Safer sleep for all Paoli Hospital newborns

Paoli Hospital's Family-Centered Maternity Unit (FCMU) has the great joy and privilege of delivering nearly 2,100 babies a year. All new parents are educated by the care team on the importance of safe sleep practices, including placing babies on their backs, alone in a crib and how to use sleep sacks. Because of your generous support, the Paoli Hospital Foundation is proud to fund sleep sacks for every family that delivers at Paoli Hospital. This new initiative aligns to the FCMU's mission to promote the health and safety of newborns in our community.

Sleep sacks are a crucial part of the FCMU's efforts to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is one of the leading causes of death among infants under one year of age. Roughly 80 Pennsylvania babies die each year from sleep-related deaths. In the United States, approximately 3,500 infants die of sleep-related deaths a year and this number continues to climb. Studies have shown that using sleep sacks significantly reduces the risk of SIDS by ensuring that infants sleep safely. Sleep sacks eliminate the need for loose blankets in the crib, which can pose a suffocation hazard, and help maintain a comfortable and safe environment for babies

The impact of this initiative extends beyond immediate safety; it also fosters long-term well-being. Parents will leave the hospital with greater peace of mind, knowing they have the tools and knowledge to protect their newborns. Together, we are making a significant difference in the lives of countless families and ensuring a safer start for every baby born at Paoli Hospital.