Citation

Ahlers-Schmidt CR, Schunn C, Redmond ML, Smith S, Brown M, Kuhlmann SN, Engel M, Benton M. Glob. Pediatr. Health 2017; 4: e2333794X17744948.

Affiliation

University of Kansas, Wichita, KS, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/2333794X17744948

PMID

29226192

PMCID

PMC5714071

Abstract

Although several states have implemented programs providing boxes for infant sleep, safe sleep experts express concern regarding the paucity of safety and efficacy research on boxes. The purpose of this study was to assess pregnant women's perceptions regarding use of baby sleep boxes. A convenience sample was recruited from a community prenatal education program. Twenty-eight women were administered a brief semistructured interview about their knowledge of baby sleep boxes, opinions about the boxes, and questions they would have. For most (n = 15, 54%), this was their first pregnancy. Participants self-identified as white (43%), black (36%), Hispanic (18%), and "other" (4%). Ten subthemes emerged related to previous knowledge of boxes (useful for families in need, historic precedent in other countries), positive attributes (portable, compact, affordable, decorative), and negative attributes (low to ground, structural integrity/design, stability, stigma). Research on safety and efficacy could reduce concerns, but issues of stigma may persist.

Language: en

Keywords

health education; injury prevention; maternal infant health; qualitative research; safe sleep