Safe sleep, safe caregivers, and coping with crying: a mixed-methods assessment of the safe baby program in Hillsborough County, Florida

The infant mortality rate in Florida is higher than that of the United States, at 6.0 per 1,000 live births. Hillsborough County’s infant mortality rate is higher than Florida’s, at 6.6 per 1,000. Additionally, racial disparities between non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White babies persist. These trends were the impetus for the Safe Baby program, a parenting education class. Safe Baby content focused on (1) coping with crying, (2) safe sleep, (3) safe caregivers. This evaluation assessed whether Safe Baby curriculum was effective according to participants. New parents received training at participating hospitals and WIC sites in Hillsborough County, Florida.

A mixed-methods design was used for the evaluation. Closed-ended questions asked participants about infant crying, safe sleep behaviors, and finding a safe caregiver. One open-ended question asked participants about strategies for coping with crying. Surveys were distributed from October 1, 2018 to September 2019, and 900 were returned.

Most participants responded that infant crying, after checking basic needs, can be normal. Strategies described for coping with crying focused on either oneself, the baby, or other caregivers. Most also reported safe sleep practices and the ability to assess and find a safe caregiver. However, disparities between Hispanic and non-Hispanic respondents were noted. A significant gap was observed in parent communication with other caregivers about safe sleep.

Parenting education programs have been shown to improve knowledge and skills. Findings are generalizable to Hillsborough County and similar communities. Specific findings can inform updates to the Safe Baby curriculum.