Many Grandparent Caregivers Unaware of Newer Safety Guidelines

 A new study finds that many grandparent caregivers don't know about newer safety guidelines for children

The number of grandparent caregivers continues to grow, and while these older adults may be experienced in caring for young children, many are unaware of more recent safety and other recommendations – including those related to appropriate child sleep position, crib safety, car seat and walker use, according to research presented October 21 at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition in New Orleans.

According to the 2011 American Community Survey, an estimated 2.87 million grandparents are the primary caregivers to their grandchildren – a nearly 20 percent increase since the year 2000. In the study, “Grandparent Caregiver Knowledge of Anticipatory Guidance Topics,” researchers attended regularly scheduled Grandparent/Kinship Care support groups. Forty-nine participants completed a 15-question survey that addressed common pediatric safety and anticipatory guidance topics for children of all ages.

Best Baby Sleep Position

When asked, “What is the best position for a baby to sleep in?” 33 percent of respondents chose “on the stomach;” 23 percent, “on the side;” and 43.8 percent, “the back.” The AAP recommends that infants be placed to sleep on their backs to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Car Seat Positioning

Another question addressed correct car seat positioning, and 24.5 percent of the participants said that a 9-month-old, 22-pound (10kg) child should be facing forward. The AAP recommends, however, that children remain in rear-facing car seats until age 2 years.

Crib Safety

Last year, the AAP recommended that bumpers, stuffed animals and blankets be removed from infant cribs, and yet 49 percent of grandparent caregivers thought these items were acceptable.

Walker Safety

Nearly 74 percent respondents stated that a walker is a good device to help babies learn to walk. The AAP does not recommend walker use, and in fact urges caregivers to dispose of them because of serious safety concerns.

Pediatric Health & Safety Recommendations Constantly Evolving 

“Many recommendations are likely to have changed since these grandparent caregivers parented their own children,” said study author Kathryn C. Hines, MD, a University of Alabama at Birmingham physician who sees patients at Children’s of Alabama.

"Discussion of health and safety recommendations is an essential part of routine well-child care, and pediatricians must recognize knowledge deficits that may exist in grandparent caregivers and be comfortable addressing these deficits," said primary study author Amanda Soong, MD, FAAP, also of UAB.

 

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The above story is based on the October 21, 2012 news release by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlines the ABCs of raising safe and healthy children.