Huntington Hospital Earns ‘Baby-Friendly’ Designation For Maternity, Newborn Care Excellence

HUNTINGTON, NY — Huntington Hospital has been designated a Baby-Friendly Hospital by Baby-Friendly USA, a national authority recognizing hospitals that meet the highest standards of care for mothers and newborns.

The designation underscores the hospital’s commitment to evidence-based maternity practices, breastfeeding support, and a culture that prioritizes the health, bonding, and well-being of families from the first moments of life.

Baby-Friendly USA implements the World Health Organization and UNICEF Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in the United States. Hospitals earning the Baby-Friendly designation undergo a rigorous, multi-year process that demonstrates adherence to the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, including comprehensive staff training, family education, and policies that promote skin-to-skin contact, rooming-in, and informed infant-feeding decisions.

“This designation is a reflection of our hospital-wide commitment to putting families at the center of everything we do,” said Nick Fitterman, president of Huntington Hospital. “From the moment a baby is born, our teams work collaboratively to create an environment that supports bonding, informed decision-making, and compassionate, high-quality care for both parents and newborns.”

As part of its broader family-centered care model, Huntington Hospital has introduced several nurse-led programs in its neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and maternity services aimed at strengthening communication and comfort for families.

Nurse-Led NICU Rounds, launched in October, are held daily at 10 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. and are led by a primary NICU nurse alongside a neonatologist and a member of nursing leadership. Parents are invited to participate at the bedside or by phone as the care team reviews the baby’s condition, outlines any changes to the care plan and discusses goals for the day ahead.

In November, the hospital introduced Tuck-In Rounds, a nightly initiative after 9 p.m. that brings small comforts directly to families. A prepared cart offers teas, hot chocolate, eye masks and personal care items for parents, along with essentials for babies such as t-shirts, wipes, blankets and extra hats.

Adding a celebratory touch, Huntington Hospital also hosts “Sips and Snuggles” Mocktails every Friday at 11 a.m. The chef-led cart presentation offers handcrafted mocktails to parents and visitors, while families with children at home receive “big brother” or “big sister” certificates to help siblings feel included during the hospital stay.

“This recognition also reflects the many ways our teams are reimagining the experience for families during their hospital stay,” said Jennifer Baierlein, director of patient care services and women’s and children’s health at Huntington Hospital. “From nurse-led NICU rounds and evening tuck-in rounds to our ‘Sips and Snuggles’ mocktails, these initiatives are about listening to families, supporting them both emotionally and clinically, and creating moments of comfort, connection and celebration during an incredibly meaningful time in their lives.”