Babies "Sleep Tight" Under Special Crib Covers

In the Texas Children’s Hospital infant care nurseries, babies born prematurely or with serious health problems are sleeping soundly under specially made quilted blankets decorated in soft patterns. All the while, their restful sleep is greatly encouraging growth and development.

"The idea for crib covers came about when a baby was brought into the neonatal intensive care unit with a blanket draped over the incubator," said neonatology nurse Cindy Bryant. "We were looking for ways to minimize bright lights and noise and encourage development, and covers for incubators and cribs would contribute to that."

Bryant draped a sheet over a crib and an incubator and traced a pattern for a cover. The cover fits over the top of the crib or incubator, drapes down the sides, and features side ties to secure the fabric.

"It’s a simple pattern, and anyone who has basic sewing skills can make a cover," said Bryant, who began sewing the covers and recruited Texas Children’s volunteers to help.

At first glance, the cheerful covers seem like a nice way to brighten the nursery; however, they make a vital contribution to care by greatly reducing noise and light. The color on the underside of the covers is neutral to avoid overstimulation of premature infants.

"Studies have shown that sudden noise causes sleep disruption, crying, agitation, decreased oxygen levels in the blood, and elevated heart rates in babies," said Carol Turnage Carrier, a neonatal clinical nurse specialist at Texas Children’s who oversees many initiatives to reduce light and sound in the nurseries. "A Texas Children’s study found that a crib cover can reduce sound by 50 percent, helping babies rest."

---

©2006 Texas Medical Center

---

E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/08_15_02/page_10.html