Infant Safe Sleep

Keeping your baby safe while sleeping is very important. Saint Alphonsus is committed to helping families create safe sleep environments and reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths. Babies under 1 year old can be at risk for sudden unexpected infant death (SUID), which often occurs during sleep when a baby's breathing becomes blocked or restricted. Saint Alphonsus Baker City has earned recognition as a Safe Sleep Hospital, showing its commitment to following safe sleep guidelines and educating families about how to keep babies safe during sleep.

Our Commitment to Safe Sleep

As a Safe Sleep Hospital, Saint Alphonsus:

• Follows safe sleep recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• Trains staff on safe sleep practices.
• Teaches parents and caregivers how to create a safe sleep environment for their baby.
• Demonstrates safe sleep practices while babies are in the hospital.

Safe Sleep Tips for Babies

Remember the ABCs of Safe Sleep

• A = Alone: Your baby should sleep alone, without blankets, pillows, toys, siblings, or adults in the sleeping area.
• B = Back: Always place your baby on their back for naps and nighttime sleep.
• C = Crib: Your baby should sleep in their own crib, bassinet, or other approved sleep space.

Additional Safe Sleep Guidelines

• Always place your baby on their back to sleep until their first birthday.
• Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet.
• Keep your baby's sleep area in your room for at least the first six months, but do not share a bed with your baby.
• If your baby falls asleep in a car seat, stroller, or carrier, move them to a crib or bassinet as soon as possible.
• Never put your baby to sleep on a couch, sofa, or armchair.
• Keep pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, crib bumpers, and other soft items out of the sleep area.
• If you use a pacifier, choose one without strings or attachments to help reduce the risk of choking or strangulation.
• Breastfeeding is encouraged, as research shows it may help lower the risk of sleep-related infant deaths.

Creating a Safe Sleep Environment

A safe sleep space should be simple and free of extra items. The best place for your baby to sleep is in their own crib or bassinet, on their back, on a firm surface.

At Saint Alphonsus, we are dedicated to helping families learn safe sleep habits so babies can sleep safely and grow healthy during their first year of life.