Cribs for Kids

Since 2004, Maternity Care Coalition’s (MCC), Cribs for Kids program has provided families in need with safe sleep education and portable cribs to reduce unsafe sleep environments and prevent accidental deaths and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Cribs for Kids provides:

  • Free safe sleep education, cribs, fitted sheets and blanket sleepers to eligible families
  • Services at several community locations across Philadelphia or in the family’s home
  • Training for social service agencies, health insurance companies, staff of shelters, daycares and other organizations
  • Referrals to other resources for new parents across Philadelphia

“This workshop made me see how important it is to lay my baby down to sleep right. It gave me good tips. I will change some things I do now. Thank you so much for helping me, my boyfriend, and my baby.”

Provider Referrals

If you are a social service provider and want to refer a client to our program, click here. If you are interested in having someone from our team educate your staff, please call the Cribs for Kids hotline at (215) 989-3589 and press 1 or contact us via email.

Self-Referrals

If you or someone you know needs a safe place for their baby to sleep, you can contact the Cribs for Kids team. If you are within 8 weeks of your due date or if you have recently delivered your baby, click here or email us at [email protected] or call our hotline at (215) 989-3589.

In Need of a Crib?

The Cribs for Kids Program provides safe sleep education and cribs for families in Philadelphia who are otherwise unable to afford one.

SIDS Facts

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby under the age of one year. Some sobering facts:

  • SIDS is the leading cause of death among infants
  • Most SIDS deaths occur when the baby is between 2 and 4 months of age
  • African-American babies are twice as likely to die of SIDS as white babies
  • A SIDS death happens suddenly, with no sign of suffering

For helpful hints on how to reduce the risk of SIDS, watch our video.

Safe Sleep Tips

As an expecting or new parent, it can be overwhelming when you realize this tiny baby is entirely dependent on you. Please review our tips so you can rest easy knowing you’ve taken the right steps toward creating a safe sleep environment:

  • Babies sleep safest on their backs on a firm surface in an empty, safety-approved crib. That means no bumpers, pillows, stuffed animals, or blankets.
  • The safest place for your baby to sleep is in the room where you sleep. Place the baby’s crib or bassinet near your bed (within arm’s reach) for the baby’s first six months.
  • Do not let your baby get too warm during sleep. If a light blanket is needed, tuck a receiving blanket in on three sides of the crib and place the baby’s arms over the blanket. Make sure your baby’s head and face stay uncovered. Consider using a sleep sack to avoid having to use a blanket in the crib.
  • Do not allow smoking near your baby. It is especially important to place the crib in a smoke-free room. Exposure to smoke increases the risk of SIDS.
  • Breastfeeding helps reduce the risk of SIDS and has other health benefits for mom and baby.
  • Attend well-baby visits and keep up with the baby’s immunizations.

See our ABCs of Safe Sleep brochure for more information.

Other Resources on SIDS and Safe Sleep:

The Cribs for Kids Form is intended for use by potential clients, not social service providers. If you are a social service provider, please go to our referral page and complete a prenatal or postpartum referral form for your client.