Infant Safe Sleep : A Pocket Guide for Clinicians

There has been an abundance of new evidence published in recent years about sudden and unexpected infant death. This edition contains new information about trends and statistics. There are new chapters about the genetics of sudden infant death, the biomechanics of infant movement, and the new recommendation for a flat sleep surface, all of which have important implications for where and how babies are placed for sleep. Additionally, there is more in-depth discussion about risk stratification with regards to bedsharing.

This book is a practical, comprehensive look at safe sleep for infants, including safe sleep for infants with co-occurring medical conditions. It offers guidance and suggestions for clinicians who are counseling parents and other caretakers of infants, and discusses common barriers to adherence, as well as approaches that are evidence-based or use behavior change theory. Chapters focus on important aspects of the sleep environment, evaluating commonly sold sleep products, and common sleep practices, including room sharing and bedsharing. There is also a thorough discussion of SIDS pathophysiology, and a closing chapter on grief and counselling families after a loss. All chapters have been fully revised and updated to include the most current material and research. Three completely new chapters have been added on the genetics of sudden and unexpected death, infant biomechanics and implications for safe sleep, and firm and flat sleep surfaces. 

Each chapter follows an organizational structure, to promote consistency and ensure this remains a practical, easy-to-use tool. Chapters open with a clinical vignette and close with a discussion of frequently encountered questions, and clinical pearls and pitfalls. Infant Safe Sleep, 2e, is a valuable resource for pediatricians, family physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants as well as social workers, allied health professionals, public health practitioners, health educators, WIC nutritionists and child care providers.