Factors That Influence Parents' Adherence to Safe Sleep Guidelines

New parents need education about the rationale for the safe sleep guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) as well as knowledge of the potential harm of behaviors such as bed sharing and prone or side-lying positions for sleeping. The images to which parents are exposed send mixed messages. Health care professionals should portray safe sleep for infants in media, marketing materials, and other graphic representations. Nurses should help parents understand the AAP's recommendations for safe sleep position and environment for infants so that they can become advocates for their newborns' well-being.