A baby wearing a sleep sack in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Children’s Hospital
April 14, 2025
A commitment to safe sleep
In a move towards the ongoing promotion of safe sleep, the Injury Prevention team at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) has integrated sleep sacks into the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Children’s Hospital. This comes as part of the hospital's ongoing commitment to keeping infants safe in their sleep environment by reducing as many sleep-related infant injuries and deaths as possible.
A long-time leader in sleep safety, LHSC launched its Safe Infant Sleep Program in 2019, becoming the second hospital in Canada to be named a Silver Certified Safe Sleep Leader by the Cribs for Kids National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program.
Incorporating sleep sacks in the NICU
Incorporating sleep sacks into the NICU is the next step in LHSC’s commitment to safe sleep. Infants in Pod A of the NICU who meet specific criteria based on the hospital’s safe sleep algorithm will qualify for the use of a sleep sack.
To qualify for a sleep sack, infants must meet the following criteria:
- Weigh more than 1800g and/or be greater than 34 weeks gestational age;
- Not have a medical condition that precludes supine positioning (i.e., be able to sleep flat on their back); and,
- Can maintain their temperature in an open crib.
For qualifying infants, the sleep sack will be used in conjunction with other safe sleep practices, including placing the infant on their back to sleep, utilizing a flat mattress and ensuring the sleep space is free of loose bedding or toys.
Why sleep sacks matter
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, current evidence demonstrates that unsafe infant sleep environments play a role in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Sleep sacks help create a safe sleep environment by reducing the need to use loose items or blankets.
Other benefits of a sleep sack include:
- A sleeveless design to reduce the risk of overheating,
- Encourages safe sleep positioning (on the back),
- Inverted zipper for easy diaper changes,
- Provides room for the baby’s legs, supporting healthy hip development.
Modelling safe sleep behaviours
LHSC staff are well-versed in the importance of safe sleep. Those who work with patients under one year old are required to complete and recertify biennially in a Safe Infant Sleep learning module — a module used to direct nursing practice and ensure a safe sleep environment for infants.
The module also highlights the important role health-care professionals play in educating and empowering caregivers to ensure infant safety. By incorporating safe sleep practices in the NICU, staff are leading by example to help ensure safe sleep habits are continued at home.
The integration of sleep sacks was made possible through funding by Children’s Health Foundation and generous donors committed to the safety of the hospital’s littlest patients.