Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 24, 2026
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Implementing safe sleep practices in a neonatal intensive care unit
Kristin C Voos1, Amy Terreros, Phyllis Larimore
1a Division of Neonatology , Department of Pediatrics .
Insights
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a major concern. Implementing a safe sleep educational model in the NICU significantly increased safe sleep compliance from 21% to 88%.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pediatric safety
- Public health
Background:
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the leading cause of postnatal infant mortality.
- Accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed have alarmingly increased.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes safe sleep environments and education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a safe sleep educational model for a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
- To enhance the percentage of infants in a safe sleep environment within the NICU.
Main Methods:
- Revised NICU Safe Sleep policy incorporating AAP guidelines.
- Provided staff education and created family-oriented safe sleep educational materials.
- Implemented wearable blankets and a safe sleep observation checklist for data collection.
Main Results:
- Baseline safe sleep compliance for eligible infants was 21%.
- Post-intervention, safe sleep compliance increased to 88% after education and observation.
Conclusions:
- Formal education for staff and families is crucial for improving safe sleep practices.
- The implementation of a safe sleep educational model led to improved patient safety.
- Data sharing and the use of resources like wearable blankets contributed to increased compliance.
Objective:
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) remains the leading cause of death in the postnatal period. Accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed deaths have quadrupled. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) expanded its back to sleep recommendations to include a safe sleep environment. The AAP makes recommendations to healthcare professionals to model safe sleep practices and educate families on SIDS reduction strategies. The dual aims of this project were to develop a safe sleep educational model for our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and to increase the percentage of eligible infants in a safe sleep environment.
Method:
The NICU Safe Sleep policy was revised to include AAP updated recommendations. Educational updates were provided to staff. A safe sleep packet with a video was created for and shared with families. Wearable blankets were implemented. A safe sleep observation checklist was created. Baseline data and post-education random observations data were collected and shared with staff.
Results:
At baseline, 21% of eligible infants were in a safe sleep environment. After education and reported observation, safe sleep compliance increased to 88%.
Conclusions:
With formal staff and family education, optional wearable blanket, and data sharing, safe sleep compliance increased and patient safety improved.
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