Jennifer J Doering1, Alexis Marvin2, Samantha Strook2. 1. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee College of Nursing, United States. Electronic address: doering@uwm.edu. 2. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee College of Nursing, United States.
Abstract
Infant sleep safety is a primary concern of parents. Infant sleep locations vary around the world. PURPOSE: This pilot study investigated the decision factors, fears, and safety strategies reported by parents internationally. METHODS: participants (n=49) recruited online from 10 countries completed an anonymous Internet survey in English and submitted a picture of the infant's primary nighttime sleep location. Pictures were coded into 'shared' (29%) or 'separate' (71%) sleep surfaces. RESULTS: primary decision factors about infant sleep location were safety, comfort, family sleep quality, and overall ease. Parents maximized safety by providing a clear sleep surface, no blankets, no toys, sleep sack use, and a firm mattress. Different worries and fears emerged depending on the sleep surface. CONCLUSION: differences in the specific worries and strategies used by parents when deciding whether to share or not share a sleep surface with an infant may be used to tailor future interventions.
Infant sleep safety is a primary concern of parents. Infant sleep locations vary around the world. PURPOSE: This pilot study investigated the decision factors, fears, and safety strategies reported by parents internationally. METHODS:participants (n=49) recruited online from 10 countries completed an anonymous Internet survey in English and submitted a picture of the infant's primary nighttime sleep location. Pictures were coded into 'shared' (29%) or 'separate' (71%) sleep surfaces. RESULTS: primary decision factors about infant sleep location were safety, comfort, family sleep quality, and overall ease. Parents maximized safety by providing a clear sleep surface, no blankets, no toys, sleep sack use, and a firm mattress. Different worries and fears emerged depending on the sleep surface. CONCLUSION: differences in the specific worries and strategies used by parents when deciding whether to share or not share a sleep surface with an infant may be used to tailor future interventions.