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Published on: August 25, 2014
Infant sleep position, head shape concerns, and sleep positioning devices
Lynne Hutchison1, Alistair Stewart, Edwin Mitchell
1Department of Paediatrics, School of Population Health, University of Aukland, Aukland, New Zealand. bl.hutchison@auckland.ac.nz
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|April 21, 2007
Summary
Many mothers worry about infant head shape (plagiocephaly) and use positioning devices, despite the success of the Back To Sleep campaign. Further education is needed to address parental concerns regarding infant sleep positions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- The Back To Sleep campaign significantly reduced sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) rates globally by promoting supine infant sleep.
- Concerns regarding infant sleep position and potential side effects like plagiocephaly persist among parents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate current infant sleep position practices in Auckland, New Zealand.
- To assess parental concerns about plagiocephaly and the use of sleep positioning devices.
Main Methods:
- A postal survey was conducted among 400 mothers with infants aged 6 weeks to 4 months.
- Response rate was 69.5% (278 mothers).
Main Results:
- 64.8% of infants usually slept in the supine position, while 32.3% used side or combined positions.
- Approximately one-third of mothers expressed concerns about infant head shape and employed preventative measures.
- 30% of mothers altered sleep positions due to head shape concerns, and 33.3% used positioning devices.
Conclusions:
- Parental anxieties about plagiocephaly, aspiration, and sleep quality influence infant sleep positioning choices.
- There is a need for enhanced parental education to address these concerns and promote safe sleep practices.
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