MedWest-Haywood and the North Carolina Healthy Start Foundation (NCHSF) will partner to distribute onesies, nightlights and parent checklists to new parents during October, in conjunction with National SIDS Awareness Month.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is one of the leading causes of infant death in North Carolina, and accounted for 53 deaths in children under age one in 2010. In addition to SIDS deaths, many babies die from accidental suffocation, asphyxiation, or entrapment while sleeping. These preventable deaths are often related to babies being placed in unsafe sleep environments, with excess bedding or toys, or from parents sharing a bed with their babies.

The front side of the onesies have the message, “This side up when sleeping” in English and Spanish, indicating that the infant should be placed on his or her back to sleep. The nightlight has the ABC’s of infant safe sleep: “Babies sleep safest Alone, on their Backs, in a Crib.” Also included are English/Spanish checklists for parents to use which detail the proper ways to keep babies safe while sleeping.

The North Carolina Healthy Start Foundation has been collaborating with hospitals across the state to distribute educational materials during SIDS Awareness month since 2007. The hospital initiative has provided resources to more than 53 hospitals to evaluate and support hospitals’ policy, practice and education regarding infant safe sleep. This year, more families than ever are expected to leave hospitals with the infant safe sleep materials.

MedWest-Haywood is pleased to provide families with quality prenatal, labor and delivery services, and expert pediatric care. Our skilled obstetricians, pediatricians, and nursing staff are committed to ensuring a healthy delivery, and educating parents on healthy habits for their families.

For information about baby’s safe sleep, visit www.NCHealthyStart.org, or call 919-828-1819.