[Prone versus what?].

Abstract

Background It has been known for many years that the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is reduced by the supine sleeping position. Campaigns are required to increase awareness of this finding among all those involved in childcare (parents, relatives, kindergarten staff, health professionals etc.).ObjectiveTo determine knowledge of the best sleeping position among health professionals (physicians and nurses) and the parents of healthy neonates.Material and methodThe study was performed in a tertiary maternity hospital. A voluntary, anonymous questionnaire containing an item on the best sleeping position for neonates was distributed. The influence of parental age, occupation, education, and previous children was analyzed.ResultsThe side position was the most frequent answer among parents both in the first questionnaire (50.9 %) and in the second (46.8 %). Health professionals preferred the supine position (63.3 %). Parents who gave the right answer had a higher mean age, were more likely to work outside the home and to be better educated. The existence of previous children did not influence the answer.ConclusionsIn some maternity hospitals, parents still believe the side sleeping position to be best for their children. To provide an example in maternity wards, all health professionals should accept the supine position as the best for preventing SIDS.