As you’re getting to know your baby in the first few moments after birth, it’s important to know how you and your health care team can keep baby safe. Infant security is a high priority in the birthing center or hospital you choose for your birth experience. The Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers requires birth centers to have infant security measures as a part of their accreditation. The Joint Commission, an organization that improves patient safety in health care, requires accredited hospitals to implement security procedures to protect babies from abduction.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has identified that the combination of a comprehensive program of safety policies and procedures, education and teamwork of the health care members, and physical and electronic security measures provides the most secure environment and helps to deter potential abductors.
These measures include
Infant identification: As soon as possible after birth and before you and your baby are separated, matching identification bands are placed on you, your baby, and your significant other. The unique number on the matching bands is documented in your baby’s health care record. These bands are examined each time your health care team provides care to your baby as well as when returning your baby to you if you’ve been separated.
Electronic tagging or security devices: Many health care facilities also use some form of electronic tagging, such as an ankle or wrist band or umbilical cord clamp that has an electronic sensor. An alarm is triggered if the tag is removed, tampered with, or detected near an exit. The tags are monitored by an electronic system and must be discharged from the system before removal when you’re taking your baby home. Additionally, birthing centers and hospitals have real-time video surveillance, which is recorded for future access.
Infant security photos and footprints: Photos of your baby are wonderful keepsakes, and they document your baby’s appearance. They also add another layer of security and identification. Your baby’s footprints become part of their health care record and can confirm your baby’s identity. Your baby’s nurses and pediatric care providers will note any physical birthmarks or distinguishing characteristics that they’re born with.
Infant transport: Babies are transported in bassinets when going from room to room, to the nursery, or for any tests. The bassinet is tracked electronically.
Staff identification: All staff members should be dressed in uniforms that signify they’re an employee and wear a name badge with their photo and position title.
Secure access: Hospital maternity units where babies are located are usually protected by restricted access. Anyone entering or leaving may need a badge or swipe card to access the floor.
Although these measures are essential to maintaining your baby’s safety, they aren’t a substitute for your continuous and careful watch over baby. The following are things you can do to help keep your baby safe:
- Ask about security procedures used at your birth center or hospital. Request a copy of the guidelines that are in place to help safeguard your baby during your stay.
- Know who is caring for you and your baby. Check the name badges of nurses and health care providers. Pay attention to any special color ID and the person’s photo.
- Have your partner accompany your baby to a procedure, for example, a hearing test or care in a specialty nursery.
- Don’t give your baby to anyone without proper identification. If you have concerns, call the nurse’s station.
- Keep your baby in clear sight of you or your significant other while in your room and when possible, place your baby’s bassinet on the side of your bed that is away from the door.
- Save your own records of your baby with photos and descriptions, such as hair and eye color, weight and length, date of birth, and important physical features.
Once you take baby home, your heart beats a little faster because you’re always on alert.
Here are a few more tips on how keep your baby safe and secure:
Home visits: Some health care providers use home visits to provide follow-up care. Each time someone arrives for an appointment, confirm that their ID and photo matches with who you’re expecting to meet. Don’t allow anyone into your home if you feel unsure about their identity.
Strangers or recent acquaintances: Never let someone you don’t know pick up or hold your baby. Be wary of any suspicious visitors, especially if they are claiming to be affiliated with a health care facility and don’t have proper identification. Keep your guard up when you’re walking in the park, a parking lot, or the grocery store.
Out and about: Never leave your baby alone in your vehicle. Always take them with you. Park in spaces that are well-lit where you can easily be seen by others. Lock your doors when you’re driving and getting gas.
Photos: Take photos of your baby’s full face every 6 months and ensure your partner, or close friend or family member has a copy. Use the highest privacy settings when posting photos on social media.
Getting to know your baby and keeping them safe and secure is just the beginning of your loving relationship. Spend time connecting with other new parents in community forums and on play dates and ask questions about what they do to keep their babies safe.
Resources
Infant Abductions (missingkids.org)
What Parents Need to Know (missingkids.org)
ADAM: Automated Delivery of Alerts on Missing Children | LexisNexis Risk Solutions
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