Safe Sleep Practices at Home and in the NICU

Safe Sleep Practices At home and in the NICU

How do I put my The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants, under baby to sleep 1 year of age, be placed to sleep on their backs every time you lay them down to sleep. This lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). safely at home? When your infant is able to roll from their back to their stomach or side, they can sleep in the position they prefer.

What else can I do At home, follow the safe sleep practices below and use the photo on page 2 to keep my baby as a guide for placing your baby to sleep. safe? • Place your baby on their back to sleep for every sleep. • Use a firm sleep surface, such as a crib or bassinet, with a fitted sheet. • Room share, but do not bed share. Only bring baby into your bed to feed or comfort. Do not fall asleep with the baby in your bed. • Never place your baby to sleep on a couch, sofa, or armchair. • Keep the crib bare. Avoid using soft bedding, including crib bumpers, blankets, pillow, and soft toys. (If there is a medical need, your baby may go home with a wedge.) • It is OK to swaddle your baby. Make sure the blanket is at the armpits or below. • Do not let your baby get too hot during sleep. • Offer your baby a pacifier at nap time and bedtime. • Breastfeed if you are able. • Do not use home monitors or commercial devices marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS. (If there is a medical need, your baby may go home with a home monitor.) • Place your baby on their stomach while they are awake, and someone is watching. Tummy time every day helps strengthen your baby’s head, neck and shoulder muscles. • Avoid exposing your baby to smoke, alcohol and illicit drugs.

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To Learn More Free Interpreter Services • Ask your child’s healthcare provider • In the hospital, ask your nurse. • seattlechildrens.org • From outside the hospital, call the toll-free Family Interpreting Line, 1-866-583-1527. Tell the interpreter the name or extension you need.

Safe Sleep Practices: At Home and in the NICU

Safe Sleep Use a firm, flat Practices at Home sleep surface with a fitted sheet. Keep the crib bare. Make sure nothing covers your baby’s head.

Place your baby on their back for every Dress your sleep. baby in sleep clothing, such as a one-piece sleeper or sleep sack.

Photo from safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov

Why are the sleep Dependent on your baby’s diagnosis or age, the safe sleep practices shown practices different above may not always be followed while your baby is in the NICU. If your child was born prematurely or has certain medical diagnoses, you may see in the NICU? positioning aids used for your baby. These may include positioning aids such as bumpers, wedges and moldable sleep surfaces. We may also use therapeutic positioning. This means your baby may be positioned on their stomach (prone) or side lying due to diagnosis, development, or to prevent skin injury. As your baby grows and their medical status changes, we will slowly begin using the safe sleep practices you will use at home. By the time your baby is ready to leave the NICU they will be sleeping in a bed that promotes safe sleep.

How will I know We will partner with you on providing safe sleep for your baby. Your baby which sleep will have a “crib card” with either NICU therapeutic positioning or Safe to Sleep indicated. When your baby is medically ready, we will transition to practices to follow Safe to Sleep and will note this change with the crib card. in the NICU? Please let your care team know if you have any questions about your baby’s sleep in the NICU or at home.

Seattle Children’s offers interpreter services for Deaf, hard of hearing or non-English speaking patients, family members and legal representatives free of charge. Seattle Children’s will make this information available in alternate formats upon request. Call the 4/21 Family Resource Center at 206-987-2201. This handout has been reviewed by clinical staff at Seattle Children’s. However, your child’s PE2901 needs are unique. Before you act or rely upon this information, please talk with your child’s healthcare provider.

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