Transition to a Safe Home Sleep Environment for the NICU Patient

• DOI: 10.1542/peds.2021-052046
• Publication Date: 2021-06-21T12:40:19Z
• Authors: Michael H. Goodstein; Dan L. Stewart; Erin L. Keels; Rachel Y. Moon; James Cummings; Ivan Hand; Ira Adams-Chapman; Susan W. Aucott; Karen M. Puopolo; Jay P. Goldsmith; David Kaufman; Camilia Martin; Meredith Mowitz; Elie Abu Jawdeh; Rebecca Carlin; Jeffrey Colvin; Fern R. Hauck
• Keywords: Accidental

Of the nearly 3.8 million infants born in United States 2018, 8.3% had low birth weight (<2500 g [5.5 lb]) and 10% were preterm (gestational age of <37 completed weeks). Many these others with congenital anomalies, perinatally acquired infections, other disease require admission to a NICU. In past decade, rates NICUs have been increasing; it is estimated that between 15% will spend time NICU, representing approximately 500 000 neonates annually. Approximately 3600 die annually from sleep-related deaths, including sudden infant death syndrome International Classification Diseases, 10th Revision (R95), ill-defined deaths (R99), accidental suffocation strangulation bed (W75). Preterm are particularly vulnerable, an incidence 2 3 times greater than healthy term infants. Thus, important for health care professionals prepare families maintain their safe sleep environment, as per recommendations American Academy Pediatrics. However, NICU setting commonly inconsistent safety recommendations. The conflicting needs necessity provide environment before hospital discharge can create confusion providers distress families. This technical report intended assist establishment appropriate protocols achieve consistent approach transitioning soon medically possible, well discharge.