Cribs for Kids
Safe Sleep Support for Nassau County Families
The Nassau County Department of Health is proud to participate in Cribs for Kids, a national safe sleep initiative focused on helping reduce the risk of infant injury and death related to unsafe sleep environments. Through this program, eligible families may receive safe sleep education and a safe sleep space for their baby through participating community partners.
On this page
- How the program works
- What eligible families may receive
- Safe sleep basics
- Videos and educational resources
- Information for community partners
- Contact information
- How the Program Works
How the Program Works
The Nassau County Cribs for Kids program works through partner agencies in the community. These agencies help connect eligible families to the program, provide safe sleep education, and coordinate follow-up support. Education is provided directly by the partner agency.
If a family is eligible, the program may provide a Graco Pack ’n Play and a safe sleep survival kit at no cost.
What Eligible Families May Receive
Eligible families may receive a safe sleep package that includes:
- Pack ’n Play
- SleepSack
- Pack ’n Play sheet with safe sleep message
- Safe Sleep ABC photo magnet
- Soothie pacifier
- Safe sleep educational materials
- Children’s book
- Additional educational support through a partner agency
Materials may vary based on availability. The goal of the program is not only to provide a safe sleep space, but also to help families better understand how to create a safe sleep environment for their baby.
Safe Sleep Basics
Babies sleep safest alone, on their back, and in their own crib, bassinet, or play yard with a firm, flat mattress and fitted sheet only. The sleep area should be kept free of blankets, pillows, toys, crib bumpers, and other soft items.
Safe sleep recommendations are important because they help reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related infant deaths. Creating a safe sleep environment for every sleep, including naps and nighttime, can help lower risk.
It is safest for babies to sleep in the same room as a parent or caregiver, but not in the same bed. Infants should never be placed to sleep on an adult bed, couch, armchair, or other soft surface. When feeding the baby, set an alarm to make sure you don’t fall asleep with them.
Videos and Educational Resources
The videos and resources below offer simple guidance on safe sleep practices and Pack ’n Play setup.
Safe Sleep Videos
Pack ’n Play Setup
Additional Resources
- Updated AAP Infant Safe Sleep Guidelines
- Safe Crib information
How to Get Connected
Referrals to the Cribs for Kids program are made through partner agencies. Current partners include:
- Visiting Nurse Services of NY
- Family & Children's Association
- North Shore Child & Family Guidance
- Harmony Health Care Long Island -- Perinatal and Infant Community Health Collaborative
- NYU Langone Health – Community Education
- Family Service League LI
If a family is already working with one of these agencies, they may ask about a referral to the Cribs for Kids program.
Information for Our Community Partners
To access the Nassau County Cribs for Kids Partner Page, click here.
Community organizations interested in supporting infant safe sleep education may be able to partner with Nassau County through this program. Partner agencies play an important role in helping families access education, safe sleep materials, and follow-up support.
If your organization is interested in becoming a Cribs for Kids partner, please contact us at cribsforkids@nassaucountyny.gov.