RWJ Barnabas Health Inc.

01/23/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/23/2025 10:21

Marking Maternal Health Awareness Day by Kicking-off Safe Sleep for Babies Campaign

Newborn from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset wearing a safe sleep baby bodysuit.

To mark Maternal Health Awareness Day, RWJBarnabas Health has kicked-off a campaign with the support of Kimberly-Clark U.S. Huggies® Brand on January 23rd to distribute free baby bodysuits that serve as a physical reminder back is best when laying baby down to sleep.

The National Institutes for Health shares the most effective action caregivers can take to reduce baby's risk of SIDS is to always place baby on their back to sleep. The back position is the safest sleep position for all babies, including preterm and those with reflux, until they are one-year old.

To keep this top of mind for caregivers of young children, Huggies and its partners at Huggies Babywear (@huggiesbabywear) created baby bodysuits that include the visual reminder of "This Side Up" printed on the front and "Turn Me Over" on the back.

"Caring for an infant can be overwhelming and there's so much to learn," says Suzanne Spernal, DNP, APN-BC, Senior Vice President of Women's Services for RWJBarnabas Health. "We are so grateful to Huggies for providing this visual reminder that will help new moms keep baby safe and educate caregivers on safe sleep best practices."

According to the SIDA Center at Rutgers Health Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, based on the most recently released data from the CDC, New Jersey's rate of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) is the second lowest in the U.S., compared to all states meeting statistical standards for confidentiality and reliability. To learn more, visit the SIDS Center of New Jersey.

Through 9 comprehensive maternity hospitals, RWJBarnabas Health proudly delivers the most babies in New Jersey. We are committed to partnering with and empowering women and families with knowledge and support throughout their birthing journeys-from the moment they consider starting a family to ongoing postpartum. Learn more about Maternity Care at RWJBarnabas Health.

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