Safe Sleep

Because safe sleep greatly reduces the risk of SIDS and other sleep accidents, the Birthplace is part of the HALO® Safer Way to Sleep Initiative, a national program to be a model of safe sleep practices for patients.

Infant swaddling blankets are no longer used for newborns at the Birthplace; instead, all babies – whether they’re in the NICU or in a Birthplace suite with their families – now sleep in HALO® Sleep Sack® swaddle wearable blankets while at Mercy. Plus, thanks to the generosity of the Mercy Auxiliary, all Mercy newborns receive one to take home after discharge as well.

Birthplace Replaces Baby Blankets with Sleep Sacks

Safe Sleep is as Easy as A-B-C

Remember, babies sleep safest:

Alone
on their Back,
and in their Crib.

Safe Sleep Practices

Make sure anyone caring for your baby (babysitters, grandparents, daycare providers, aunts and uncles, etc.) follows these important safe sleep practices at every nap and bedtime:

HALO® SleepSack®
Swaddle wearable
blankets are
available for purchase
in the Mercy Gift Shop.

DO:

• Put baby to sleep alone in a crib, portable crib or bassinet only. (Don’t sleep with your baby.)
• Use a sleep sack/wearable blanket or a sleeper instead of a blanket to keep your baby warm.
• Use a firm mattress with a tightly fitted sheet.
• Lie baby on his or her back to sleep – even when he or she can roll over.
• Remove all pillows, blankets, comforters, stuffed animals or other soft things from the sleep area.
• Keep baby’s face uncovered during sleep for easy breathing.

DON’T:

• Don’t allow anyone to smoke around baby
• Don’t overheat baby; dress him or her in as much or as little clothing as you are wearing.