J Pediatr Health Care. 2025 Aug 16:S0891-5245(25)00185-3. doi: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2025.06.006. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Infant sleep problems are an important and frequent concern for parents and negatively affect infant and parental health. Sleep education via pediatric primary care can aid in promoting healthy infant sleep, but currently seems suboptimal. To promote healthy infant sleep, this study explores parents’ experiences, needs, and wishes regarding infant sleep education in Dutch pediatric primary care (i.e., Youth Health Care).
METHOD: A qualitative needs assessment with semistructured interviews was conducted with nine parents of children aged 0-2 years receiving Dutch Youth Health Care. Data were analyzed independently by two researchers using thematic content analysis.
RESULTS: Parents perceived Youth Health Care sleep education can be improved. Improvement suggestions included providing more timely information about infant sleep, proactive screening for infant sleep problems, tailoring guidance to parents’ needs, and offering more support and follow-up.
DISCUSSION: These insights can improve the promotion of healthy infant sleep via Youth Health Care.
PMID:40819308 | DOI:10.1016/j.pedhc.2025.06.006
