Ridgeview’s Safe Sleep commitment to families

Gold Safe Sleep Certification

At Ridgeview, we are committed to keeping your new baby as safe as possible, both while you are here and after you return home. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that there are approximately 3,500 sleep-related infant deaths each year in the United States. Ridgeview is recognized by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program as a Gold Safe Sleep Hospital for its commitment to best practices and education on infant safe sleep. The program encourages safe sleep practices from the moment you welcome your new baby to your family. Ridgeview is honored to partner with families to continue to reduce sleep-related infant deaths.

Safe Sleep Hospital requirements

Certified Safe Sleep hospitals are required to:

  • Develop and implement a safe sleep policy that incorporates the Infant Safe Sleep Guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics
  • Provide onboarding and annual safe sleep training to hospital staff members who care for infants, including review of the hospital safe sleep policy, and the importance of modeling safe sleep practices for families
  • Educate parents and families on the importance of safe sleep practices and implement these practices in the hospital setting

Safe sleep practices for families at Ridgeview and at home

  • Follow the ABCs of Safe Sleep:
    • Alone - baby sleeps alone, without other objects, caregivers or siblings
    • Back - baby sleeps on his/her back
    • Crib - baby sleeps in his/her own sleeping space, such as a crib or a bassinet
  • Supervised skin-to-skin contact is recommended to all mothers and infants immediately following birth and to continue for at least an hour. If a mother is sleepy at any time, the baby should immediately be returned to the bassinet or sleeping space.
  • Breastfeed your baby if you are able. Human milk is recommended because it is associated with a reduced risk of SIDS.
  • Keep your baby’s sleep area in the same room where you sleep (for the infant’s first six to twelve months). Room sharing is initiated at Ridgeview and should continue at home.
  • Your baby should not sleep in an adult bed, on a couch or on a chair alone or with anyone else.
  • Remove all soft bedding, pillows, stuffed animals, bumpers and toys from your baby’s sleep area. Use only a tight-fitted sheet.
  • Dress your baby in a wearable blanket instead of loose blankets. At Ridgeview your baby will receive a wearable Halo® SleepSack Swaddle, designed to promote safe sleep. This gift is made possible by generous donors of Ridgeview Foundation’s Friends & Family giving club.
  • The recommended room temperature for babies is between 68 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent your baby from becoming overheated during sleep.
  • Offering a pacifier, after breastfeeding is well established, at naptime and bedtime is recommended to reduce the risk of SIDS.
  • Follow your health care provider’s guidance on your baby’s vaccines and regular wellness checkups.

Safe Sleep Ambassador Training

All caregivers, including parents, grandparents, babysitters and child-care providers are encouraged to take this free online course to learn about safe sleeping practices.