As part of the First Candle program, we are pleased to provide a number of educational materials that will help your crib recipients learn more about safe sleep. First Candle’s educational messages focus on three key risk reduction recommendations — that babies sleep safest alone, on their backs and in a crib.

Additionally, the messaging encourages breastfeeding and safe bonding practices that can occur in and outside of the adult bed. All messages included in this campaign follow the recommendations set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

With your help, we are targeting messages for at-risk families, the general population and healthcare providers across your state. Educational materials include a bilingual (English/Spanish) brochure and posters that have been developed by First Candle and reviewed by the National Center for Cultural Competence and focus groups of at-risk families.

Additionally, we are pleased to provide access to a video that is delivered through DVD or through the Bedtime Basics for Babies website. The video provides a number of vignettes that demonstrate safe sleep practices and address barriers to the use of a safe sleep zone for babies. Additionally, the video provides an opening segment with Dr. Rachel Moon (see The Evaluation: An Overview) discussing Informed Consent and a segment on how to set up the portable crib.

The video script was developed by First Candle and reviewed by the organization’s Medical Director and three Principal Investigators. Additionally, First Candle worked with the National Center for Cultural Competence to review content and assure cultural sensitivity. Parents TV and Meredith Video Solutions produced the video with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and HALO Innovations.

All written materials are provided in English and in Spanish. The video is provided with a Spanish voice-over.

First Candle is also working with your Site Director and the national, state and regional coalitions to support a public service campaign in the general media beginning in late 2009 to support your efforts.

To order or download materials, please visit the online store.