Personal Loss Inspires a Lifelong Commitment to Safe Sleep Education
HOLLAND, Mich., Oct. 13, 2026 — Holland Hospital is recognizing Safe Sleep Awareness Month this October by educating parents, grandparents and caregivers about simple, evidence-based steps that can help reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths and keep babies safe during nap and nighttime sleep.
On average about 3,400 infants die suddenly and unexpectedly each year in the United States according to the CDC. Many of these deaths are linked to sleep-related causes, including accidental suffocation and sudden unexpected infant death (SUID).
To help families protect their infants, Holland Hospital's Boven Birth Center is highlighting the ABCs of Safe Sleep and reminding caregivers of the essentials to a safe sleep environment.
“One of the most important things parents and caregivers can do is create a safe sleep environment every time a baby sleeps,” said Nancy Westendorp, neonatal nurse practitioner at Boven Birth Center. “Whether it is naptime or bedtime, following safe sleep guidelines consistently can significantly reduce the risk of sleep-related infant death.”
Safe sleep education is deeply personal for Westendorp. Before safe sleep recommendations became widely available, her family experienced the loss of a niece to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), a tragedy that continues to shape her commitment to educating families.
“Losing my niece had a profound impact on my family and on me personally,” Westendorp said. “At the time, families did not have access to the same research-based guidance we have today. That experience is one of the reasons I am so passionate about helping parents and caregivers understand safe sleep recommendations. If sharing this information helps another family avoid that kind of loss, then those conversations matter.”
While no one can eliminate every risk, medical experts say following safe sleep recommendations consistently remains one of the most important steps families can take to help protect infants.
The ABCs of Safe Sleep focus on three key practices:
- Alone: Babies should always sleep alone in their own crib, bassinet or play yard. Bed-sharing with parents, siblings or other children increases the risk of suffocation and other sleep-related dangers.
- Back: Always place babies on their backs for every sleep, including naps and overnight sleep. Research has shown this sleep position substantially lowers the risk of SIDS.
- Clear Crib: Keep the sleep space clear of blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, crib bumpers and other loose items. Babies should sleep on a firm, flat mattress covered only by a fitted sheet.
As cooler temperatures arrive in West Michigan, experts remind families that blankets should never be placed in a baby's sleep space. Instead, use appropriately sized sleep clothing or wearable blankets designed for infants. In addition to following the ABCs, Holland Hospital encourages families to maintain a smoke-free environment, avoid overheating infants during sleep and offer a pacifier at nap and bedtime once breastfeeding is well established.
Westendorp also encourages parents to share safe sleep recommendations with grandparents, relatives, babysitters and anyone else who may care for their infant.
“We often hear parents say, ‘My mom did this with me and I turned out fine,’” Westendorp said. "But safe sleep recommendations have changed because we've learned more through decades of research. Many grandparents and caregivers are surprised to learn how much the guidance has evolved. We urge families to have conversations about safe sleep with everyone who will care for their baby.”
Every family delivering at Boven Birth Center receives safe sleep education and resources before discharge, helping parents feel informed and confident as they transition home with their newborn. Safe sleep guidance is part of Holland Hospital’s commitment to helping families build a strong foundation for their baby's health and safety.
Nearly 1,300 families from across the region choose Boven Birth Center each year. In addition to comprehensive labor and delivery care, families have access to childbirth education classes, board-certified lactation consultants, postpartum support and parent advocates who connect families with educational resources and developmental tools through a child's first 18 months. For babies requiring additional monitoring or specialized care, the Special Care Nursery is staffed around the clock by pediatric hospitalists, neonatal nurse practitioners and registered nurses, with access to pediatric specialists.
“Our goal is not only to help families have a safe delivery, but also to provide the knowledge, support and resources needed once families return home,” Westendorp said. “Safe sleep is one of the most important conversations we have with new parents because it is a simple step that can help protect babies every day. When families leave our care, we want them to feel prepared, supported and confident in caring for their newborn.”
For more information about Boven Birth Center, visit hollandhospital.org/boven and to learn about the latest safe sleep recommendations, speak with your family medicine provider.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Jessica Meldrum, MS, APR
jmeldrum@hollandhospital.org
Oct. 13, 2026