Racial Equity Considerations In Safe To Sleep Messaging: Learning From The Community

Abstract

Black infants are dying at a rate of over twice that of White infants. We know that infants in unsafe sleep positions are more likely to die from Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID). Safe to Sleep® education has led to a dramatic decrease in mortality among white infants, but over 60% of Black families do not follow the Safe to Sleep® parameters. Safe to Sleep® education is given to pregnant women during the prenatal period and prior to hospital discharge, but what is the best way to share this message with Black families?