Safe Sleep Program

Daviess Community Hospital is recognized by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program* as a Silver Level, for their commitment to best practices and education on infant safe sleep.

Click HERE for our Safe Sleep flyer

Safe sleep practices are designed to reduce the chances of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), accidental suffocation, and other deaths related to unsafe sleep practices. Thanks to safe sleep practices, sleep related deaths like SIDS are on the decline, however, it is important that all health providers, parents, and caregivers know how to create a safe sleep environment.

• Back is Best: Always place infants on their backs for sleep, for naps and at night, in their own sleep space with no other people.
• Use a crib, bassinet, or portable play yard with a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet.
• Keep loose blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, bumper, and other soft items out of the sleep space.
• Your baby should not sleep in an adult bed, on a couch or on a chair alone, with you, or with anyone else.
• Keep your baby’s safe sleep area in the same room where you sleep (for the infants first year). Room sharing NOT bed sharing.
• Sitting devices like bouncy seats, swings, infant carriers or strollers should not be used for routine sleep.
• Use a wearable blanket, instead of loose blankets to keep your baby comfortable.
• Wedges and positioners should not be used.
• Breastfeed when possible. Once Breastfeeding has been established, use a pacifier that is not attached to a string for naps and at night to reduce the risk of SIDS.
• Don’t Smoke during pregnancy or allow smoking around your baby.
• Do not let your baby get too hot during sleep. Never dress your baby to warmly for sleep. When a baby is too warm, SIDS risk can increase. Keep room temperature comfortable for an adult.

Cribs for Kids safe sleep certification

Founded in 1998 by Judith A. Bannon, Cribs for Kids is a national infant safe-sleep education program that helps to reduce the risk of injury and death of infants due to accidental suffocation, asphyxia, or undetermined causes in unsafe sleeping environments. Visit cribsforkids.org for more information.

Cribs for Kids also certifies hospitals that have made a commitment to safe sleep practices and educating the public about safe sleep. Visit Cribs for Kids Hospital Certification for more information.