Putting babies "back to sleep": can we do better?
The American Academy of Pediatrics first recommended in 1992 that infants be placed on their backs for sleep to reduce the risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Since that time, there has been a national drop in the incidence of SIDS of more than 40 percent. Unfortunately, many parents and other caregivers are still receiving inconsistent information and observing varying practices regarding infant sleep position. This article emphasizes the role of the health care professional in both teaching and modeling these potentially life-saving practices consistently and unambiguously. Available literature is reviewed regarding attitudes and beliefs about infant sleep positioning, and specific concerns are addressed in order to allow for better tailoring of educational programs.
Raydo
Linda J Levy
LJ
Children's Hospital, Albany Medical Center, NY 12208, USA. ljlevy@gmail.com
Reu-Donlon
Christine M
CM
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005544:Forecasting; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006266:Health Education / Q000458:organization & administration; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007224:Infant Care / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D011159:Population Surveillance; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D017751:Safety Management / Q000458:organization & administration; D013398:Sudden Infant Death / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016683:Supine Position; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology