OhioHealth Berger Hospital Receives Donation of Infant Sleep Safety Books
OhioHealth Berger Hospital’s women’s health team has received a donation of 100 board books titled "Sleep Baby: Safe and Snug" from Charlie’s Kids Foundation. The donation will enhance the hospital’s efforts to educate new parents about the importance of infant safe sleep practices. The books will be distributed to new parents of babies born at the hospital.
Charlie’s Kids Foundation’s mission is to educate families about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) prevention, aligning with Berger Hospital's commitment to infant sleep safety. Developed by the foundation, "Sleep Baby: Safe and Snug" imparts safe sleep guidelines through a soothing bedtime story.
Gretchen Roberts, chief nursing officer at Berger Hospital, expressed gratitude for the donation, and noted that “the Berger women’s health team is very passionate about education, and safe sleep is one of our top focuses for our moms and support persons. The addition of the book from Charlie's Kids will help reinforce these safe sleep efforts."
“We work closely with our new parents to understand the importance of safe sleep before they leave the hospital,” said Mary Echard, administrative nurse manager for Berger’s maternity unit. “We also make sure that every family goes home with an infant sleep sack, courtesy of the OhioHealth Foundation.”
Echard cited participation in Pickaway County Public Health’s Safe Sleep Program as the impetus for applying for the donation. “We meet quarterly with the health department and others to collaborate on promoting safe sleep practices in the community,” said Echard. “That’s where I heard about Charlie’s Kids.”
Through collaborative efforts and community support, OhioHealth Berger Hospital aims to empower parents with knowledge and resources to ensure every baby enjoys a safe and peaceful sleep environment.
As part of their ongoing commitment to safe sleep education, OhioHealth Berger Hospital advocates for the following safe sleep practices for infants:
- Firm surface covered by fitted sheet
- Free of pillows, blankets, sheepskins or crib bumpers
- Free of soft toys and loose bedding
- Baby is on his or her back
- Nothing covering head
- One piece sleeper (sleep sack) if additional layers are needed
- Do not smoke or let anyone smoke around the baby
To learn more about OhioHealth women's health, click here.
