MOBILE – Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is one of the great fears of every parent of a newborn baby.  Now, USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital, the area’s leader in deliveries, has teamed up with Kohl’s Department Stores to educate parents on safe sleeping habits for infants.

The program is called KISS, for Kohl’s Infant Safe Sleep.  Thanks to a $10,331 grant from Kohl’s, health care professionals from USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital will be scheduling KISS visits throughout the area to encourage and inform parents and caregivers on the best methods for safe-sleeping infants.

“The nurses on the Mother/Baby Unit identified the need to educate our community on the prevention of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) due to the increased number of sleep-associated deaths in Mobile County,” Amy Davis, nurse manager of the Mother/Baby Unit at USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital, said.

Davis and her team will be sharing some key points about infant sleep habits, such as always placing your baby on his or her back to sleep, even for naps.  Other important reminders are:

• Place your baby on a firm mattress, such as in a safety approved crib
• Remove soft, fluffy bedding and stuffed toys from your baby’s sleep area
• Make sure your baby’s head and face remain uncovered during sleep
• Do not allow smoking around your baby
• Do not let your baby get too warm during sleep
• Talk to childcare providers, grandparents, babysitters and all caregivers about SIDS risks
• Do not allow your baby to share a bed with anyone – place your baby in a separate, safe, sleep area next to your bed
• Have the infant sleep in the same room as the caregiver
• Consider offering a pacifier at nap time and bedtime
• Encourage “tummy time” when the infant is awake and observed by a caregiver

“We will target many age groups in our community with educational programs in childcares, churches, schools and any organizations who care for infants 1 year old or younger,” Davis said.  “The KISS program is a great opportunity to use the resources offered by the nurses of USA Children’s & Women’s Hospital and the support provided by Kohl's to deliver a community awareness campaign of infant safe sleep practices.”

Several nurses and trained KISS representatives will pass out information, show a video and answer questions at each community educational event.  There are plans to have at least two events monthly.  For more information or to schedule a KISS visit, please call (251) 415-1486.