Putting babies "back to sleep": can we do better?

The American Academy of Pediatrics first recommended in 1992 that infants be placed on their backs for sleep to reduce the risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Since that time, there has been a national drop in the incidence of SIDS of more than 40 percent. Unfortunately, many parents and other caregivers are still receiving inconsistent information and observing varying practices regarding infant sleep position. This article emphasizes the role of the health care professional in both teaching and modeling these potentially life-saving practices consistently and unambiguously. Available literature is reviewed regarding attitudes and beliefs about infant sleep positioning, and specific concerns are addressed in order to allow for better tailoring of educational programs.