A firm recommendation: measuring the softness of infant sleep surfaces

Abstract Background Approximately 3600 sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) occur annually in the United States, and a quarter of SUIDs are caused by unintentional suffocation strangulation bed, with soft bedding use being significant risk factor. Therefore, The American Academy Pediatrics (AAP) recommends infants sleep on “firm” surface, though neither an objective definition nor national standard has been established. purpose this study is to report performance device that measures mattress softness provide quantitative values for various surfaces. Methods In collaboration authors child product safety organization (Kids Danger), University Michigan engineering students designed validated vertical depression (softness) simulated 2-month-old’s head surface. A total 17 surfaces − 14 household 3 hospital mattresses - were measured between April 2019 January 2020. average each surface was calculated. Surfaces also bedding, which included fleece blanket, firm pillows. Results ranged from 7.4–36.9 mm. cribette playard 2018 spring had similar (21 mm) as adult foam 2015 sofa. An infant’s blanket folded once added additional 2.3–6.5 mm softness, twice 4.8–11.6 mm, three times 11–21.8 Using pillow 4.0–20.9 while using 24.5–46.4 36.9 bassinet firmest pediatrics softest. Conclusions We found wide range among surfaces, some mattresses. Adding blankets pillows measurably increased softness. Quantifying will advance our understanding how relates SUID risk. hope new information further inform safe recommendations improve standards nationally.