Infant Safe Sleep at Ascension hospitals

Many Ascension hospitals are certified as a Safe Sleep Hospital through Cribs for Kids National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program. We are dedicated to making your baby’s sleep environment as safe as possible.

Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID, formerly known as SIDS), is the leading cause of injury and death in infancy. Following safe sleep recommendations can prevent many SUID cases.

Safe Sleep

Place your baby on their back to sleep every time, for naps and at night.
Use a safety-approved crib, bassinet or portable crib for sleep. Your baby’s sleep area should conform to the safety standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Do not let your baby get too hot during sleep.
Feeding your baby human milk is recommended because it is associated with a reduced risk of SUID.
Offering a pacifier that is not attached to a string at naptime and bedtime is recommended once breastfeeding has been established.
Do not allow cigarette smoke around your baby.
Supervised, awake tummy time is recommended to facilitate your baby’s development and to minimize development of positional plagiocephaly (malformation of the head). Parents are encouraged to place their baby on tummy time while awake and supervised for short periods of time beginning soon after hospital discharge.

Sleep Surface/Area

Use a firm, flat, non-inclined surface, covered by a fitted sheet.
There should be no gaps between the mattress and the side of the crib, bassinet, portable crib or play yard.
Keep soft objects such as pillows, blankets, toys, stuffed animals, and bumpers out of your baby’s sleep area.
Do not attempt to fix a broken crib; replace it.
Avoid commercial devices marketed to reduce SIDS (e.g. wedges, positioners, special mattresses, and sleep surfaces)

Sleep Location

It is recommended that babies sleep in the parents’ room, close to the parents’ bed, but on a separate surface designed for infants, for at least the first 6 months.
Your baby should not sleep in an adult bed, on a couch or on a chair alone, with you, or with anyone else.
Sitting devices, such as car seats, strollers, swings, infant carriers, and infant slings, are not recommended for routine sleep, particularly for infants younger than 4 months. If your baby falls asleep in a car seat, stroller or other carrier, move them to a firm sleep surface such as a crib, bassinet or portable crib for sleep.

For further information on safe sleep for your baby please visit the following links: Cribs for Kids and Healthy Children