LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - Baptist Hospital is doing its best to reduce Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Mothers and newborns birthed at any of the five Baptist locations will now receive a Halo Sleep Sack.
The Halo Sleep Sack is designed to immobilize a baby's arms, preventing them from moving at all.
“Last year across the nation there were over 25,000 deaths related to SIDS and Arkansas actually ranks third,” said Nicki Knowles, Mother-Baby Nurse Manager at the hospital.
Baptist wants to keep your baby alive and breathing well.
Starting April 4, all new mommies will get a Halo Sleep Slack to take home.
“We use the cream-colored ones here in the hospital and we want to promote safe sleep for our babies when they go home. Now we're providing sleep sacks for the babies when they go home, pink ones are for the girls and blue for the boys,” Knowles said.
Safe sleep education is important for all parents.
The hospital is providing peace of mind for mothers and extra safety for newborns with a wrap they can't wiggle out of. The sleep sack zips from top to bottom with easy access for diaper changes.
Loose blankets, bedding, stuffed toys and bumper pads can also smother your infant.
“She was a little fussy. Once she got snuggled tight, it was like she was in the womb again,” said new mother Samantha Tyous. She gave birth to her daughter, Kensely, a day ago.
"I'm actually really excited about it because when we had my son, whose four, we only had blankets to swaddle and it was a new process learning to fold and tuck them. It never stayed tight,” said Tyous.
Nurse Knowles urges the only decoration you should have in the crib is your baby and for parents to remember it's not safe to sleep with your newborn.