Sleep for infants after discharge from a neonatal ward: Expert- and parent endorsed strategies

Eline R de Groot1,2, Agnes van den Hoogen1,2, Mary Anne J Ryan3

  • 1Department of Neonatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Pediatric Research
|January 17, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This study identified 8 science-backed infant sleep strategies, incorporating expert and parent feedback. Experts prioritized knowledge gathering, while parents favored sleep hygiene and swaddling for better infant sleep.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Infant Care Research

Background:

  • Supporting infant sleep post-neonatal discharge is crucial.
  • Evidence-based strategies are needed to aid parents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline scientifically-backed infant sleep strategies.
  • To integrate expert and parental perspectives.
  • To assist parents in managing infant sleep after neonatal discharge.

Main Methods:

  • A three-round Delphi method was used.
  • Sleep strategies were derived from scientific literature.
  • Expert and parent feedback was systematically gathered.

Main Results:

  • 11 initial strategies were refined to 8.
  • Experts ranked 'knowledge gathering' highest.
  • Parents identified 'sleep hygiene' and 'swaddling' as most important.

Conclusions:

  • 8 practical infant sleep strategies were identified.
  • Expert and parent priorities for sleep strategies differ.
  • Healthcare professionals should offer tailored sleep advice.
Abstract

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