Promoting Safe Sleeping Environments for Infants: Why Appearances are Deceiving

Nearly 55% of infants in the United States sleep on unsafe bedding, despite warnings from the Centers for Disease Control and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine to use firm flat surfaces covered with fitted sheets. Parents are being presented with several more comfortable, "baby friendly" appearing alternatives, as well as having their infants children sleep with them in their own beds, both of which create risks of SIDS and roll-over suffocations, respectively. Joining Dr. Brian McDonough to discuss safety standards and health priorities for infant sleep habits is Dr. Shalini Paruthi, Assistant Professor in the Divisions of Pulmonary Medicine and Sleep Medicine, and Director of the Pediatric Sleep Research Center at St. Louis University School of Medicine.