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Protecting Babies' Lives in Columbus


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ABC's of Safe Sleep
During this challenging health crisis in our community, we recognize families are dealing with a lot. CelebrateOne wants to remind you to keep practicing the ABC’s of safe sleep.
Babies must sleep ALONE, on their BACK, and in an empty CRIB. And remember, share the room and never the bed!

  • Bonding with your baby is important, and we know that safety is your #1 priority. Always let your baby sleep Alone, on their Back, in an Empty Crib.
  • Being a new parent can be demanding. Whether it’s 3pm or 3am, your baby is safest sleeping in an empty crib. Remember, no matter what, let your baby sleep Alone, on their Back, in an Empty Crib.
  • Mom kept you safe. Now you can do the same for your little one. Always practice the ABC’s of safe sleep - Alone, Back, Empty Crib.
  • Alone means alone - no blankets, toys, or teddy bears no bumpers.
  • Placing babies on their backs helps them breathe freely and can prevent suffocation.

If you or someone you know needs a crib, call 614.645.3111 for help.

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SOURCE: CelebrateOne
Helping Black  Babies Columbus OH

Safe Sleep Tips for Mom and Family


Help Black Babies Columbus

Say yes to help.

When your support team offers help - accept it. Whether it's taking the older children out for fun, cooking meals for you, doing laundry, cleaning the house, watching the new baby while you take a nap, go out for errands or have date night with your partner, etc. – ACCEPT THE OFFER. Remember, your child's grandparents, your in-laws aunts, uncles, trusted family; friends, trusted babysitter - are people you can count on to help you with the baby. Make sure they all know and always practice the ABCs of safe sleep. If you are not sure they understand, sign them up to be a Safe Sleep Ambassador with Columbus Public Health.



Don't nap holding baby.

We call it sleeping like a baby for a reason. Keep your baby alone, on their back, in a crib. Babies should never sleep with an adult or child on a couch chair, air mattress or bed. Share the room, NEVER the bed.


Don't worry that you won't hear your baby cry.

If possible, have the baby’s crib in your room, so you can Share the Room, and NEVER the bed. If you are concerned that you won't hear your baby or if the baby’s room is far away from your bedroom, buy a monitor and keep it near you. Remember that your baby is safe when you practice the ABCs of safe sleep.


If your baby cries for a few minutes before you hear him or her, it will be OK. Also, you want your baby to learn to go back to sleep by himself or herself and letting the baby cry a bit, is okay.


Call in help.

Ask your partner, your husband or a member of your extended team - mom mom-in-law, aunt, uncle or other trusted partners - to alternate baby duties with you so that you can make up for missed sleep with short naps during the day. Even 15 minutes of sleep can be beneficial to body and mind.


Outsource tasks.

If your baby takes a bottle, ask your partner to take on some of the feedings. If you are breastfeeding, you may consider pumping and giving someone else a turn to feed. Try to divide up all your household responsibilities as best you can. Learn to delegate tasks to others to avoid burn-outs. Whether it's running errands or attending an older child's activities, ask a member of your trusted team - your husband mom, dad, mother-in-law, father-in-law, aunt, uncle or others whom you trust - to help.


Share nighttime feeding responsibility

Nighttime feedings are part and parcel of being a new parent, but you don't have to go it alone. Taking turns with feedings will give you more time for uninterrupted rest. Whether you're breastfeeding or feeding from a bottle, do get help from people close to you so that you aren't the only one waking up at night.


Other tips for moms.

Prepare your baby for bed. Change your baby's diaper before the nighttime feed to minimize arousing them. And unless your baby has pooped or soaked through his or her diaper, you probably don't want to change your baby at all in the middle of the night, to keep him or her in that sleepy state - especially if your baby is only waking to eat.


Learn to say 'No' to guests.

It's natural for well-wishers to drop in and see the new addition to your household. However, it's important to pick and choose who to welcome so that you aren't bogged down by hostess demands. Some visitors are considerate and offer to lend a hand while others demand that you give them the same attention you did before you had your baby. Say 'yes' to those who come with a helping hand and learn to say 'no' to those who may not be as helpful during this time.


Sleep Early

Since infants sleep for short stretches at a time, new moms can expect to wake up 2-3 times a night. As you'll be waking up often, getting to bed early lets you stay off your feet and enjoy some extra sleep. Even if you can't fall asleep early, you can use the time for yourself and relax.


Have a Bedtime Routine

A bedtime routine is anything that prepares you for sleep. Turning off gadgets, taking a bath/shower to de-stress, and listening to calming music are a few examples. Do whatever it is that calms you. Try to stick to your bedtime routine each night so that when it's time for bed, you can fall asleep more easily.


Keep your eye on the prize

One day -- maybe tomorrow, your infant will sleep through the night. And so will you. Some babies sleep through the night earlier than others. If your baby is crying all night, talk to your pediatrician as there may be a medical reason that can be treated.


More Resources for Moms and Babies:

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* Disclaimer All information taken from the following resources: Nationwide Children's Hospital - Family Resources and Education Website Parent Magazine - "SIDS Prevention Strategies Every Parent Should Know" - By Jan Sheehan And Nicole Harris University of Chicago - Pediatrics Clerkship - University of Chicago Sudden Infant Death SIDS Website Web MD - "10 Tips to Improve Sleep for New Moms" - By Denise Mann CelebrateOne.info Website
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