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Sleep Safe Initiative

Click on the pciture to the right to view a safty video demonstrating how to keep babies safe and sound in cribs, bassinets and play yards.

Safe sleep for babies is critical to their development. Parents, guardians and caretakers need to take note of various issues and practices to help keep babies healthy and safe. Babies are safest when they sleep alone, on their backs. Sleeping with your baby ("co-sleeping ") can be dangerous. If an adult or child rolls over onto a baby, the baby can be hurt or even suffocated. Additionally, it is important to be aware of factors that contribute to crib safety problems, concerns and standards.

"Keeping Baby Safe" Checklist
Help keep your child safe by identifying and addressing possible hazards in your home.

Crib Safety Guide for Parents and Caregivers
Cribs that are assembled improperly or have missing, loose or broken hardware or slats, can result in entrapment or suffocation deaths. Learn what to look for and do by reading the New York State Department of State Division of Consumer Protection Crib Safety Guide for Parents and Caregivers.

CPB Consumer Advisory on Drop-Side Cribs
Drop-side cribs are one of the most popular crib designs. In recent years, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced 12 recalls involving more than 9.2 million drop-side cribs due to suffocation and strangulation hazards. The Division, as a State safety designee, has issued this special consumer advisory to alert parents and caregivers to this potential hazard.

Video (Transcript) Keep Babies Safe and Sound in Cribs, Bassinets and Play Yards
Created by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is part of CPSC's Safe Sleep Initiative, a multi-pronged effort aimed at reducing deaths and injuries associated with unsafe sleep environments.

Other baby safety information is available on the Infant Safety page and on the New York State Office of Children and Family Services Baby Sleeps Safest Alone page. Parents, guardians and caregivers may also want to explore the Do Not Call page to learn how to register for the Do Not Call Registry. Registering your personal phone number on the Do Not Call Registry can reduce the volume of unwanted sales calls that interrupt your baby's sleep.

Last Modified: June 22, 2011