HOSPITAL AND HOME SECURITY CHECKLIST FOR NEW PARENTS

As you begin to plan for the future of your baby, we want to inform you of the remote threat of an infant kidnapping while you are in the hospital and after you and your baby return home. Even though cases are extremely rare, we want you to have this security information to help you protect your baby. Parents are the first line of defense for their baby’s safety and security. The following practices are recommended during your hospital stay and after discharge.

In the Hospital

◻ Make sure you are introduced to your primary nurse at the beginning of each shift.

◻ As soon as possible, have your nurse explain all security procedures and visiting hours.

◻ Never leave your baby unattended. This includes when you go to the bathroom or take a nap. When your baby is in the room with you, keep the bassinet beside your bed away from the door. DO NOT give your baby to anyone who is not wearing a hospital photo ID with the caregiver’s name and picture displayed. Those authorized to care for your baby wear pink badges with green footprints.

◻ The hospital will notify you in advance of any scheduled test or procedure. Call the nurse’s station if anyone unfamiliar insists on taking your baby for an unscheduled test or procedure.

◻ Always see that your baby is transported by bassinet, and notify the nurse’s station if you see anyone carrying an infant in their arms.

◻ Only give information about you or your baby to people you know well and trust.

After You Leave the Hospital

◻ Do not allow anyone you do not know into your home without proper photo identification.

◻ Do not display outside decorations that inform the public of a new baby (balloons, ribbons, wooden storks, etc.)

◻ Do not place your baby’s birth announcement in the newspaper.

◻ Do not give out any information to casual acquaintances or strangers, including phone numbers, addresses, etc.

◻ Do not leave your baby unattended in a car or stroller, even for a minute.

◻ Never allow a stranger to hold your baby.

How Do We Keep Babies Safe?

We do many things to keep mothers and newborn babies safe during their stay. We keep nursery doors locked, use security cameras and security bands on babies. These are just some of the examples. Forrest General Hospital employees also have strict safety rules they must follow when handling and moving your baby. Your nurse can explain how we handle infant security.

C erta S C an

Forrest General Hospital also uses an innovative Infant Safety System developed by CertaScan Technologies (www.certascantek.com). The system allows the hospital to capture high resolution newborn footprints which can be used for precise identification should the need arise in an emergency situation. The digital footprints and security photo can be stored efficiently in the newborn’s electronic medical record. And, much like finger prints, foot prints are a biometric, unique to each baby, so they can be used for identification throughout a lifetime.

Each new family receives an attractive certificate of their newborn’s footprints during their stay. When they return home, they can visit www.firstfootprint.com to enhance the certificate with colors, different fonts, and borders. They can also download a digital copy of their baby’s footprint. These additional benefits are provided as a gift from Forrest General and at no cost to families.

What Does a Safe Sleep Environment Look Like?

• Use a firm sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safetyapproved* crib, covered by a fitted sheet.

• Do not use pillows, blankets, sheepskins, or crib bumpers anywhere in your baby’s sleep area.

• Keep soft objects, toys and loose bedding out of your baby’s sleep area.

• Do not smoke or let anyone smoke around your baby.

• Make sure nothing covers the baby’s head.

• Always place your baby on his or her back to sleep for naps and at night.

• Dress your baby in sleep clothing, such as a one-piece sleeper, and do not use a blanket.

• Baby should not sleep in an adult bed, on a couch, or on a chair alone, with you or with anyone else.

*For more information on crib safety guidelines, contact the Consumer Product Safety Commission at 1-800-638-2772 or http://www.cpsc.gov.