Maternal and child health journal
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Background Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and suffocation are leading causes of infant mortality. Supine sleep position and use of appropriate sleep surfaces reduce SIDS risk but are not universally practiced. Mothers' decisions about sleep position and environment may be influenced by guidance provided by infants' grandmothers and other caregivers. ⋯ After adjusting for other factors, respondents were less likely to adhere to recommended guidelines when they believed supine position increased choking risk (OR 0.34, 95 % CI 0.18-0.62) or believed infants are more comfortable or sleep longer when on their stomachs (OR 0.51, 95 % CI 0.28-0.93). Discussion Grandmothers do not universally observe evidence-based safe sleep practices, particularly if the infant is not sleeping in the home of the parent. Interventions for senior caregivers focused on perceived choking risk, infant comfort in the supine position, and other recent changes in recommended safety practices are warranted.