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Evaluation ViewAttendees 13

Concurrent Session

Early Intervention

Available On-Demand

Promoting Safe Sleep for Infants in Natural Environments: There’s More to Know Than Tummy Time

Friday, October 27, 2023
10:45 AM – 12:15 PM CST
Location: Room 215-216, 2nd Floor, CHI Convention Center
Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) occurs about 3,400 times a year in the United States. Most of these deaths are associated with recognizable and preventable risks involving the sleep environment. As physical therapists and physical therapist assistants (PTs/PTAs) in early intervention (EI) building close, collaborative relationships with families in natural environments, our strategies for reaching IFSP goals may raise questions about sleep positioning. We may observe infants in unsafe sleep conditions, or parents/caregivers may disclose choices that place infants at higher risk of SUID. Providing accurate information and consistent messaging to families is vitally important.
In this session, we will:
- Review risk factors for SUID and describe current recommendations for a Safe Sleep environment,
- Discuss cultural and socioeconomic factors affecting families’ infant sleep practices, including health literacy and social determinants of health,
- Describe the role of the EI PT/PTA in promoting safe sleep for infants, including navigating real and perceived barriers to safe sleep implementation, partnering with families in a culturally competent, trauma-informed manner, providing education on sleep, and teaching families hands-on strategies to improve infant sleep,
- Address issues surrounding safe sleep for infants with special health needs.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explain risk factors for SUID and explain reasons families may choose unsafe sleeping arrangements.
  • Apply knowledge of risk factors and family choices to feel competent addressing issues of safe sleep with the families they serve.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of infant positioning and handling techniques that support family goals while promoting healthy infant sleep that is compliant with current AAP guidelines.