ELKINS, W.Va. – A donation from the Davis Memorial Hospital Auxiliary will help keep babies safer while they are sleeping.
The group donated newborn “SleepSacks” just in time for SIDS Awareness month in October. SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is responsible for more than 2,000 sudden, unexplained infant deaths each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
One risk factor is loose bedding, and HALO’ SleepSack keeps infants warm while eliminating the risk that loose blankets may create.
“We take pride in providing the best care possible for mothers and their babies throughout their pregnancy and after they give birth,” said Peggy Thorne-Church, clinical manager at the Davis Memorial Hospital’s Family Birthing Center. “The SleepSack can be part of a comprehensive effort to keep babies safe while they’re sleeping.”
DMH pediatrician Amanda Pennington, MD, noted that other ways to reduce the risk of SIDS include:
placing babies on their backs to sleep;
making sure mattresses fit snugly against crib rails, which should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart;
be sure baby sleeps in a crib or bassinet, never in a bed, on a couch or pillow;
keep soft objects and toys out of cribs.
More information about preventing SIDS and the benefits offered through the Family Birthing Center, call 304.637.3461.
Valerie Bright, Davis Memorial Hospital’s volunteer coordinator, said the Auxiliary believed the donation would benefit many infants and families who are served by the Family Birthing Center.
“The members are really pleased to provide SleepSacks, which will be part of a holistic education program to encourage healthy babies and healthy families,” Bright said. “This is another way that members of our community take care of each other, and we’re happy to help with that.”
SleepSacks also will be available at The Gift Garden, the shop inside Davis Memorial Hospital that is staffed by the volunteers.
According to HALO, the SleepSack is available in two styles, one that makes it easy to safely swaddle babies and one that acts as a wearable blanket. In both cases, they have wide bottoms to allow babies to freely kick their legs as well, keeping hips healthy.
For more information about the SleepSack, visit www.halosleep.com. For more information about the Family Birthing Center call 304.637.3461 or visit www.davishealthsystem.org.
