A study of African-American parents shows that many still use soft bedding for their infants even though health experts agree it should be avoided to help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
The study, “African-American Parental Decisions About Infant Bedding and Sleep Surfaces: A Qualitative Study,” appears in the September 2011 issue of Pediatrics (published online Aug, 22). Of the 93 mothers who were interviewed, representing various socioeconomic groups and ages, more than half reported using soft bedding for their infants.
While mothers agreed that the sleep surface must be firm, this term meant different things to different people. In addition, some thought that if they used soft bedding (such as blankets, pillows and bumpers) on top of a firm mattress, they were following safety recommendations. Others said that they used the soft bedding to create a safer, more comforting, and/or more aesthetically pleasing environment for the baby. Mothers used blankets because they were concerned about the infant becoming cold. They used pillows to surround the baby in some cases, believing this would prevent falls or keep the infant in a safe sleep position. Crib bumpers were used due to concerns about bruising from crib railings.
According to the authors, additional educational messages are needed to change parents’ perceptions and practices.
