Greenwich Hospital’s Maternity department recently implemented a practice change as part of its ongoing efforts to promote safe sleep for newborn babies at the hospital and at home.
Photo Credit: Mariana Martinis, Bella Baby Photography
The department now uses the Halo SleepSack, a wearable blanket that keeps babies warm and safely bundled.
Supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics, this product promotes safe sleep practices and decreases the risks associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. It is made of breathable cotton material that provides warmth and decreases the chance of overheating. The wide bottom of the SleepSack is designed to promote healthy hip development, allowing babies the ability to move their legs while swaddled. When properly utilized, the Halo SleepSack design decreases the risk of the infant’s mouth/nose inadvertently being covered.
Each infant receives a Halo SleepSack at discharge along with safe sleep education. Modeling safe sleep practices in the hospital will reinforce this behavior when the patient is discharged home.
Mary Clark (right) was one of the first new moms to take home the sleep sack for her newborn.
“Receiving a Halo SleepSack from Greenwich Hospital shows their genuine commitment to safe sleep for babies,” said Clark. “In addition to the excellent care we received from the team at GH, their commitment to our family’s well being post discharge is just another reason why we have chosen to trust them with the birth of all three of our children.”
Greenwich Hospital is a member of Yale New Haven Health. Greenwich is a 206-bed regional medical center serving lower Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York. It is a major academic affiliate of Yale School of Medicine. Founded in 1903, Greenwich Hospital has evolved into a progressive medical center and teaching institution representing all medical specialties and offering a wide range of medical, surgical, diagnostic and wellness programs. Greenwich Hospital is recognized throughout the healthcare industry as a leader in service and patient satisfaction excellence. Greenwich Hospital has the prestigious Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the nation’s highest honor of nursing excellence.