The National Cribs for Kids Conference is a one-of-a-kind infant safe sleep conference that brings together professionals, researchers, and advocates from across the country. Rooted in community and equity, the conference provides a collaborative space to refine messaging, address barriers to change, and share strategies that make safe sleep possible for every baby, everywhere.
Held in person for the first time since 2019, the 2026 conference theme, Safe Sleep: Rooted in Evidence, Branching into Action, reflects our commitment to transforming research into real-world impact. Our work is grounded in evidence-based practices and fueled by innovation, as we collectively turn knowledge into meaningful action within our communities and professional fields.
Throughout the conference, attendees will engage in powerful discussions, explore cutting-edge research, and collaborate on programs and awareness campaigns designed to create measurable change. Together, we are shaping the future of infant safe sleep—one rooted in science, strengthened by community, and driven by action.
Stay tuned for upcoming announcements, including our call for abstracts, registration details, and presenter lineup. Don’t forget to follow us on social media or sign up to receive the Safe Sleep Spotlight to be among the first to know when conference updates are released.
Dates to Remember
Call for Abstracts
January 22 – May 1, 2026
Early Registration
January 22 – June 30, 2026
Late Registration
July 1 – September 18, 2026
Conference Dates
September 29 – October 2, 2026
at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown
Conference Pricing
Early Registration – $600
(January 22 – June 30, 2026)
Late Registration – $650
(July 1 – September 18, 2026)
Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities
Exhibitor Registration – $1,000
(Full Conference Registration, Onsite & Virtual Exhibitor Booth)
Exhibitor Registration (Non-Profit & Cribs for Kids Partner)- $800
(Full Conference Registration, Onsite & Virtual Exhibitor Booth)
Sponsorship Opportunities Available! Review the sponsorship and exhibitor packages in the live document embedded on this page. For best viewing, we recommend opening it in full-screen. Package availability will be updated as opportunities are filled. You may also download the sponsorship deck for review offline.
To ensure alignment with the Cribs for Kids mission to help every baby sleep safer, all organizations interested in sponsoring or exhibiting are asked to complete a brief application.
Questions? Email us at info@cribsforkids.org.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
Confirmed Presenters
Jen Hamilton
Labor & Deliver Nurse & Content Creator | Keynote Speaker
Cribs for Kids is thrilled to welcome Jen Hamilton as the Keynote Speaker for the 9th National Cribs for Kids Conference!
Jen Hamilton brings more than a decade of experience as a labor and delivery nurse, supporting families through one of the most meaningful and life-changing moments of their lives. Known for her ability to connect clinical expertise with honesty, humor, and deep empathy, Jen has become a trusted voice for both healthcare professionals and families alike.
With a social media following of more than 6 million across platforms, Jen has built a powerful community by sharing real-world insights into patient care, nursing, and maternal health. Her work has helped to humanize the realities of healthcare while making complex topics more accessible and relatable.
In 2026, Jen was honored with the President’s Award from the American Nurses Association, recognizing her impact on the profession and her commitment to education and advocacy. Her new book, Birth Vibes: Stories and Strategies for an Empowered Birth, comes out in May.
We are honored to welcome Jen to the stage in Pittsburgh as she helps us kick off this year’s conference, Safe Sleep: Rooted in Evidence, Branching into Action. Her voice, perspective, and passion for supporting families will set the tone for an inspiring and impactful event.
Gina Lowell, MD, MPH
General Academic Pediatrician | Rush University Children’s Hospital
Gina Lowell MD, MPH is a general academic pediatrician at Rush University Children’s Hospital in Chicago with specialty interests in childhood injury prevention, child abuse and neglect, and early relational health. She is the current Principal Investigator for the CDC-funded SUID Case Registry and Prevention for Cook County, IL. As Director of Community Health for Pediatrics she focuses on developing and promoting maternal-child health initiatives that support Chicago’s communities through addressing the intersectional impact of generational trauma and the social and structural determinants of health on maternal-child health equity. She completed her MD at Rush Medical College, Pediatric Residency at the University of Chicago, and General Academic Pediatrics Fellowship and MPH at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Kyran Quinlan, MD, MPH
Professor of Pediatrics | Rush University Medical Center
Kyran Quinlan, MD, MPH, is an academic general pediatrician, educator, and advocate in Chicago. He led the founding of the Sudden Unexpected Infant Death Case Registry for Cook County at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, where he is a Professor of Pediatrics.
For the past 7 years, Dr. Quinlan has served on Child Death Review for Cook County. After completing his pediatrics residency at the University of Chicago, he trained in Epidemic Intelligence Service at the CDC. Dr. Quinlan serves as a consultant to Safe Kids Worldwide as a subject matter expert on safe infant sleep.
Pre-Conference Training
Note: This pre-conference training has a separate registration process from the full conference.
The following training will be held on Monday and Tuesday, September 28–29, 2026, from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (lunch on your own).
The Kansas Infant Death and SIDS (KIDS) Network Safe Sleep Instructor (SSI) Certification is a nationally recognized, best-practice (through the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs) training for healthcare providers and social support professionals. With sleep-related deaths remaining the leading cause of infant mortality among infants ages 1 month to 1 year, the long-term goal of the SSI Certification is to reduce infant mortality by increasing infant safe sleep.
This two-day certification training, led by experienced faculty in collaboration with the University of Kansas School of Medicine–Wichita Center for Research in Infant Birth and Survival (CRIBS), offers a comprehensive, evidence-informed curriculum. It is designed for nurses, physicians, social workers, early childhood home visitors, childbirth professionals, and others interested in gaining the knowledge and skills needed to reduce Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID).
Using a train-the-trainer model, participants are certified to educate their communities on the American Academy of Pediatrics’ safe sleep recommendations. The program also supports implementation of initiatives such as the KIDS Network Safe Sleep Community Baby Shower/Crib Clinic, Safe Sleep Star Outpatient Clinic Certification, and the Cribs for Kids Hospital Certification.
The pre-conference training fee is $500 and is offered in person only. Registration includes:
- Training manual and supporting materials
- Safe Sleep Kit (portable crib, doll, wearable blanket, diapers, wipes, etc.)
- 14 continuing education credits
- Access to bi-monthly webinars
- KIDS Network Safe Sleep Instructor Certificate
For more information, please visit the KIDS Network website and register here.
Attendee Testimonials
“Cribs for Kids has built an international community united by shared goals. There is ample opportunity to teach, to share, to listen, to question and to build collaboration. In short, it provides an outstanding professional experience.”
Take a Look at the 2024 Conference
May 7-10, 2024
Over the course of the event, attendees immersed themselves in a dynamic exchange of ideas, emerging research, and practical ideas on improving SUID rates in our communities. Attendees had the ability to join discussion groups within the platform to connect and share ideas. With speaker permission, concurrent, plenary, and poster presentation recordings are to be shared with registrants after the event.
With over seventy-five speakers presenting over fifty sessions in a span of three days, attendees gained insight and knowledge that will inspire a change in how we approach safe infant sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the conference schedule?
An agenda will be posted as soon as possible. Please note that our schedule may be subject to change depending on abstract submissions and conference offerings. The outline below is based on our previous in-person conference schedules.
- Tuesday: Welcome Reception (7 PM)
- Wednesday: Full Conference Day (8 AM – 5 PM)
- Thursday: Full Conference Day (8 AM – 5 PM)
- Friday: Half Conference Day (8 AM to 12 PM)
What is included in my conference registration?
Your conference registration will include breakfast on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Lunch and refreshment breaks on Wednesday, and Thursday.
It will also include access to the all networking opportunities, you’ll be able to connect with the exhibitors and sponsors of the event, as well as access to the virtual platform to access slides and handouts for the presentations.
Access to presentation materials from presenters who have given permission to share their slides or handouts, the presentations will be available after the conference on the event platform.
Are there meals provided?
Yes, Cribs for Kids provides the following meals:
- Special Event: Tuesday Evening Welcome Reception – Heavy Hors D’oeuvres
- Breakfast: Wednesday – Friday
- Lunch: Wednesday & Thursday
- Refreshment Breaks: Wednesday – Friday
- Special Event: Cribs for Kids Headquarters Open House (Day TBD) – Catered Buffet
What networking opportunities are available?
Cribs for Kids strives to provide ample networking opportunities for our guests. You will have time to network during all conference breaks and meals, as well as at the welcome reception and at the Cribs for Kids Headquarters Open House event.
Are there accommodations for attendees with disabilities?
Yes, the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh is ADA accessible. If you need other accommodations for the conference program, please reach out to our staff at info@cribsforkids.org. We will make every effort to assist you.
What is included in the registration fee?
Your registration fee includes access to all 4 days of the conference, networking discussion groups, recordings of presentations (with presenter permission) after the conference, and more.
Are there early-bird or group discounts?
As a non-profit, Cribs for Kids makes every effort to keep our registration costs as low as possible. There is an early-bird discount running from January 22 – June 30, 2026. Starting on July 1, the conference will be full price.
There are no group discounts available.
Is there a hybrid or virtual option?
Cribs for Kids is working with our conference platform provider to determine the feasibility of a hybrid event. While we will not be able to promise that this will be an option, if you are interested in a hybrid registration, please email us at info@cribsforkids.org to let us know.
What payment types are accepted?
Cribs for Kids offers multiple payment options for your convenience. While credit card payments can be made directly through the registration platform Cvent, we also welcome payments via check. To register using a non-credit card payment method, simply proceed with your registration as usual and choose your preferred alternative payment option during checkout.
For those opting to pay via purchase order, please forward it to us at info@cribsforkids.org.
For those paying by check, you can make the payment out to and send it to the address below:
Cribs for Kids
5450 Second Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15207Please note, that if sending payment by check, please include in the memo section that payment is for the conference, the names of the attendees and/or the registration confirmation number.
Following registration, all non-credit card payment methods will automatically receive an invoice via email. This invoice will be addressed to the individual listed on the registration or to the purchaser of a group registration. Should you have any inquiries or require further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at the provided email address.
What is the cancellation policy? Can I transfer my registration to another person?
All cancellations must be requested in writing by August 28, 2026. Email your request to info@cribsforkids.org. The Cancellation Policy for the 9th National Cribs for Kids Conference is as follows:
- Full Refund: Cancellations made before July 1, 2026, will be eligible for a 100% refund.
- Partial Refund: Cancellations made between July 1 and August 28, 2026 will be eligible for a 50% refund.
- No Refund: Cancellations made on or after August 29, 2026, one month prior to the start of the event, will not be eligible for a refund.
Registration Transfer: Attendees may transfer their registration to another person within the same organization at any time, subject to prior notification and approval, at no charge.
Please note that since this is an in-person conference, you are responsible for cancelling or transferring airline and hotel reservations.
Will continuing education be provided?
Due to evolving expectations for nursing and social work continuing education, combined with increased administrative and financial barriers, Cribs for Kids is unable to provide continuing education credits for this year’s conference.
At the conclusion of the conference, for those who indicated an interest in earning CEs, Cribs for Kids can suggest other training options specific to infant safe sleep education that provide credit. Alternatively, Cribs for Kids can provide you with an official certificate of attendance and a copy of the final agenda, which you can submit to your licensure to determine if they will grant credit.
To receive the list of safe sleep trainings and/or to receive your official certificate of attendance, please send an email to info@cribsforkids.org after the conclusion of the conference.
Thank you in advance for your understanding.
Do you offer Certificates of Attendance?
Yes, Cribs for Kids is happy to provide attendees with a Certificate of Attendance for those who need to submit one to their employer for reimbursement or for those who want to submit it to their licensure for continuing education.
To request your Certificate of Attendance, please email us at info@cribsforkids.org after the conclusion of the conference. A Cribs for Kids team member will then verify your attendance, produce your certificate, and send your personalized certificate and a final copy of the agenda back to you via email.
Abstracts & Presenter Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the call for abstracts open?
The call for abstracts for the 9th National Cribs for Kids Conference will be open from January 22, 2026, to May 1, 2026.
The deadline for submissions is May 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.
How do I submit my abstract submission?
Abstract submissions must be submitted online. You can find the link at https://www.cribsforkids.org/conference/. Abstract submissions will not be accepted in any other format without advance approval.
What is the difference between the presentation types?
- Plenary Presentation – A featured session presented to all conference attendees at the same time.
- Concurrent Session – A breakout-style session offered alongside other sessions during the same time block. Attendees choose which concurrent session to attend based on topic and interest.
- Panel Discussion – A session featuring multiple speakers who share perspectives on a common topic, followed by a moderated discussion and audience Q&A.
- Poster Session – A visual presentation format where presenters share key ideas, data, or program highlights using a poster. Attendees can view posters and engage in informal, one-on-one or small-group conversations with presenters.
- Workshop Session – An interactive, hands-on session focused on skill-building, problem-solving, or applying concepts in real time. Workshops typically include activities, discussion, or guided practice rather than lecture only.
Do presenters have to register and do they receive a discount?
Yes, presenters are required to register and receive a discount. Presenters will be notified by June 1, 2026. Selected presenters will receive an email notifying them of their acceptance which includes a discount code to use at registration. More details about the discount will be provided in the letter.
Do presenters have to attend in person?
Yes, presenters are required to attend in person.
What if I have more than two co-presenters?
Due to a packed conference schedule, Cribs for Kids limits the number of presenters per session to ensure effective time management and a smooth session experience. In some cases, we may be able to accommodate more than two presenters; however, advance approval is required. Please email us at info@cribsforkids.org to discuss your session and make any necessary arrangements.
Please note: Due to budgetary constraints, if a session includes more than two presenters, Cribs for Kids may not be able to offer a registration discount for each additional presenter.
Submit an Abstract
We cordially invite you to contribute to the 8th National Cribs for Kids Conference by submitting abstracts for presentation. This one-of-a-kind Infant Safe Sleep Conference revolves around Equity, Community, Messaging, and Barriers to Change. We welcome abstracts highlighting research findings, successful initiatives, awareness campaigns, and innovative approaches to infant safe sleep. Whether you are an esteemed academic, a dedicated advocate, or a professional with valuable expertise, your insights are invaluable in shaping a safer future for our little ones. Share your knowledge with an audience of fellow change-makers and help foster collaborative efforts toward creating safer sleep for infants. Abstract submissions will be accepted until January 17, 2024, at 5 PM ET.
