Naturepedic Invests in Safe Sleep Awareness and Employee Trainings to Amplify the Necessity of Baby Sleep Safety
CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio, Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Naturepedic, a leading manufacturer of certified organic mattresses, announces a new partnership with First Candle, the national non-profit organization dedicated to ending Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) through education on safe sleep practices, while also providing compassionate bereavement support to families who have tragically lost a baby.
This partnership represents a powerful step forward in bringing together non-profits, industry leaders, and communities to protect infants, ensuring every baby celebrates their first birthday. It also underscores Naturepedic's unwavering commitment to infant safety, not only through meticulously producing high-quality, certified organic crib mattresses, but also by supporting life-saving education initiatives and advocacy.
Why This Partnership Matters
SUID is the leading cause of death for babies under 1 year of age, claiming the lives of approximately 3,700 infants annually and disproportionately affects babies of color. Black babies are three times more likely to die from SUID. First Candle works to prevent these deaths through community-based education while providing grief support to families navigating unimaginable loss.
"We are so grateful to Naturepedic for their support of our important work and for recognizing the role retailers and corporations play in educating families about safe sleep practices," said Alison Jacobson, Executive Director and CEO of First Candle and bereaved parent of SUID. "It's not only parents who need these messages – grandparents, friends, babysitters, and caregivers all have a part to play in creating a safe sleep environment for every baby. Together, we can end these tragic deaths."
Naturepedic's Commitment to Sleep Safety
Naturepedic's steadfast commitment to sleep safety naturally aligns with First Candle's educational initiatives. Through this partnership, Naturepedic will now offer additional sleep safety support to crib mattress shoppers. Starting today, every Naturepedic crib mattress will ship with QR codes and infographics that provide safe sleep guidance provided by First Candle, arming consumers with life-saving tips and resources at their fingertips.
By Dec. 1, every Naturepedic corporate store employee across the country will complete First Candle infant sleep training, backed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Via this program, Naturepedic associates will share accurate, life-saving information with customers, including parents, grandparents, and caregivers. Throughout the remainder of the year, Naturepedic will be hosting fundraising events and supporting community outreach initiatives on behalf of First Candle.
"As a father of four, partnering with First Candle is deeply personal to me. I, along with Naturepedic, share in First Candle's goal: giving parents and caretakers peace of mind knowing their babies are sleeping safely," said Arin Schultz, Chief Growth Officer at Naturepedic. "Naturepedic was founded over 20 years ago with a simple mission: to build a better, safer crib mattress for our founder's grandchild. Now, by combining safe sleep education and resources with Naturepedic's safety-first baby products, we are committed to delivering families and caretakers the tools they need to keep our little ones safe."
New Online Training Available
Available beginning October 6, First Candle's groundbreaking training program - Safe Sleep Response Training™- will be available online at firstcandle.org, designed specifically for EMTs, firefighters, social service professionals, doulas, and other frontline workers.
The Safe Sleep Response Training™ equips professionals with the skills and confidence to have compassionate, culturally sensitive conversations with families about safe sleep practices. The program also provides guidance on how to support families following the devastating loss of an infant.
To learn more about First Candle and for sleep safety resources, visit firstcandle.org. Visit Naturepedic.com for additional educational content and safe sleep product highlights.
About Naturepedic
Naturepedic has been the leading certified organic mattress and bedding company for over 20 years that supports an organic, holistic lifestyle by protecting families through safer, healthier, and certified organic products. By eliminating materials like chemical flame retardants and polyurethane foam from their line of organic mattresses, Naturepedic is dedicated to protecting consumers and the environment. The brand is a proud member of the Organic Trade Association and 1% for the Planet®, supporting approved non-profits dedicated to environmental causes. All Naturepedic products, including mattresses, pillows, cushions, and more can be found online at Naturepedic.com, in over 20 Naturepedic stores, and over 150 retailers nationwide.
About First Candle
First Candle is a national non-profit committed to ending Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and providing bereavement support for grieving families. Through community-based education and culturally sensitive outreach, First Candle equips caregivers with life-saving safe sleep knowledge. Learn more at www.firstcandle.org.
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SOURCE Naturepedic
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