Nonadherence with Infant Safe Sleep Practices Among Adolescent Mothers

Although adolescent mothers report knowing about safe sleep recommendations, their behavior is influenced more by their mothers' advice and their own instincts.

The back-to-sleep recommendation for infant sleep, introduced by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in 1992, reduced the prevalence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) fourfold. However, maternal age <20 years continues to be a risk factor for sudden unexpected infant death. To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding infant sleep, researchers conducted focus groups with 43 adolescent mothers whose infants were enrolled at high school day care centers in Colorado.

Most mothers knew about SIDS and the recommendations for safe infant sleep, and almost all reported that they placed their baby in a supine sleep position. However, most mothers also reported bed sharing regularly and using loose blankets or soft bedding for co…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics