Infant Security

What every parent should know about preventing infant abduction

The birth of a new baby is a joyous occasion, and we share your excitement in this great celebration. However, it is our responsibility to tell you about the unfortunate risk of infant abduction (kidnapping) from hospitals, birthing centers or even your home. We share with you the responsibility of protecting your baby during your stay in one of our medical centers. We also know that an educated and watchful parent is the best line of defense in infant security.

The guidelines below will help you protect your baby from being abducted while in the hospital or after you go home. Please review these guidelines before coming to the hospital.

• Become familiar with your nurse and other hospital staff who will be taking care of you and your newborn.
• Question unfamiliar people entering your room or asking about your baby, even if they are wearing hospital clothing. If this happens, tell a member of the nursing staff immediately.
• NEVER give your baby to anyone who doesn’t have official hospital identification, and question anyone who tries to carry your baby out of your room.
• If your baby needs to have any tests, find out who approved the tests, where your baby will be taken and how long it will take. You or your partner may go with the baby.
• If you take your baby out of your room for any reason, keep your baby in a crib on wheels. Do not carry your baby in your arms when outside your room.
• NEVER leave your baby alone in your room.
• When your baby is in your room, keep the bassinet beside your bed, on the side furthest from the door.
• Be sure to ask the staff about any security questions you may have.
• Please help us by telling your family and friends about infant security issues.

Many parents prefer to keep their babies in their rooms while in the hospital. Many mothers tell us that they rest and sleep better when their babies are close by them. If you have trouble calming your baby, your nurse will be happy to help you. Her/his suggestions will also be very helpful once you take your baby home. If, at any time, you would like the nurses to care for your infant in the nursery, please let your nurse know.

As soon as possible, find out what the policies are regarding family and friends visiting while you are in labor and during the rest of your stay. Please understand that these policies are not meant to inconvenience your family or friends in any way. They are part of infant security, so please follow the facility’s visitors’ policy.

Safety recommendations once you leave the hospital

• Do not place a birth announcement in the newspaper.
• Do not give your address or telephone number to strangers.
• Do not put a sign announcing your baby's birth on the front lawn.
• Never leave your baby unattended.
• Do not let people you do not know well into your home.

For more information, contact the National Bureau of Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-The Lost (1-800-843-5678) or visit www.ncmec.org.

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