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safe-sleep

Welcoming a new baby into your family is a joyous occasion, but sleep can also be one of the biggest challenges. New and experienced parents alike know that getting a baby to sleep through the night is not an easy feat.

The AtlantiCare Roger B. Hansen Center for Childbirth includes Maternal Newborn Services and the region’s only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Our team is nationally recognized for achieving Cribs for Kids National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification at its highest designation, Gold Safe Sleep Champion, and is here to provide expert guidance and support to help families create safe, healthy sleep routines.

By following safe sleep guidelines and recommendations, you and your family can reduce the risk of sleep-related incidents, ensuring a safe night’s sleep for the entire family.

Room-share, not bed-share

Your baby can sleep in the same room as you, but never in the same bed. Place your baby in a crib, bassinet, or portable play yard near your bed. Avoid sleeping on a couch or armchair or in a seating device, like a swing or car safety seat (except while riding in the car). Room-sharing without bed-sharing keeps your baby close while protecting their safety.

Back to sleep

Babies should be placed on their back to sleep, every nap and every night, until they are old enough to roll over on their own. Swaddling is safe when done correctly but should stop as soon as your baby shows signs of rolling.

Firm and flat

Always use a safety approved crib, bassinet or portable play yard with a firm, flat mattress and a fitted sheet.

Keep it clutter-free

A safe sleeping space should be free from loose blankets, pillows, stuffed animals or toys, bumpers and other soft objects. Your baby needs only a firm mattress, fitted sheet and comfortable sleepwear to rest safely.

Dress for comfort

Dress your baby in sleep clothing, such as a wearable blanket or sleep sack, instead of covering them with loose blankets. Keep the room at a comfortable temperature.

At AtlantiCare, we are committed to promoting safe sleep practices for every baby. Through the Cribs for Kids® program, we provide a Graco Cribs for Kids® portable Pack n’ Play to any new parents, ensuring that every infant has a safe place to sleep. If you need help setting up a safe sleep space for your baby, please call AtlantiCare’s Maternal Child Health Social Worker at 609-404-3835, Monday to Friday from 8 am – 4 pm.