An Evidence-Based Infant Safe Sleep Program to Reduce Sudden Unexplained Infant Deaths

Area of Science:

• Neonatal care
• Public health initiatives
• Pediatric safety

Background:

• Sleep-related infant deaths in the community prompted the development of a safe sleep program.
• Two infant deaths occurred in infants previously discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, implement, and evaluate a safe sleep program for expectant mothers and NICU infant families.
• To reduce sleep-related infant deaths through evidence-based safe sleep practices.

Main Methods:

• An interdisciplinary team developed a safe sleep program using literature review and audits.
• Implemented infant sleep sacks, a clinical practice guideline, and standardized caregiver education.
• NICU staff were educated, and the program was implemented in January 2015.

Main Results:

• Adherence to safe sleep practices increased from 20% to approximately 90% post-program implementation.
• In-hospital and community education on safe sleep practices was associated with zero sleep-related infant deaths in 2015.

Conclusions:

• A multifaceted safe sleep program benefits NICUs, patients, and the community.
• Standardized safe sleep programs offer significant opportunities to improve infant health and well-being.
• Hospitals caring for mothers and infants should adopt safe sleep programs.