SAFE SLEEP What The safe sleep policy is

SAFE SLEEP

What? The safe sleep policy is changing to include teaching for all patients less than 12 Who? Everyone is responsible for ensuring the safety of our patients. If you are unsure or uncomfortable regarding a sleeping situation, immediately report it to the patient's nurse. Why? months of age rather than just on newborns at birth. Approximately 1, 500 infant deaths occur due to SIDS each year. SIDS is the thirdleading cause of infant mortality overall, and it is the leading cause of postneonatal mortality. Although the incidence of SIDS continues to decline, other deaths (including accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed and undetermined deaths) have increased. Continued education for caregivers will hopefully reduce these numbers *** We must be the role model for parents/caregivers

What do I need to do? -All infants (less that 12 months of age) will be placed: *on their back *in their own bed (crib) *in an empty bed (free of loose clothing, bedding, extra supplies, etc. ) Swaddles should be used when available rather than blankets -All parents/caregivers of admitted patients less than 12 months of age will be reeducated on safe sleep, before discharge, by watching a short 10 minute video accessed via website on computer, i. Pad on MS or USB drives saved on each unit. (Available in English or Spanish) View here: Safe Sleep Video -If an infant is found in bed with a sleeping parent/caregiver, the infant should be immediately placed in their bassinet or crib. The parent/caregiver should then be reeducated on safe sleep practices as soon as practical. ***NOTE: If parents/caregivers refuse education or require frequent reminders to follow Safe Sleep, the "Safe Sleep Non-compliance release form" should be signed. (This form is located within the Safe sleep policy on Policy Tech)

Exceptions: Infants may be placed in prone position, "tummy time, " while awake and under constant supervision. Infants with a medical contraindication to supine sleep position should have a physician's order along with an explanation documented. Skin to skin bonding is safe and appropriate when the parent is awake and fully alert. When parent wants to sleep, infant should placed in bassinet/crib or with another caregiver who is awake and alert

Documentation: Teaching Records Packet--> Safety/CPR/Psychosocial On the discharge form there will be a signature spot to confirm parents/caregivers viewed the video. Obtain the signature and document on discharge note.