HOPE Network's Portable Crib Program

Today, the leading cause of infant mortality in the U.S. is primarily due to complications of prematurity. In Milwaukee, the second leading cause is SIDS, which is often related to unsafe sleep. The majority of babies who have died of SIDS-related causes in Milwaukee were in an unsafe sleep situation.

HOPE Network's Solution

True unexplained Sudden Infant Death Syndrome may be prevented some day through science. Meanwhile, there are steps that loving parents must take to prevent babies dying while sleeping. Parents must provide a safe sleep environment.

To that end, HOPE Network provides portable cribs ("Pack 'n Plays") to single mother families living in the greater Milwaukee area. Pack 'n Plays can be taken wherever the baby needs to be cared for, and are convenient for smaller living spaces.

To qualfy to receive a Pack 'n Play, a single mother must have financial need and be referred by a community professional such as a caseworker, medical caregiver, or clergyperson.

Before a mother is given a Pack 'n Play, HOPE Network gives her training on proper infant sleep position, safe sleep environment, and child abuse prevention/parenting education.

Some Notes on Safe Sleep

A Type of "Co-Sleeping" that may be fatal to your baby
Bed sharing co-sleeping refers to an infant sleeping in the same bed, couch, or other surface where parents or others are sleeping. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants not share a bed with parents or anyone else, due to proven hazards. The City of Milwaukee Health Department strongly advises parents NOT to share a bed with their infant.

A Type of "Co-Sleeping" that may be good for your baby
Room-sharing co-sleeping refers to infants sleeping in the parents' room, but in their own crib or bassinet. The American Academy of Pediatrics 2005 Policy Statement states that the "risk of SIDS has been shown to be reduced when the infant sleeps in the same room as the mother."

No cushions... and Nothing but the baby in the crib
Even sleeping alone on the couch, babies can suffocate when their noses become "stuck" between the cushions of a couch. Even sleeping alone in a crib, babies may suffocate in loose bedding, blankets, or stuffed animals.

Back to Sleep
To avoid suffocation, babies are safest when laid to sleep on their backs.

How do I qualify for HOPE Network's Portable Crib Program?

• You must be a single mother.

• You must be a HOPE Network member (membership costs $5/year).

• You must participate in a Safe Sleep/Parenting education session, either on Monday or Wednesday morning from 10:00-11:00am at HOPE Network's office. During the session, you'll watch a short safe sleep video, receive safe sleep/parenting materials to take home, and watch a demonstration on setting up your Pack 'n Play.

• You must provide a professional reference, such as a case worker, nurse, teacher, social worker, clergy member, who can verify you are a single mother in financial need.

Download a Portable Crib Program Brochure/Application