The Linn County Health Department participates in the Safe Cribs program, a program  designed to offer safe cribs to families in need and provides a community health education campaign to promote healthy babies and reduce the risk of death and injuries associated with unsafe sleep practices.

In 2011, The Consumer Safety Product Commission released new standards for the use of cribs. Consumers should check each crib before its purchase and ensure that it is in compliance with the current U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and ASTM safety standards. Recalled or second-hand cribs should not be used or stored. When it is determined that a crib is no longer safe for use, it should be dismantled and disposed of appropriately.

Infants should practice the "ABC's of Sleep" 

• A: Alone
• B: On their back
• C: in a crib

There should be nothing else in the sleep space, including crib bumpers, stuffed animals, other people, blankets, etc.  Infants should be in their own sleep space, a bassinet, pack n play or crib with only a fitted sheet. 

If you do not have access to a safe sleep place for your infant, the Health Department may be able to help you get access to a safe crib for free.  

Call the health department at 660-258-7251 for more information on safe sleep practices and to inquire about the qualifications to receive a crib for your infant.

More information on crib regulations, click here.