Maternal intentions towards infant sleeping practices in Ireland

Mortality from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) has reduced by 50%-85% globally. Despite improvements from 1990 to 2009, the Irish SIDS rate has plateaued. Reasons for this are unclear, but may be related to a reduced parental SIDS awareness. Our study aimed to assess intentions regarding infant sleeping practices in mothers in Ireland.

A cross-sectional survey of post-partum mothers was performed in the Rotunda Hospital over a four month period. Mothers with a history of SIDS, miscarriage or neonatal admissions were excluded.

Of 451 participants, unsafe sleeping positions were intended by 15.4%, reduced by Irish ethnicity [AOR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.277-0.959, P = .036]. Safe sleep locations were intended by 66%, increased by Irish ethnicity [AOR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.617-4.191, P < .001], and reduced by young maternal age [AOR = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.03-0.713, P = .02]. Maternal smoking was more likely in mothers with lower educational level [AOR = 3.51, 95% CI = 1.169-10.56, P = .03]. Soft bedding use was intended by 34.8%, increased in younger mothers [AOR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.04-4.98, P = .04]. Breastfeeding was intended by 72.2%, decreased by Irish ethnicity [AOR = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.067-0.271, P < .001], and low maternal education [AOR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.117-0.406, P < .001].

Educational campaigns on safe sleep for infants in Ireland need to address modifiable SIDS risks factors, focusing on younger, non-Irish mothers, with lower educational attainment.