Press release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: May 7 , 2007
Contact: (919) 828-1819
Vivian Muzyk, communications coordinator

Meaningful Mother's Day Gift for New and Expectant Moms

Make a "Sleep Well" gift basket that promotes baby's safe sleep

(Raleigh, NC) - This mother's day, children across the country will celebrate their mothers with heartfelt gestures like breakfast in bed, homemade cards, and the occasional macaroni necklace. But, how can you celebrate the new mom or mom-to-be in your life? With a little creativity, you can create a gift that honors mom and teaches her ways to help her little one sleep safely.

Sadly, accidental (and preventable) infant deaths in unsafe sleep environments are on the rise in North Carolina. Additionally, more than one hundred North Carolina babies' lives are cut short each year because of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Learning to create a safe sleep environment can reduce the risks of SIDS and accidental infant death. The North Carolina Healthy Start Foundation, a nationally recognized leader in infant health and safety, offers these tips for crafting a gift basket that celebrates motherhood and helps keep baby safe.

10 Ideas for a "Sleep Well" Gift Basket for Mom and Baby

1. Wicker basket -- Holds gift items and can later be used for other items
2. Sleep sack -- Keeps baby cozy without swaddling, which can overheat a baby
3. Slippers -- Keeps mom's feet comfy when she checks on her baby at night
4. Thermometer -- Monitors room temperature, 68° - 75°F is safest for baby's room
5. Bubble bath -- Gives mom time to herself to relax and unwind
6. Light blanket -- Reduces the risk of overheating
7. Babysitting coupon -- Offers mom time to catch up on sleep
8. Night light -- Helps mom check on her little one
9. Onesie -- Covers baby in a lightweight outfit
10. "Sleep Well" Card -- Provides baby's safe sleep reminders for mom

You can download a card with safe sleep tips, a sleep coupon, and this list at no charge at
Meaningful Mother's Day Gift for New and Expectant Moms.

To raise safe sleep awareness, the Foundation will give away 100 free baby onesies that say "Stomach to Play, Back to Sleep, For Baby's Safe Sleep." The onesies remind moms, dads and caregivers the safe way to position baby for naps and at nighttime. To enter the drawing for a free onesie, visit the Foundation's web site, www.NCHealthyStart.org and complete the entry form between May 7 - May 11, the week before Mother's Day.

To learn more about baby's safe sleep and other maternal and child health issues, visit www.NCHealthyStart.org.

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The N.C. Healthy Start Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 1990, conducts ongoing public education campaigns, advises state and local policy makers, and provides technical assistance and professional training focused on reducing infant death and illness and improving the health of women and young children in N.C.

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