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Can the fall in Avon's sudden infant death rate be explained by changes in sleeping position?
R E Wigfield1, P J Fleming, P J Berry
1Institute of Child Health, Bristol.
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.)
|February 1, 1992
Summary
Changing infant sleeping position from prone to supine or side sleeping significantly reduced sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) mortality. The study recommends the supine position as the safest for babies to prevent SIDS.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) remains a significant concern in infant mortality.
- Infant sleeping practices, particularly sleeping position, have been investigated for their role in SIDS.
- Previous studies indicated a potential association between prone sleeping and increased SIDS risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of shifts in infant sleeping position practices on SIDS mortality rates.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of public health recommendations regarding infant sleep positioning.
Main Methods:
- A population-based case-control study was conducted in the County of Avon.
- Data on infant sleeping position were collected through home visits for infants who died suddenly and unexpectedly and for control infants.
- The study design was comparable to earlier research in the same population to assess changes over time.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of prone sleeping decreased significantly from 58% in 1987-9 to 28% in 1990-1.
- This reduction in prone sleeping was associated with a projected decrease in SIDS incidence.
- Actual SIDS mortality rates fell from 3.5 per 1000 live births to 1.7 per 1000 live births.
Conclusions:
- The observed decline in SIDS mortality is largely attributable to the reduction in infants sleeping in the prone position.
- Both side and supine sleeping positions offer protection against SIDS.
- The supine sleeping position is recommended as the safest option for infants due to its stability and protective effect.