Infant Safe Sleep & Abusive Head Trauma Prevention

The Maine Infant Safe Sleep & Abusive Head Trauma Prevention Coalition is convened by Maine Children's Trust. Members are individuals and organizations that are invested in infant safe sleep and the prevention of abusive head trauma. The overarching goal of the coalition is to substantially reduce and eliminate injuries and deaths as a result of unsafe sleep environment practices and abusive head trauma in Maine through increased education, training, awareness, and community engagement that is inclusive, culturally sensitive, equitable, and accessible. Coalition members meet regularly to keep each other informed, provide updates, share expertise, and work together to overcome barriers to assist in this goal.

Infant Safe Sleep Initiatives

Through statewide work with the Prevention Councils, we provide training to a wide range of community partners and parents in infant safe sleep. Additionally, we serve as an affiliate of Cribs for Kids and coordinate statewide distribution of free pack 'n play cribs to families who might otherwise have to put their infant in an unsafe sleep situation.

Abusive Head Trauma Prevention Initiative

Maine selected this evidence-based model several years ago as its statewide program to prevent Shaken Baby Syndrome (now knows as Abusive Head Trauma or ABT. Developed by the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome, 100% of Maine birthing facilities executed agreements to deliver this information and materials to every birth family at their facility. We coordinate and support this work across the state by providing training and materials on this program in every county.

Maine Children's Trust is a drop off and distribution site for Click for Babies. This campaign provides hats and booties to families of new babies who receive the Period of PURPLE Crying education across the state. To learn more about knitting or crocheting hats and/or booties including a crafting guide, patterns, sizing, and more please visit Click for Babies. To drop off your crafted items for Maine babies, please visit at our office at 56 Leighton Rd, Augusta, Maine 04330 on Mondays and Tuesday between 8am-3pm. We encourage you to call or email us at info@mechildrenstrust.org for drop off arrangements.

To join this coalition please email us at info@mechildrenstrust.org