Safe Sleep

Rest Easy

Safe Sleep is a Promise, not a Dream

Welcoming a new baby into your family is an exciting, joyous time! Mary Washington Healthcare is dedicated to educating new parents about the importance of safe sleep habits. Providing your baby with a safe sleep environment is one of the best ways to keep your baby healthy in their first year.

Mary Washington Hospital is a certified Safe Sleep Leader, meaning we have demonstrated a commitment to reducing infant sleep-related deaths by promoting best safe sleep practices and by educating the community on infant sleep safety.

Every year in the United States, there are approximately 3,500 infant sleep-related deaths due to accidental suffocation, strangulation, or undetermined causes during sleep. These tragic deaths can be avoided with safe infant sleep practices.

• Place babies on their backs for naps and nighttime sleep
• Use a sleep surface that is flat, firm, level, and covered only by a fitted sheet
• Share your room with your baby, not your bed, for at least the first six months
• Breastfeed your baby and offer a pacifier after breastfeeding is well established
• Follow your pediatrician’s recommendations for vaccines
• Do not place objects like crib bumpers, toys, or blankets in your baby’s crib
• Do not smoke around your baby, and make sure all visitors wash their hands before holding or touching your baby
• Make sure everyone who cares for your baby knows how to reduce the risk of sleep-related death or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by following these important guidelines

To learn more about ways to keep your infant safe during sleep, visit SafeSleepAcademy.org.

If you need assistance obtaining a crib for your infant, visit CribsForKids.com.