NICU is also a special situation, unlike the Birthing Center. Here it should be stressed to parents that while the baby is extremely premature or ill, there may be a need for prone sleeping, positional aids, soft bedding and swaddling. However, parents should also be reminded that in the NICU babies are safe because they are always on monitors and are under the constant observation of the nursing staff. In turn, the NICU needs to set unit guidelines for transitioning to safe sleep practices, whether according to specific weight or gestational age or when transitioned to a crib. Since it is well known that infants will become accustomed to sleeping in the position they are most often placed and parents will most likely imitate the care their baby has received while in the NICU, it is important to initiate safe sleep practices well before the anticipated discharge. An important reminder for parents is: NICU practices are not recommended for home. Even if an infant is discharged on a home apnea monitor, he/she should still sleep supine, on a firm mattress, in their own crib with no soft bedding. "SJH" Pages: Previous 1 2 3 4