Safe Sleep
Providers
Resources for provider include: Program Implementation, Evaluation Instruments, and Provider Education.
You can also see a map of our program enrollment at the bottom of the page.
Program Implementation
The PA SafeSleep Program is a evidence-based quality improvement program to promote safe infant sleep practices in healthcare settings. It includes recommended activities across three key phases:
Baseline Assessment
Implementation
Evaluation
Yes! The PA SafeSleep Nursing Policy is a comprehensive, evidence-informed policy template that supports safe sleep from birth through discharge. It is designed to be adapted for use at various birthing sites.
The Implementation Resources Guide offers an overview of each program phase and provides actionable steps for integrating safe sleep practices into clinical settings.
Evaluation Instruments
Yes! The PA SafeSleep ICN/NICU Audit Tool is a brief tool designed to check compliance with safe sleep practices in NICU settings.
This 3-minute flow sheet offers a standardized method to evaluate an infant’s sleeping environment during their hospital stay after birth.
This 10-minute survey assesses providers' knowledge of safe sleep principles before program implementation. Available for both online and paper use.
Learners can assess their understanding of infant safe sleep behaviors and environments with the Progress You Made survey.
Each module has its own evaluation survey that captures learner feedback on content, format, and overall impressions. These are required for continuing education credit.
Module 1: Evidence-Based and Best Practices for Safe Sleep with Newborns
Module 2: Teaching Safe Sleep Practices to Mothers, Families, and the Community
Use the PA SafeSleep Medical Record Chart Audit Tool to assess documentation of safe sleep practices in the medical record.
This follow-up survey is administered one month after hospital discharge to understand a mother’s perception of hospital education and her use of safe sleep practices at home. Available via telephone or email.
Provider Education
Click below for monthly resources and quick-access training tools:
PASafeSleep Train-the-Trainer 4-Hour Program
A specialized, evidence-informed program designed for clinical nurses to become Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in safe sleep practices. SMEs act as site leaders, educators, and peer supporters to uphold best practices at their hospitals.
Program Focus Areas:
Evaluation of evidence-informed guidelines and safe sleep recommendations
Review of the PASafeSleep Nursing Policy
Surveillance training (assessments, observations, documentation audits, peer review)
Simulation-based learning using the REACH to Teach Health Literacy approach
Deep dive into the 19 AAP recommendations
Pre-Training Requirements:
Attendees must review the following prior to attending the session:
Two online training modules
PASafeSleep Nursing Policy
Key AAP publications:
Rachel Y. Moon, Rebecca F. Carlin, Ivan Hand, THE TASK FORCE ON SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME AND THE COMMITTEE ON FETUS AND NEWBORN (2022): Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022 Recommendations for Reducing Infant Deaths in the Sleep Environment
Rachel Y. Moon, Rebecca F. Carlin, Ivan Hand, THE TASK FORCE ON SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME and THE COMMITTEE ON FETUS AND NEWBORN (2022): Evidence Base for 2022 Updated Recommendations for a Safe Infant Sleeping Environment to Reduce the Risk of Sleep-Related Infant Deaths
Stringer M, Ohnishi BR, Ferrarello D, Lazzeri J, Giordano NA, Polomano RC. (2022) Statewide infant safe sleep program and nurse subject matter experts.
Stringer M, Ohnishi BR, Ferrarello D, Lazzeri J, Giordano NA, Polomano RC (2020) Intensive Care Neonates and Evidence to Support the Elimination of Hats for Safe Sleep
Caryn M. Decker, Elizabeth Dunlevey, Lien Nguyen, Kathy Jo Stence, Erin McCarty, Tamala Gondwe Jean-Charles, Tara Trego, Zhen-qiang Ma(2025): A Hospital-Based Initiative for Infant Safe Sleep Practice
Lazzeri, Jessica MSN, RN, NEA-BC; Giordano, Nicholas A. PhD, RN; Christ, Lori MD; Polomano, Rosemary C. PhD, RN, FAAN; Stringer, Marilyn PhD, WHNP, FAAN(2023): Hats Off for Full-Term Healthy Newborns: No Benefits for Thermoregulation
Explore realistic role-play conversations between healthcare professionals, families, and caregivers to reinforce key safe sleep guidance and prevention of SIDS.
Interactive, evidence-based modules available for all professional staff. Modules are rooted in AAP Task Force guidance on SIDS and sleep-related infant deaths.
Core Modules as Links:
Module 1: Evidence-Based and Best Practices for Safe Sleep with Newborns
Module 2: Teaching Safe Sleep to Mothers, Families, and Communities
Specialized Modules as Links:
Support Staff Module: Safe Sleep for Newborns – Guidelines for Support Staff
NICU Module: Safe Sleep for Newborns – Transition from NICU
SME Module: Safe Sleep for Newborns – SME Training
Core Modules as Downloadable Files:
Module 1:
Module 2:
Specialized Modules as Downloadable Files:
Support Staff Module:
NICU Module:
SME Module:
All modules include a post-survey and are eligible for continuing education hours via the PA State Board of Nursing.
Sample materials for submitting CE credit applications through the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association include the following downloads: Teaching Safe Sleep, SME Training Module, NICU Module, Evidence-Based Practices .
This one hour on demand webinar provides targeted information and support for Child Welfare professionals who are often the only people outside of the family during an infant’s highest risk period. The training is accepted for credit and is available on the University of Pittsburgh's website:
University of Pittsburgh: Pennsylvania Child Welfare Resource Center - Webinars: Safety Assessment and Management Process Update
This link is to obtain credit: https://www.elearn.pitt.edu/visitor_catalog_class/show/1365693
Program Enrollment Map
More than 40 hospitals across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania participate in the PA Safe Sleep program.
videos
PASafeSleep
Safe Sleep Yes No Edition | AAP #shorts
Adoptive Parents Learn SIDS Risk Reduction Measures
