INFANT SLEEP POSITION AND THE SUDDEN-INFANT-DEATH-SYNDROME - A SURVEYOF PEDIATRIC RECOMMENDATIONS

A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess the impact of the April 1992 American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force Statement, ''infant Po sitioning and SIDS,'' on the routine advice provided by pediatricians in Minnesota to families with ne newborn infants regarding sleep pract ices, including sleep position. There was a trend toward more discussi on between all pediatric practice groups and families regarding infant sleep practices following the AAP Sleep Position Statement (P<0.001-0 .003). Prone sleep recommendations ranged from 9.2% for newborn infant s to 21.4% for infants 6 months of age. Recommendations for the supine or lateral sleep positions predominated at all infant ages, Pediatric ians in private practice were more likely to identify the AAP Statemen t as establishing a medicolegal standard (P <0.05). We conclude that t he 1992 AAP Statement has had a significant impact on the routine advi ce provided to families regarding infant sleep practices, including in fant sleep position.