Safe Sleep inthe NICU

Specialties NICU

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Specializes in NICU.

Hi, has anyone out there implemented safe sleep in their NICU? We have a new policy that has been very difficult. No prone or side lying, HOB flat, no boundaries or snuggly for all patients >34wks regardless of medical condtion. Needless to say babies are not resting because they are flopping all over the beds. Any advice? Our medical director is strict about this policy.

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Specializes in NICU, High-Risk L&D, IBCLC.

We have the same policy in our NICU, and it hasn't been that big of a deal. If the baby isn't on servo or under lights, swaddling works pretty well. If the kiddo is completely restless (especially with our withdrawal kiddos), we can place prone with a MD order if appropriate. And our docs are completely OK with writing that order.

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Specializes in NICU.

Our policy applies to babies greater than 35 weeks AND nearing discharge. Supine, feet to foot, head of bed flat, swaddled only under the arms, no boundaries, no toys/blankets in the blanket. When babies aren't on safe sleep yet, we try to educate parents about the reasons we may do something (e.g. prone, boundaries), why it is safe in the hospital, and why it is not helpful or safe after discharge. We haven't run into much for problems with this.

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If they are in a crib and feeding/growing, they are swaddled and on their backs. Haven't had a problem with it so far.

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