RESULTS OF A PROSPECTIVE SURVEY IN 2 GERM AN DISTRICTS OF GERMANY, MUNSTER AND DETMOLD

Factors concerning the sleep environment and behaviour patterns of you ng infants (< 7 months) were investigated over a period of one year in the two districts of Munster and Detmold. Starting in August 92 a tot al amount of 90 000 questionnaires was sent out to be completed on the day of the respective screening for young infants (U3-U5). 3773 of th ese question sheets were later analyzed. Significant results were obse rved in the following subject areas: The position children were put to sleep in was influenced by the maternal age and the birth order of th e child. The sleeping position on the side proved to be the most insta ble one. Profuse sweating was connected with mild infections, sleeping face down, ALTE (Apparent Life Threatening Event) and the utilization of sleeping bags, pillows and woolen blankets. Children with mild inf ections, who slept in a prone position or face down or used woolen bla nkets were at higher risk of being totally covered by their bedclothes .