Sleep-related infant deaths, now called sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUIDs), are not declining, and the United States continues to have higher rates than most other developed nations. Health disparities are significant, with death rates higher in certain vulnerable groups, including non-Hispanic Black infants. Nurses play a crucial role in educating, role-modeling, and problem-solving with parents. Thus, it is critical for nurses to stay current with the science, prevention recommendations, and societal decisions and debates surrounding this topic. This article provides a summary of the updated safe sleep recommendations released by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2022, as well as discussions on current trends, thoughts, and controversies related to how safe sleep education is provided to parents.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss current expert recommendations regarding safe infant sleep.
- Identify resources that support timely, accurate and consistent parent education regarding safe infant sleep practices.
Citation:
Hitchcock, S. C. (2023). What more can we do to prevent infants from dying while they sleep? Nursing for Women’s Health, 27(6). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nwh.2023.07.004
Faculty & Faculty Disclosures:
Sharon C. Hitchcock, DNP, RNC-MNN
The planners of this learning activity report no conflicts of interest or relevant financial relationships. The author disclosed being an independent contractor to develop parenting articles for HealthyMom&Baby with Huggies Healthcare. The nurse planners mitigated this conflict by ensuring the content and clinical recommendations are evidence-based and free of commercial bias. No commercial support was received for this learning activity.
Publication:
Nursing for Women’s Health
Nursing Contact Hours:
1.25 nursing contact hours (NCPD activity available until December 6, 2026)
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