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Infant Vitality

The Infant Vitality program is committed to ensuring every baby thrives well past their first birthday and to reducing infant mortality across Greater Cincinnati. In partnership with community agencies, services and support are provided to qualifying families to help create safer, healthier starts for babies and families. 

​Cribs for Kids 

The Cincinnati Health Department helps families create safe sleep spaces for babies. We teach caregivers how to keep babies safe while they sleep and provide FREE cribettes, portable crib sheets, and Halo Sleep Sacks to support safe sleep at home. 

Program Qualifications 

  • Must be AT LEAST 32 weeks pregnant and infants already born must be UNDER one year of age. 

  • Must reside in Hamilton County 

  • Must be WIC eligible (do not need to be signed up) 

  • Please call 564-BABY (2229) and press option 2 for more information on how to receive a free crib or how to become a partnering agency with the Cincinnati Health Department. 

PLEASE CALL 513-564-BABY (2229) and press option 2 FOR MORE INFORMATION 

Crib Tutorial  

Safe Sleep Recommendations 
​
To keep your baby safe, follow these precautions: 
 

  • Put your baby to sleep on his/her back in the room where you sleep, in a crib or bassinet near your bed. 

  • Babies should not be put to sleep on the tummy or side. 

  • Do not use sleep positioners, wedges, or other products that claim to keep babies in a certain sleep position.  

  • Always place your baby on a firm, flat surface. No soft mattresses, quilts, futons, waterbeds, bean bags, or pillows. 

  • Always use a safety-approved crib, bassinet, or portable play yard that meets current safety standards covered by a fitted sheet. 

  • Keep babies out of sitting devices for sleep: Babies should not sleep in or on Boppy pillows, nursing pillows, car seats, swings, or other sitting devices. 

  • Keep soft objects, toys, and loose blankets out of your baby's sleep area. Avoid pillows, blankets, and soft crib bumpers. 

  • Keep smoke away from your baby: Do not smoke during or after pregnancy and ask others not to smoke near your baby. For assistance with smoking cessation – Tobacco Free Living Program 

  • Don't lie down with your baby on a sofa, armchair, or recliner. Babies can become trapped in the sides or cushions. 

  • Your baby should not sleep with other adults, children, or animals. 

  • Avoid overheating. Dress your baby in light sleep clothes. 

  • In cold weather, dress your baby in layers to keep them warm. Keep blankets and other loose items out of the crib. 

  • If your baby has trouble settling down at bedtime, try safe soothing methods like gentle rocking or offering a pacifier before placing them on their back in a safe sleep space. Talk to your baby’s doctor if you need more ideas. 

  • If you bring your baby to bed to breastfeed, make sure you are in a position that will allow you to stay awake and alert.  

  • Position your baby to protect him or her from moving under the covers or into a pillow while in your bed.  

  • Make sure baby cannot fall out of the bed or become wedged between the mattress and a wall.  

  • When finished breastfeeding and your baby is ready to sleep, put your baby on his/her back in the crib or bassinet. 

  • Do not bring your baby in bed to breastfeed if you or your partner is overly tired, have used alcohol or medications that make you sleepy. 

Printable and Shareable Resources, and Downloadable Media 
Safe Sleep Resources for Dads 

Materials in Spanish (Brochures, Handouts, Infographics and Videos) 

Additional Infant Vitality Resources: 

Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Program  

Community Health Worker Program 

City of Cincinnati Primary Care  

Cradle Cincinnati  

Ohio Buckles Buckeyes (Car Seat Program) 

Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank/Tidal Babe Program 

Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank partners with local social service agencies to provide free diapers to low-income families while raising awareness of the basic health need for diapers. Their vision is to eliminate the existence of diaper need in our community so that ALL babies have a chance to be healthy, happy, and safe. 

Grieving the Loss of a Baby 

The loss of a baby is something no family should face. For those who would like the support of others who have experienced a similar loss, there are several support resources available: 

Malina Harris, BS, CTTS
Infant Vitality Program Coordinator
513-357-7428 (o) | 513-203-9970 (c)
Malina.Harris@Cincinnati-oh.gov