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
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Back is Best: Always place infants on their backs for every sleep—both naps and
nighttime—in their own separate sleep space.
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Firm Surface: Use a crib, bassinet, or portable play yard with a firm, flat mattress
and fitted sheet.
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Room-Sharing, Not Bed-Sharing: Keep your baby’s sleep area in the same room, but do not share the same bed.
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No Soft Items: Keep loose blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, bumper pads, and other soft
objects out of the sleep area.
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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.
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Limit Sitting Devices: Bouncy seats, swings, infant carriers, or strollers should not be used
for regular sleep.
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Wearable Blankets: Use a wearable blanket instead of loose blankets to keep your baby warm
without posing a suffocation risk.
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Temperature Control: Do not overdress your baby. Keep the room temperature comfortable for
an adult to help prevent overheating.
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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.
-
No Smoking: Avoid smoking during pregnancy and around your baby.
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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:
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Continuous Staff Training on safe sleep guidelines.
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Parent and Caregiver Education to help families create safe sleep environments.
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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.
