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The Hospital of Central Connecticut Recognized Nationally for Efforts to Reduce Sleep-Related Infant Deaths
March 18, 2022
The Hospital of Central Connecticut (HOCC) has been recognized by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program as a Gold Safe Sleep Champion.
HOCC is committed to reducing infant, sleep-related deaths through ongoing education to new mothers and families about safe sleep guidelines, in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics (APP). It is through these continued efforts that HOCC received this prestigious designation.
“We are truly honored to be recognized as a Gold Safe Sleep Champion as part of our ongoing commitment to safety.” said Nancy Louis, MD, Chief of Pediatrics at The Hospital of Central Connecticut.
The National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program was created by Cribs for Kids®. It’s estimated that 3,500 infants die every year in the United States due to sleep-related deaths.
Parents and grandparents are encouraged to adhere to Safe Sleep guidelines for up to a year after birth, which include:
- Placing a baby alone in a crib, on his or her back every time they sleep
- Using a firm, flat surface for sleep. Babies should not be sleeping in seats, swings or anything on an incline.
- Avoiding pillows, blankets or crib bumpers. These could cause suffocation, entrapment and strangulation.
- Keeping your baby in a sleep sack or tightly swaddled
- Discouraging bed sharing with an adult or other siblings
“These guidelines are critical to the well-being of a baby, but not everybody may be aware of them. Part of our commitment to safe, quality care is making sure mothers and families have the appropriate Safe Sleep education and information before they leave the hospital,” added Dr. Louis.