Skip to main content
South Dakota Department of Health
South Dakota Department of Health
Globe Icon

Maternal & Child Health

Preparing for Birth & Baby

Preparing for Baby’s Arrival and Beyond

While preparing for childbirth and bringing the baby home, there are many questions parents need to answer. Newborns rely on you for love, care, and security, so having trusted information at your fingertips is essential. 

Whether you are preparing for your baby's arrival or settling into life at home, parents and caregivers can find trusted resources on labor and delivery, postpartum recovery, newborn care, breastfeeding support, safe sleep, emotional health, and more, helping you and your baby thrive from the very first moments together. 

Help Your Baby Be Healthy     Download Educational Resources

Why Babies Cry brochure: English | Spanish

First 1000 Days

The first 1000 days of life (from conception to the 24-month age) are the most significant 1000 days in one’s whole life. Find State programs to help maximize your child's health in the first 1000 days.

Learn About the First 1000 Days

Newborn Screening Program

Learn about newborn metabolic screening, hearing screening, and the Newborn Screening Advisory Committee.

Learn About Newborn Screening

Safe Sleep

Assuring that everyone caring for baby uses safe sleep practices will greatly reduce a baby's risk of SIDS and SUID.

Learn Safe Sleep Practices

Safe Havens

Safe havens give parents who cannot care for their baby a safe place to leave them, where they will be cared for.

Learn About Safe Havens

ABCs of Safe Sleep

  • Baby should always sleep alone – not with an adult, other children, a twin or anyone else.
  • Baby should sleep alone, in a safe crib or play yard, in the same room as the caregiver.

  • Baby should always be put down to sleep on his/her BACK.
  • The risk of SIDS is much higher when a baby sleeps on his/ her tummy or side.
  • The danger is MUCH greater when a baby who normally sleeps on his/her back is placed on tummy to sleep.
  • Once baby is rolling over on his/her own during sleep, it is OK to let baby sleep that way.

  • Baby should sleep in a safe crib or play yard, with a snug mattress and tight-fitting sheet.
  • There should be NOTHING in the crib with baby – no pillows, blankets, quilts, bumper pads, soft toys, stuffed animals, sheepskins, comforters, etc.
  • Blankets should be replaced with an infant sleep sack or a one piece sleeper.
  • Babies should not sleep on couches, adult beds, bean bags, air mattresses or soft mattresses.
  • Babies should not be put to sleep in swings, recliners, infant seats, car seats, Rock and Plays, or other infant care products that are not a crib, bassinet or play yard.

Crib Safety Tips

There should be:

  • A firm, tight-fitting mattress so a baby cannot get trapped between the mattress and the crib (gap should be <2 fingers wide).
  • No missing, loose, broken, or improperly installed screws, brackets, or other hardware on the crib or mattress support.
  • No more than 2 3/8 inches (about the width of a soda can) between crib slats so a baby’s body cannot fit through the slats; no missing or cracked slats.
  • No corner posts over 1/16th inch high so a baby’s clothing cannot catch.
  • No cutouts in the headboard or footboard so a baby’s head cannot get trapped.
  • No drop-down sides.
  • Cribs that are incorrectly assembled, have missing, loose, or broken hardware, or broken slats can result in entrapment or suffocation death. Infants can become strangled when their head and neck become entrapped in gaps created by missing, loose, or broken hardware or broken slats.

Portable Crib and Play Yard Safety Tips

Look for:

  • Mesh less than ¼ inch in size, smaller than the tiny buttons on a baby’s clothing.
  • Mesh with no tears, holes or loose threads that could entangle a baby.
  • Mesh securely attached to top rail and floor plate.
  • Top rail cover with no tears or holes.
  • If staples are used, they are not missing, loose or exposed.
  • Sides that lock securely when in the upright position.
  • Use only the mattress that came with the unit. Mattress should be covered with a tight-fitting sheet.

Other:

  • There should be no smoking around the infant or in the infant’s environment.
  • Do not overheat baby – keep room temperature comfortable for a lightly clothed adult.
  • Offer pacifier at nap time and bedtime.
  • Breastfeeding and immunizations provide protection also.
  • Make sure everyone who cares for your baby knows about Safe Sleep! (daycare, grandparents, babysitters)

You Might Also Like

Bright Start

The Bright Start program is here with personal nurses to help new moms be the best they can be by helping women from pregnancy and beyond.

Safe Sleep

Safe sleep efforts are rewarded every time a baby wakes up to the world. Lying your baby down on their back, alone, in their crib, bassinet, or play yard is the best way for them to sleep safely.

WIC

South Dakota WIC: Nutritious foods, education, and support for eligible participants, promoting well-being of mothers and children.

Perinatal Hospice

Perinatal hospice and palliative care provides medical, spiritual, emotional, and bereavement care to families experiencing consequences of a perinatal loss.