Keeping children safe in hospital

Tailgating

Please help us keep children safe by following the CUH security policy. Please wait for a staff member to let you in or out, do not hold doors open for others, and do not follow staff or families through secure doors. This is called “tailgating” and can put safety at risk. If you see someone not following these rules, please tell the Nurse in Charge.

Preventing Falls

Children in hospital can be more likely to fall. This could be because you and your child are unfamiliar with the environment and hospital beds can be higher than those at home. Some medicines can make children dizzy or unsteady, please ask staff if you are unsure about your child’s medication.

You can help keep your child safe:

• Keep the space around the bed tidy and clear
• Help your child when walking around the ward
• Make sure they wear non-slip socks or shoes (ask staff if needed)

Bed safety:

• Keep cot sides fully up / bed rails up (if advised) when you are not close
• If cot sides are down, keep hands-on contact with your child
• Ask staff if you are unsure how to use the cot / bed rails

If you need to leave your child:

• Tell a member of staff
• Make sure:
  • Cot sides are fully up / bed rails are up (if advised)
  • Bed is in the lowest position and brakes are on
  • Your child can reach the call bell (if appropriate)

Safe sleep for babies

We understand sleep can be difficult in hospital. Co-sleeping (sharing a bed) can be both planned and unplanned.

We do not recommend co-sleeping in hospital for the following reasons:

• Narrower beds
• Softer mattresses
• Bed rails increase the risk of entrapment
• Parents/carer may be more tired than usual
• Child is more likely to be unwell

Following this advice for every sleep reduces the risk of sudden infant death (SIDS):

• Place your baby on their back to sleep in their own separate sleep space (cot)
• Use a firm, flat mattress
• Keep the cot clear (no toys, pillows, or loose bedding)
• Use a light blanket tucked in or a well-fitted sleep bag (avoid your baby getting too hot)
• If your baby falls asleep somewhere else (bouncer), move them to the cot
• If you feel you may fall asleep holding them whilst in a chair/sofa, move them to the cot

If you choose to co-sleep, make sure you read the latest guidance on the Lullaby Trust website.