Safe Sleep Program

Certified leader in helping babies sleep safer

Daviess Community Hospital is proud to be recognized as a Silver-Level facility by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program for our dedication to best practices and infant sleep education. Our Safe Sleep Program focuses on proven strategies to reduce Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), minimize risks like accidental suffocation, and empower families to create a secure sleeping environment for their babies.

Why Safe Sleep Matters

Safe sleep practices are vital for lowering the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related complications. While SIDS rates have declined, it remains crucial for all healthcare professionals, parents, and caregivers to understand how to establish and maintain safe infant sleep habits.

Key Safe Sleep Guidelines

1. Back is Best: Always place infants on their backs for every sleep—both naps and nighttime—in their own separate sleep space.
2. Firm Surface: Use a crib, bassinet, or portable play yard with a firm, flat mattress and fitted sheet.
3. Room-Sharing, Not Bed-Sharing: Keep your baby’s sleep area in the same room, but do not share the same bed.
4. No Soft Items: Keep loose blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, bumper pads, and other soft objects out of the sleep area.
5. Avoid Adult Beds and Furniture: Babies should never sleep in an adult bed, on a couch, or on a chair—alone or with anyone else.
6. Limit Sitting Devices: Bouncy seats, swings, infant carriers, or strollers should not be used for regular sleep.
7. Wearable Blankets: Use a wearable blanket instead of loose blankets to keep your baby warm without posing a suffocation risk.
8. Temperature Control: Do not overdress your baby. Keep the room temperature comfortable for an adult to help prevent overheating.
9. Breastfeeding & Pacifiers: Breastfeed when possible, and once established, use a pacifier (not attached to a string) during naps and at night to reduce the risk of SIDS.
10. No Smoking: Avoid smoking during pregnancy and around your baby.
11. Avoid Positioners: Wedges and positioners are not recommended for safe sleep.

Cribs for Kids Safe Sleep Certification

Our recognition through Cribs for Kids® reflects our commitment to evidence-based practices and ongoing education for families. Established in 1998 by Judith A. Bannon, Cribs for Kids is a nationwide program focused on reducing the risk of infant suffocation and sleep-related deaths. Their hospital certification acknowledges our dedication to:

• Continuous Staff Training on safe sleep guidelines.
• Parent and Caregiver Education to help families create safe sleep environments.
• Community Outreach to raise awareness and provide reliable resources.

Learn more at cribsforkids.org.

Download Our Safe Sleep Flyer

For a printable overview of these guidelines, click here to view our Safe Sleep flyer and share it with friends, family, and caregivers to help every baby sleep more safely.

For More Information

If you would like to learn more about our Safe Sleep Program, call the Daviess Community Hospital Perinatal Pathways program at (812) 254-2760, ext. 1333.