Hospital Safety for Your Newborn

 Bringing your baby into the world is a special and exciting time. While you are in the hospital, together we will keep your baby safe. The hospital has rules and tools to help protect your newborn. Knowing what to do can give you peace of mind. 

Safe Sleep while in the Hospital 

The safest place for your baby to sleep is in their bassinet. Bed sharing or co-sleeping is when your baby sleeps in a bed with someone else. This can be dangerous for your newborn. Your baby could fall off the bed. You might roll over onto your baby without knowing it. Soft blankets and pillows can also increase the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID). 

It’s great for either parent to hold the baby skin-to-skin. This helps bonding and keeps your baby calm. However, after delivery, parents are often extremely tired. This could lead to accidentally falling asleep while holding the baby. To avoid this risk, when you feel sleepy, place your baby on their back in their empty bassinet, ask for help from another adult, or press the call button and have someone from your health care team help you.

Newborn Identification and Security during the Hospital Stay 

Admission information band

Your baby will receive an admission band, which is a soft sponge band placed on the wrist or ankle. 

Identification bands

Shortly after birth, two identically numbered matching ID bands will be placed on your baby’s wrist and ankle, and the parents will have matching wristbands. These bands are especially important, so keep them on throughout your hospital stay. 

Electronic security device

A security device placed around your baby’s ankle will monitor their location. You can cover the security device with a sock if you like, but do not try to remove it. If the security device is removed or if your baby is taken to an unauthorized area, an alarm will go off. 
 
When it’s time to go home, the staff will check your baby’s ID band to identify them and then remove their security device. 

Who Can Take Your Baby out of Your Room 

You may walk in the hallway with your baby in their bassinet. Don’t carry your baby in your arms. Stay away from exit doors and stairways when you are out of your room with your baby to avoid triggering a security alarm. 

Your baby may leave your room with approved hospital staff members only. You’ll know these staff members by their solid, light blue badge with their name, photo, and the hospital logo. If someone without this badge asks to take your baby, say NO. 

When a staff member brings your baby back to you, they will check your ID band and your baby’s ID band to make sure they match. 

Keep Your Baby Close 

Always keep your baby where you can see them. Do not leave your baby alone in your room, even for a short time. If you ever feel unsure or have questions, ask your nurse. The hospital team is here to help keep you and your baby safe. 

Taking these simple steps can help protect your newborn and give you confidence during your hospital stay.