Safe Sleep Imperative for Newborns

Parkwest Medical Center is proud to be a gold-certified national safe sleep champion facility, achieving the highest certification level in infant safe- sleep practices.

What is infant safe sleep?

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of death among infants between one month and one year of age. What can you do to help your baby sleep safely and reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?

Create a safe sleep environment:

• Always place a baby on his or her back for naps and sleeping at night to reduce the risk of
• Use a firm sleep surface, covered by a fitted sheet. A crib, bassinet, portable crib or play yard that conforms to  the  safety  standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is recommended.
• Your baby should not sleep in an adult bed, on a couch or on a chair alone, with you, or with anyone.
• During your baby’s first year, keep your baby’s sleep area in the same room where you Share the same room, but not the same bed. Always place the baby in a safety- approved crib, bassinet, portable crib for sleep.
• Sitting devices like bouncy seats, swings, infant carriers or strollers should not be used for routine
• Keep soft objects such as pillows and blankets, toys and bumpers out of your baby’s sleep
• Wedges and positioners should not be
• Do not smoke during pregnancy or allow smoking around your
• Do not let your baby get too hot during sleep.
• Breastfeeding your  baby is recommended by the American Academy of
• After breastfeeding is established, give your baby a dry pacifier not attached to a string for naps and at night to reduce the risk of
• Supervised skin-to-skin contact is recommended for all mothers and infants immediately following birth and at least for an hour, regardless of feeding or type of
• Follow your healthcare provider’s guidance on your baby’s vaccines and regular health

For additional information and education on safe sleep please visit safesleepacademy.org, where you can find information on safe sleep, a safe and healthy home for your infant, important growth milestones and other resources.

“The Childbirth Center staff at Parkwest Medical Center is dedicated to the safety of our new moms and our newborns,” explained nurse manager Malissa Mocsari. “All of our staff is educated about safe sleep techniques, and reinforce these techniques with new parents before they go home.”

Each family is given a packet of information about safe sleep and a sleep sack to take home. “The sleep sacks are great, because they’re a wearable blanket that replaces loose blankets in the crib    that can cover a baby’s face and interfere with their breathing,” explained Mocsari. “It’s soft and cuddly and can’t be kicked off, it also helps babies sleep more soundly through the night.”

For more information about the Childbirth Center at Parkwest Medical Center or the classes offered by Childbirth Center staff visit TreatedWell.org/childbirth.