Evaluation of Baby Sleep Position Practices and Sleep Environment

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this current study was to determine mothers’ infant sleep position practices and their awareness of a safe sleeping environment. Material and Methods: This descriptive survey was conducted with 418 mothers who had infants aged 0-6 months and who agreed to participate in pediatric outpatient polyclinics of two hospitals. Data were collected between January-December 2020 via-structured questionnaires by face-to-face interview. Results: Of the 418 mothers; 28% placed their babies in the supine sleeping position, 59.6% used a pillow when they put their babies in bed and 76.8% used a soft mattress. 42.3% of mothers covered their babies’ faces during sleep; primary school graduate mothers were more intended on covering their babies’ faces than high school and university graduates (p<0.001). 4.1% of mothers smoked during pregnancy, 9.8% during the lactation period and 15.3% were exposed to household smoke. All of the mothers shared a room with their babies without sharing a bed. There was also a positive correlation between the number of prenatal visits of mothers and their preference to put their babies to sleep in the supine position (p=0.010). Conclusion: Most of the mothers placed their babies in a side sleeping position. Mothers’ avoiding sharing beds and smoking cigarettes and prone positioning their children at a very low frequency were pleasing measures. Mothers who had more prenatal visits were found to place their babies more in the supine sleep position. Increasing the awareness of healthcare providers and other secondary caregivers about a safe sleeping environment and baby sleep position during pre and postnatal visits would make right practices become widespread.