Keeping Your Newborn Safe: Preventing Infant Abduction

Welcoming your baby into the world is a joyful and emotional time. At Sutter birth centers, we share your excitement — and your commitment to protecting your newborn. While infant abduction is extremely rare, it’s important to understand hospital safety practices and know how you can help keep your baby secure. 

By learning a few key guidelines and staying aware of your surroundings, you can feel confident your baby is safe during your hospital stay and after you return home. 

Partnering for Safety

Your hospital team takes every precaution to ensure your baby’s safety, but your awareness and involvement make that protection even stronger. Here’s what you can do:

• Ask about security policies. Learn how your hospital monitors infant safety and who to contact with questions.
• Become familiar with your care team. Get to know the nurses and staff who will care for you and your baby.
• Check identification. Never hand your baby to anyone without an official hospital ID badge. If someone unfamiliar enters your room, alert the nursing staff immediately.
• Go with your baby for tests. Ask who ordered the test, where it will take place, and how long it will last. You or your partner can accompany your baby.
• Keep your baby close. When your baby is in your room, place the bassinet beside your bed on the side farthest from the door.
• Leave your baby in the crib when outside your room. Always use the wheeled bassinet instead of carrying your baby in your arms.
• Never leave your baby alone. If you need to step away or rest, ask a nurse to watch your baby or take them to the nursery.
• Share safety information. Talk with your family and friends about hospital security procedures so everyone understands the importance of following them.

Many parents choose to keep their baby in the room, and that’s a wonderful way to bond. If you need help soothing your baby, your nurse is there to assist you and can share calming techniques to use at home, too.

Visitors and Family Policies

Find out early what the hospital’s visitor policies are for labor, delivery and recovery. These rules are in place for your baby’s safety — not to inconvenience your family. Encourage loved ones to follow these guidelines so everyone can help keep your baby secure.

Stay Alert at Home

While infant abduction from the home is extremely rare, a few simple precautions can give you peace of mind:

• Avoid sharing personal details. Don’t give your address or phone number to strangers.
• Don’t display outdoor signs. Skip lawn signs or banners announcing your baby’s birth.
• Limit information in the media. Avoid posting public birth announcements in newspapers or on social media.
• Never leave your baby unattended. Keep your baby with you at all times, even at home.
• Use caution with visitors. Only allow people you know well into your home.

If you ever have safety concerns, contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 800-843-5678.

Peace of Mind for Every Family

Your baby’s safety is our highest priority. By working together — parents, family members and hospital staff — we can create a secure environment for every newborn.