ABOUT
At Meritus Health, we are dedicated to the health and safety of our youngest patients. As a Gold-Certified Safe Sleep Hospital through the Cribs for Kids National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program, we prioritize safe sleep education for our staff, parents, caregivers, and families to help reduce the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Following the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines, we encourage families to create a safe sleep environment:
✔ Back to sleep – Always place babies on their back for naps and nighttime.
✔ Use a firm, flat sleep surface – No incline greater than 10 degrees.
✔ No bed sharing – Room share instead for at least the first six months.
✔ Keep sleep areas free of soft objects – No pillows, blankets, bumper pads, or loose bedding.
✔ Avoid overheating – Dress baby in one more layer than you would wear.
✅ Breastfeeding – The longer you provide breast milk, the greater the protection.
✅ Offer a pacifier at sleep time – But avoid hanging it around the baby’s neck.
✅ Daily tummy time – Helps with development when baby is awake.
✅ Avoid nicotine and substance use – Both during pregnancy and after birth.
✅ Regular pediatric visits – Stay up to date with well-child appointments.
As a Gold-Certified Safe Sleep Hospital, Meritus Health has:
🏅 Implemented a hospital-wide Infant Safe Sleep Policy
🏅 Provided comprehensive safe sleep training for staff
🏅 Ensured safe sleep education for all families and caregivers
🏅 Promoted safe sleep imagery and resources across our hospital and website
Meritus has also developed a Safe to Sleep display for the waiting room of our Family and Birthing Center.
For questions about your baby’s sleep environment, don’t hesitate to talk with your pediatrician. Together, we can ensure every baby sleeps safely!
