New York, NY – Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan) announced that her bill, A.356/S.6730, to require hospitals and birth centers to distribute a leaflet detailing crib safety information to maternity patients at the time of discharge, was signed into law late last week.

“There is no higher priority for a new parent than the safety of their child, and this law will make it easier for first-time parents, already facing myriad choices and decisions, to make good decisions about infant sleep safety.” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. “The crib safety information that will now be in the hands of every parent statewide, should be required reading.

Specifically, the leaflet will contain information detailing safe sleeping procedures for babies, crib product recalls and disclosure of the federal standards on the manufacture and sale of cribs. The law requires that every hospital and birthing facility in New York State distribute the leaflet directly to each maternity patient at the time of discharge, and to the general public upon request.

The law also requires hospital staff to inquire whether the maternity patient has a new crib available for newborns. In the event that they do not, hospital staff will provide information about where to obtain a new crib, such as social services agencies, non-profit service providers or other relevant organizations.

“This law closes the gap in access to information on how to keep your newborn safe. Every parent needs the power to make an educated decision on safe sleep options, and it is my hope that this law will help to save lives,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal.

"Keeping Babies Safe has been advocating for this law since its inception and we are thrilled the governor has signed it into law," said Joyce Davis, president of KBS. "We recently pushed through a similar law in New Jersey, as a key step toward ensuring parents are equipped with the latest crib safety information. We believe this new law will save lives and are appreciative to Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal and other proactive lawmakers in New York who have made it happen. This law will make an incredible difference."

“The importance of the Safe Sleep message coming from multiple sources cannot be overestimated,” said Elie Ward, MSW, Director of Policy & Advocacy for the NYS American Academy of Pediatrics. “Public Health behavior change is a long term intensive and community wide effort. This legislation helps us all strengthen and amplify the Safe Sleep message for new parents and their newborns.”