Safe Sleep from Day One
Building safe sleep habits is one of the most meaningful ways you can care for your little one. Together, we can build a strong foundation for our littlest community members, right from the start.
What is Safe Sleep?
Safe sleep simply means creating a sleep environment based on trusted medical evidence to give your baby the safest rest possible. By following these everyday steps, you significantly reduce the risk of sleep-related accidents and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID), giving you peace of mind every time you lay your baby down.
Safe sleep means placing every baby, every time, Alone, on their Back, in a safety-approved Crib or Pack n' Play with a firm, flat mattress and no loose items.
Explore and Share Safe Sleep Resources
Whether you are setting up your own baby's nursery or looking for ways to protect families in your community, these resources are designed for you. Download the official Safe Sleep from Day One materials to guide your family's routine, learn more about infant health, or print them out to share in your office, clinic or community space.
Safe Sleep Routine Poster
A daily reminder for home nurseries, clinic walls or community boards
12 Steps to Safe Sleep Flyer
A detailed checklist to share with parents, grandparents and caregivers
Common Concerns Flyer
An easy-to-read educational guide to safe sleep and misconceptions
Social Media Posts
Ready-to-use images and captions to share trusted safe sleep tips online
Become a Safe Sleep Ambassador
Protecting our littlest community members takes a village. Our Safe Sleep Ambassador program invites community members in Fort Wayne and Allen County to become Advocates, Educators or Champions for safe sleep by using the Cribs for Kids® Safe Sleep Ambassador education to share life-saving information with families and caregivers.
The program includes:
Free training via Cribs for Kids® Safe Sleep Ambassador program
Annual certification and ambassador badges
Window decals, signs and shout-outs for top partners
To learn more or get involved, download the Safe Sleep Ambassador Flyer or contact Tara Held, Every Birth Network Manager, at theld@hmbindiana.org.
Additional Resources
Safe Sleep Survey Report 2025
Explore our latest community findings tracking infant safe sleep awareness, trends, and behavioral hurdles across Allen County. This report highlights what our local network is doing right and outlines where we can continue working together to better support families.
Safe Sleep Simulation
Safe Sleep Simulation, developed by Parkview Health, is a provider toolkit that supplements safe sleep education. It uses visual aids and experiential learning to improve understanding and adherence to safe sleep practices, featuring a 3D infant model and a mobile app.
Cribs for Kids®
Every baby deserves a safe place to sleep. Through our partnership with Cribs for Kids®, we provide sleep education to families in need and offer specialized training for community members to become certified Safe Sleep Ambassadors.
ABCs of Safe Sleep Video
Watch a video from McMillen Health that walks you through bedtime and takes the guesswork out of it. Created in collaboration with local health professionals, this short video shows you exactly how to set up a safe, peaceful sleep environment in your home from day one.
Contact Information and Local Support
Have questions about Safe Sleep from Day One, looking to get involved, or want to learn more about community resources?
Contact Tara Held, Every Birth Network Manager, at theld@hmbindiana.org or the Healthier Moms and Babies team at info@healthiermomsandbabies.org.