DISPARITY
Infant Mortality
Soft Infant Bedding Still Used By Blacks
Black parents use soft bedding for their infants, despite evidence showing that it should be avoided to help prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Through focus groups with mothers, the researchers found that there was often a misunderstanding about the meaning of a “firm” sleep surface, as well as a concern about comfort.
Parents reported putting pillows and soft items underneath sheets, thinking that a taut sheet made the surface firm and safe. Soft bedding, like blankets, bumpers, and pillows were also seen as a way to provide comfort and safety to infants. The findings were consistent regardless of families’ socioeconomic status.
“The study demonstrates that the meaning of firm sleep surface is often misinterpreted and confusing,” said Dr. Moon. “As healthcare providers, we have to be proactive in talking about an infant’s sleep environments so that parents have a clear understanding about the safest environment for their babies.”
“It’s important for parents to understand that soft is not safe, when we’re talking about baby’s sleep,” said Dr. Moon. “The only thing that should be in the crib is the baby.”
This is the first time a study has examined beliefs and practices about soft bedding in a specific population. Dr. Moon suggests further studies need to be done to examine the beliefs and practices among other segments of the population.
The study was led by Rachel Moon, MD, a pediatrician and SIDS researcher at Children’s National, and appears in the September 2011 issue of Pediatrics.
DISPARITY
Infant Mortality
WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR THE BABIES?
What can you do to Help Reduce Infant Mortality Rates?
You can play an important role in this effort by encouraging your pregnant sisters, daughters, cousins and girlfriends to seek prenatal care in the first trimester and share valuable information by educating them on factors that effect infant mortality such as smoking, substance abuse, poor nutrition, lack of prenatal care, medical problems, chronic illness, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the unexplained death, usually during sleep, of a seemingly healthy baby. Sudden infant death syndrome is sometimes called crib death.
The exact cause is unknown, but sudden infant death syndrome may be associated with abnormalities in the portion of an infant's brain that controls breathing and arousal from sleep. Although all babies are vulnerable, certain sleep environments have been linked to increased risk.
Infant mortality is used to compare the health and well-being of populations across and within countries. The infant mortality rate, the rate at which babies less than one year of age die.
Parents and caregivers should become familiar with the risk factors and always place sleeping infants on their backs. Research has demonstrated that babies who slept on their stomachs or sides were at a higher risk for SIDS. A separate but proximate sleeping environment is recommended such as a separate crib in the parents' bedroom.
TEEN MOMS?
Infants born to teenage mothers are at higher risk of being born low birthweight babies and have a higher mortality rate. HHS directly funds teen pregnancy prevention programs in more than 2,200 communities - about 47 percent of all communities nationwide. By focusing on abstinence and personal responsibility, HHS hopes to help young people make the choices that will lead to a successful future.
The infant mortality rate is the number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births in a given population.
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