SSM Health Hospitals in Missouri are taking a proactive role in combating the state’s high infant mortality rates through their Infant Safe Sleep Program. This initiative, part of the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program in collaboration with Cribs for Kids, educates new parents on safe sleep practices to prevent sudden unexpected infant death, which includes sudden infant death syndrome.

At SSM Health St. Clare, for example, perinatal educators ensure every family leaves the hospital equipped with knowledge and tools for safe infant sleep. Parents receive swaddle sacks, fitted crib sheets and educational materials, while hospital staff wear badges with safe sleep guidelines to reinforce the message. The hospital also celebrates every birth by playing a lullaby over the public address system to welcome the new babies.

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