Infant sleep: resident recommendations and socioeconomic status differences in patient practices

Although much research has focused on parental report of infant sleep position since the 1992 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendation for non-prone placement, few studies have examined physician recommendations regarding infant sleep. This study examined differences between resident recommendations for infant sleep position and cosleeping (bed sharing) and parental report of practice. We also assessed socioeconomic differences in parent practice, awareness, and acceptability of AAP guidelines.

We conducted a telephone survey of parents of 2-, 4-, 8-, and 12-month-old infants from two family practice centers. All 27 residents at both centers completed a paper and pencil survey.

Resident recommendations and parental practices differed significantly for both sleep positioning and cosleeping. Parents of 165 infants participated, revealing that higher socioeconomic families were more aware of compliant with, and more accepting of AAP recommendations for supine positioning.

Parents consistently report that their physician or nurse is the primary source of information for infant sleep. Results of this study, however, indicate significant differences between physician recommendation and parental practice and acceptability of AAP guidelines. Physicians need to continue to discuss this information past the newborn period.