The first step toward certification requires the review of the Cribs for Kids’ Infant Safe Sleep Certification Manual. The Certification Manual illustrates comprehensive criteria and requirements for implementation & reporting. This guides efforts to achieve and maintain each level of the Infant Safe Sleep Certification. Criteria have been established according to 2022 AAP evidence-based policies, policy statements, reports, and consultation with medical experts from the AAP Safe Sleep Task Force. With the 2022 AAP Update, new practice expectations were announced in January 2023, effective with hospital initial applications and recertifications beginning January 2024.
The Certification Manual Contains the ‘Safe Sleep Policy Evaluation Guide’ and ‘Training & Education Guide’. These outline minimum requirements to be included in the policy, staff training, and patient education. Quick Access to these documents is provided below.
The 5-year designation is maintained according to the current requirements outlined in the Certification Manual at the time certification is awarded. Meaning if requirements have been updated during your designation period, your hospital is encouraged but not required to update policies and practices until certification renewal is due.”
Next Steps
- Review criteria according to the desired level of certification.
- Visit Toolkit & Resources to assist the development and maintenance of your infant safe sleep initiative.
- Implement changes to policies and practices to meet compliance in categories applicable to the desired level of certification.
- Visit Application & Management to review the application process and submit an initial or recertification application and Annual Report/Upgrade forms.