Lay summary
Inequalities in Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy (SUDI) in New Zealand are stark. Incidence of SUDI amongst Pacific communities has not declined since 2002. Success in reducing SUDI incidence amongst indigenous populations has been achieved by using a cultural concept to maintain the important physical intimacy between mother and baby. Quantitative data (Growing Up in New Zealand) will be used to understand the context for infant care practices for the majority proportion of Samoan, Tongan, Cook Islands Māori, and Niuean families. We will conduct interviews with Samoan, Tongan, Cook Islands Māori, and Niuean mothers from Auckland, Cook Islands and Niue. We will use a general inductive method. Our focus will be infant care practices and trusted sources of advice about infant care. Our research seeks a deeper understanding of specific Samoan, Tongan, Cook Island Māori and Niuean concepts useful for a culturally appropriate intervention or policy change.