William Atkins
Monday, 17 August 2009 18:53
Science -
Health
Page 2 of 3
The researchers analyzed 391 unique pictures from thirty-four magazine issues. Each picture included images of infants in sleep environments and sleeping infants.
They were analyzed as to whether they adhered to AAP guidelines for decreasing the risk of SIDS.
The researchers found that of the 391 unique pictures:
“Only 36 pictures (36.4%) of infant sleep environments portrayed a safe sleep environment, as recommended by the AAP.” [Abstract]
In addition:
“Only 57 pictures (64%) portraying sleeping infants not being held by an adult portrayed the infants in the supine position, and 14.8% of sleeping infants were portrayed as sleeping with another person.” [Abstract]
The researchers concluded:
“More than one third of pictures of sleeping infants in magazines geared toward childbearing women demonstrated infants in an inappropriate sleep position, and two thirds of pictures of infant sleep environments were not consistent with AAP recommendations. Messages in the media that are inconsistent with health care messages create confusion and misinformation about infant sleep safety and may lead inadvertently to unsafe practices.”
Dr. Rachel Moon stated,
"There are major discrepancies between what doctors recommend to prevent sudden infant death syndrome and what moms may see in mainstream media. The most important thing for moms to realize is that what they see in magazines may not be what's best for their baby in real life." [EurekAlert: “
Magazines for women depict babies in unsafe sleep environments”]
According to the EurekAlert article,
“To reduce the risk of SIDS, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be placed on their backs when sleeping, on a separate sleep surface from their parents, without blankets, pillows, or other soft bedding."
Page three concludes with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
