Guideline · Position statement or standards
Sleep-Related Infant Deaths: Updated 2022 Recommendations for Reducing Infant Deaths in the Sleep Environment
- Allied health
- Breast milk and breastfeeding
- Comfort and nursing care
- Developmental care and positioning
- Medical
- Nursing
- Postnatal and transitional care
- Thermoregulation
- Transitional care
Summary
This AAP policy statement updates recommendations for reducing sleep-related infant deaths, including SIDS, ill-defined deaths and accidental suffocation or strangulation in bed. It applies to infants in the home and care settings and is relevant to neonatal staff modelling safe sleep and educating families before discharge. Core themes include supine positioning, firm non-inclined sleep surfaces, room sharing without bed sharing, avoiding soft bedding and overheating, human milk feeding, avoiding substance exposure, immunisation and pacifier use. New guidance covers emergency sleep locations, cardboard boxes, bed sharing risk assessment, home cardiorespiratory monitors and tummy time.
Summary written for NICUlearn. Always read the original.
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Guidelines are shown for education. Follow your unit's own guidance and senior advice.