Safe Sleep NICU practices

[Hannahrn]

hi, please fill me in on how you institute safe sleep practices in your nicu? how do you address the developmental needs of the preemie and still model safe sleep? any specific policies in place? any specific program you have instituted? thanks!

[NicuGal, MSN, RN]

Do you mean back to sleep? Usually, once they get close to going home, we start to transition them to back, blankets bundled under the arms, no rolls. When they are scheduled for a sleep study absolutely must be on their backs, unless they have severe reflux or medical condition that contraindicates this.

We also do not co-bed anymore as per AAP guidelines.

[Sweeper933]

Do you mean back to sleep? Usually, once they get close to going home, we start to transition them to back, blankets bundled under the arms, no rolls. When they are scheduled for a sleep study absolutely must be on their backs, unless they have severe reflux or medical condition that contraindicates this.

We also do not co-bed anymore as per AAP guidelines.

We pretty much do the same thing.

[littleneoRN]

We have a lengthy safe sleep policy and did extensive education a few years back. By 34-35 weeks, unless otherwise indicated, all infants are transitioned to supine only sleeping. This is more heavily enforced for any infant weaned to a crib. All infants receive a Back to Sleep sleep sack to take home with them. No soft unnecessary things in the crib. Within 1-2 days of being weaned to the crib blankets must be under the arms. Attempt to wean off any blankets or hats by discharge if possible. All parents also receive education prior to discharge about Back to Sleep, feet to foot of bed, what not to have in the crib, etc. We do our best to model this because most parents do what they see us do...whether right or wrong! If there is a reason that the infant is not following these guidelines, we explain why it's necessary and (if applicable) that by the time the infant is home, it will no longer be necessary or appropriate.