Area-based study shows most parents follow advice to reduce risk of sudden infant death syndrome
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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Frida Strömberg Celind1, Göran Wennergren1, Per Möllborg1
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Gothenburg, Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Insights
Adherence to Swedish sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) advice was generally good. However, prone and side sleeping positions were still observed, indicating areas for improved infant safe sleep practices.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Neonatal Care
Background:
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) risk reduction guidelines were established globally in the early 1990s.
- Key recommendations include supine infant sleeping and maternal non-smoking.
- This study assesses adherence to Swedish national SIDS prevention advice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate parental adherence to national SIDS prevention guidelines in Sweden.
- To identify specific infant care practices related to SIDS risk.
- To inform targeted interventions for improving SIDS prevention.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was distributed to 1000 parents of infants in western Sweden.
- Infant care practices from birth to 12 months were surveyed.
- 710 responses were analyzed for sleeping position, breastfeeding, pacifier use, and bed-sharing.
Main Results:
- While supine sleeping was common, 1.3% of infants were placed prone and 14.3% on their side in the first three months, increasing by five months.
- Breastfeeding (83.1%) and pacifier use (84.1%) were high; 44.2% shared a bed with parents.
- Maternal smoking during pregnancy was low (2.8%) and associated with less bed-sharing.
Conclusions:
- Swedish adherence to SIDS prevention advice is largely positive.
- However, prone and side sleeping positions require further attention and targeted interventions.
- Promoting safe sleep environments remains crucial for SIDS reduction.
Aim:
Guidance on reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) was successfully introduced to a number of countries in the early 1990s. The most important recommendations were supine sleeping for infants and non-smoking for mothers. This 2012-2014 study examined adherence to the national Swedish SIDS advice.
Methods:
We asked 1000 parents with infants registered at child healthcare centres in western Sweden to complete a questionnaire on infant care from birth to 12 months of age.
Results:
We analysed 710 responses and found that, in the first three months, 1.3% of the infants were placed in the prone sleeping position and 14.3% were placed on their side. By three to five months, this had risen to 5.6% and 23.6%. In the first three months, 83.1% were breastfed, 84.1% used a pacifier and 44.2% shared their parents' bed, while 5.8% slept in another room. Bed sharing was more likely if infants were breastfed and less likely if they used pacifiers. During pregnancy, 2.8% of the mothers smoked and the mothers who had smoked during pregnancy were less likely to bed share.
Conclusion:
Overall adherence to the SIDS advice was good, but both prone and side sleeping practices should be targeted.
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