Safe Sleep for Infants

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) – Erlanger specialists met to the discuss the importance of instant safe sleep to prevent sudden infant death syndrome Thursday afternoon.

Elizabeth Morton, Erlanger East Registered Nurse said, "We are anxious to get the word out to every parent that safe sleep is important. That infants should always be placed on their backs to sleep."

Health professionals are saying to follow the ABC’s of safe sleep for infants: Alone, on their back and in a crib.

Andrea Goins, Pediatrician Children’s Hospital said, "The recommendation is to hold them until they are nearly asleep, but not completely asleep. And then put them in their own bed on their back, alone."

The latest data from 2013 for the state of Tennessee shows that there were 117 sleep related infant deaths, and 29 of those deaths happened in Hamilton county alone.

Goins said, "The main contributors for sleep related deaths are that the infant is not sleeping in a crib or bassinette, not sleeping with the appropriate bedding, not sleeping on their back, as well as sleeping with other people."

Erlanger Health System representatives are taking the initiative to help new parents keep their babies safe while sleeping.

Morton said, "We encourage parents not to overheat the environment. We don’t want the room super warm. We also don’t want the baby over dressed."

Morton went over the proper sleeping techniques for the crib as well.

Morton said, "A tight fitting sheet is very important. A firm sleep surface and making sure that there are no additional items in the crib like bumper pads, pillows or loose blankets."

Erlanger East and Baroness Hospitals are the only hospitals in Tennessee to receive the highest designation from the Cribs for Kids organization for their continuing effort to promote safe sleep.

The Gold Safe Sleep Champion certificate was awarded to the staff for their commitment to reduce infant sleep-related deaths in the region.