumer Product
Safety Commission’s (CPSC) safety guidelines, including: a sturdy
bottom and wide base, smooth
surfaces without hardware that sticks out, legs with
locks to prevent folding while in use, and a firm, tight-fitting mattress.
While cardboard boxes are gaining popularity as a sleep surface
for babies, CPH and CelebrateOne
prefer pack ‘n plays over cardboard boxes because babies quickly outgrow the
boxes between 2-4 months old. Additionally, liquids or heat can damage the
boxes. Placing the box on a bed, couch, table or dresser also poses a risk of
the box and baby falling. The risk of suffocation increases if even one item is
put in the small box with a baby.
The baby boxes are appropriate to use if they
are used as an incentive for a mom to seek pre- or post-natal care, but a
pack-n-play should still be a part of the baby’s care plan if a safe sleep
space is needed, as the boxes are not recommend as a sleeping space.
CPH partners with 27 other community agencies to
provide pack ‘n plays to families who need them. In 2016, 1,120
pack ‘n plays were distributed by CPH and our partners.
If you need a portable crib
for your baby, call 614-645-3111.