SIDS Prevention

[JaydensMommy1]

And also for blanket issues- there are Velcro swaddles that go around baby securely. Also safe. Where I nurse it's also recommended as its believed to help prevent sids

 

[Fleur29]

I personally wanted to say thanks to the OP - i think the advice she has given is awesome and i will be taking it on board, although as she has said throughout - its for each lady to make their own choices. Thank you Olivia (and your mom of course!) X

 

[nikkchikk]

Not sure if anyone's mentioned it here yet, but there is also the AngelCare Monitor that prevents SIDS by monitoring baby's movements in the crib. If baby stops breathing for a certain amount of seconds an alarm goes off on the monitor. My SIL and BIL recv'd this as a gift and said it takes SO much stress away. My SIL has told me that this is going to be our shower gift and I am super excited and relieved to have one less thing to worry about.

https://www.angelcare-monitor.com/United-States/en/home

 

[Olivia_T]

I personally wanted to say thanks to the OP - i think the advice she has given is awesome and i will be taking it on board, although as she has said throughout - its for each lady to make their own choices. Thank you Olivia (and your mom of course!) X

Thank you!! I have certainly never claimed to be an expert. I am learning in the process too!!!

I just felt blessed to have a great resource in my life who I feel like has helped me tremendously! I love my daughter beyond words already and want to do what I can to help make her as safe as I can and I assumed that most ladies on her feel the same.

Whatever they decided, I just wanted to try to help

 

[Olivia_T]

Here is the Bed Sharing portion from the American Academy of Pediatrics - the whole document is great I think but it's a .pdf and I'm not sure if I can attach it in this thread. If anyone knows how, let me know. Otherwise, I'd be happy to email it to anyone who would like to see it!

Sorry for the funny format and footer references...copying text from a .pdf

BED SHARING
Bed sharing between an infant and adult(s) is a
highly controversial topic. Although electrophysiologic
and behavioral studies offer a strong case for
its effect in facilitating breastfeeding and the enhancement
of maternal-infant bonding,35,36 epidemiologic
studies of bed sharing have shown that it can
be hazardous under certain conditions. Several case
series of accidental suffocation or death from undetermined
cause suggest that bed sharing is hazardous.
34,37–39 A number of case-control studies of SIDS
deaths have investigated the relationship of SIDS
with parent(s) and/or other adults or children sleep-
ing with an infant.16,31,40–48 Some of these studies
have found the correlation between death and bed
sharing to reach statistical significance only among
mothers who smoked.41,47 However, the European
Concerted Action on SIDS study,42 which was a large
multisite study, found that bed sharing with mothers
who did not smoke was a significant risk factor
among infants up to 8 weeks of age. Similarly, a more
recent study conducted in Scotland48 found that the
risk of bed sharing was greatest for infants younger
than 11 weeks, and this association remained among
infants with nonsmoking mothers. The risk of SIDS
seems to be particularly high when there are multiple
bed sharers31 and also may be increased when
the bed sharer has consumed alcohol or is overtired.
42,47 Also, the risk of SIDS is higher when bed
sharing occurs with young infants.40–42 It is extremely
hazardous when adults sleep with an infant
on a couch.31,40,41,48 Finally, the risk of bed sharing is
higher the longer the duration of bed sharing during
the night.41,47 Returning the infant to his or her crib
was not associated with an increased risk in 2 studies,
40,41 and in another, the risk was significant only
when the bed sharing occurred for more than 1 hour
or for the whole night.16 There is growing evidence
that room sharing (infant sleeping in the parent’s
room) without bed sharing is associated with a reduced
risk of SIDS.41,42,43,48 Data from the European
Concerted Action on SIDS42 study led to the recommendation
by its authors that the most protective
sleep setting for an infant is in a crib in the parents’
room. On the basis of their study results, investigators
in Scotland48 endorsed the United Kingdom Department
of Health’s advice that the safest place for
an infant to sleep is in a crib in the parents’ room for
the first 6 months of life.

 

[Olivia_T]

I really hope using blankets is safe, there is no way for me to regulate the temperature in my flat and if I don't open the window a bit, it's too stuffy for even me to breathe >.< I would have thought blankets are fine if tucked under a babies arms and not put near their face. I'm really glad that I found this thread, my mum lost a baby to SIDS and the last thing I wanna do is knowlingly put my child at risk.

I have the same problem as i don't control the central heating in my flat and it is not on all the time ! I can put the radiator down but that is it. I will def start to check the temperature of the flat before the baby is born anyway.

I don't even have central heating here!! We have lots of heaters and stuff so I'm hoping it won't be an issue but there is no way I'm not going to wrap my baby in something, I'll feel like a terrible mum, just leaving LO to freeze haha. Hopefully will be out of here soon though

If you think they need a blanket, you can swaddle them! Just make sure it's tight and away from their face

 

[heidi1130]

There is actually a new 'safe' bumper that is out, it only comes in black or brown, but the color sacrifice is worth it doe it to be 'safe'. it's a mesh material that is VERY breathable.

 

[heidi1130]

Not sure if anyone's mentioned it here yet, but there is also the AngelCare Monitor that prevents SIDS by monitoring baby's movements in the crib. If baby stops breathing for a certain amount of seconds an alarm goes off on the monitor. My SIL and BIL recv'd this as a gift and said it takes SO much stress away. My SIL has told me that this is going to be our shower gift and I am super excited and relieved to have one less thing to worry about.

https://www.angelcare-monitor.com/United-States/en/home

I bought one of these for my baby. I have tested it and it is VERY loud so I will be super confident with it.

 

[AimeeM]

Not sure if anyone's mentioned it here yet, but there is also the AngelCare Monitor that prevents SIDS by monitoring baby's movements in the crib. If baby stops breathing for a certain amount of seconds an alarm goes off on the monitor. My SIL and BIL recv'd this as a gift and said it takes SO much stress away. My SIL has told me that this is going to be our shower gift and I am super excited and relieved to have one less thing to worry about.

https://www.angelcare-monitor.com/United-States/en/home

No, it doesn't prevent SIDS. Nothing can prevent it at all as the op says all you can do is try your best to reduce the risk. I wouldn't like to think people got a false sense of security by using a monitor. All they do is alert you to a problem quicker.

 

[kate1984]

My son slept in his cot from 8 week old (my oh snoring would wake him so we moved him out of our room)

his cot has a bumper, in fact it has 2 to stop any light and shadows at the bottom of his cot

He refuses to sleep on his back and he sleeps on his side or more frequently his belly, my constantly fretting and turning him over was disturbing his sleep making him grumpy and upset

I had to stop breastfeeding at 3 weeks due to mastitus dring my supply up.

He starts of at the bottom of his cot feet to foot... ends up at the top sidewards

He turned 1 yesterday and is in the words of our lovely health visitor advanced for his age in most areas. Im not knocking the OP one bit as i think there are some very valid points that mums should take into account but what im trying to say in the most NON argumentative way possible lol is dont be too anal about it all.

I fretted about all sorts as all us mums do, they are good tips but if your baby doesnt do everything on that list it doesnt nessecarily (sp) spell bad news.

 

[Saphira]

Thank you for posting Olivia. Lately I've been doing a lot of research on the best sleeping situation for my baby so most of what you posted I'm aware of. I recently wondered about crib bumpers though - the bassinet we're getting comes with one so I'll be sure to remove it. Just wanted to post what we plan on doing for our little one -
Baby will be sleeping in a "sleepsack" >>example: https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41aP1QTVTqL._AA300_.jpg<<. I've read they reinforce baby to sleep on his or her back, which is recommended. They also decrease risk of suffocation as no blankets are necessary. Blankets and other bedding pose a risk to block breathing so nothing else will be in baby's bassinet. Sleepsacks come in thicker textures ideal for winter and also thin textures for warmer weather. Baby will be sleeping in a bassinet, >>https://cdn.idealo.com/folder/Product/2389/7/2389779/s1_produktbild_gross/lunamie-babybettchen-4-in-1.gif<< which according to the information about this one, works for a baby up to 1 year. I'm unsure about that as once baby's able to stand it seems he or she could easily get out of the bassinet so we may need to consider the move over to a crib earlier depending on that development. Also, I'm considering leaving the "drape?" off the bassinet because it's just another piece of fabric that isn't necessary for anything other than visual pleasure. As this baby will be born in the middle of winter, regulating the temperature may be a challenge. We'll try to have the windows open as much as possible to get lots of fresh air in and circulating but it'll get too chilly quickly so we'll have to juggle window opening with managing the heater temperature (guess we'll be in for one hefty heating bill!). We'll also get a humidifier so everyone can breathe a little easier. As air tends to be very dry in winter, the humidifier will be kept on for the night. About co-sleeping - I know little about it but will not be doing so with my baby as I have no way of controlling myself while I sleep. I tend to move around a lot and there's no way I would feel safe falling asleep with a tiny baby beside me. But, the baby will be close as the bassinet can be placed right at the side of the bed.

 

[Olivia_T]

I disagree that by the time you've made the bed safe you may as well put them in a crib anyway!! How have you lost the benefits you and baby gain??? That comment doesn't actually make sense!.....mum learning to sleep without a pillow or with thicker PJ's on instead of a heavy quilt doesn't take away from anything at all!! Besides remember the dangers of getting up in the night to feed a baby...7 of those babys who died in the Bristol recearch were taken from a crib by mums who were exhausted from getting up to feed them and died whilst being fed as their Mums had fallen asleep. If the bed is made safe it makes a hell of lot more sence to feed them laying down in your 'safe' bed and drifting back to sleep. Like I said before the issue isn't co-sleeping, it's other influences mainly alchohol and sleeping drugs.
I was also married into a british asian family for 15 yrs where every single baby in the family, relatives, ansestors and friends of the family slept with their parents as it's the done thing. It was totally expected of me by all of his nosey family to sleep with baby including the G.P amongst his cousins!
You don't have to choose co-sleeping but what worries me is that your putting your Mums words across as Fact and some people who come on here may be put off trying co-sleeping or taking baby into bed for them when it may be the best thing they could do at that time..in the case of a restless baby sometimes being in MUms bed is the only thing that helps. It can't be put across as a total no-no!!
Like you say we all just want to do what's best for our baby.
I'm really glad for some advice but I'm afraid I have to disagree on this one...sorry hun!!

I truly respect you disagreeing! You are totally entitled to your opinion and I want to make sure that that is clear.

I also don't want to sound like I am trying to argue the point with you. It's ok to disagree or to take different measures with our children...I just wanted to mention a couple things in reference to your post. Again not stating a fact, just a response.

The issue is not just sleeping without a pillow or thicker PJs. More of the point that was trying to be conveyed is that an adult mattress in and of itself is not a safe sleep surface according to the research that my mom and her medical colleagues here reference. Not fact...just study findings.

As far as the family expectations....an expectation doesn't mean it's not unreasonable to even possibly an unsafe practice. My mom has worked with Middle Eastern families who believe the baby should just sleep on the floor. Just because it is a cultural practice does not NECESSARILY make it a safe one.

I think it's really important to point out that LOTS of babies remain safe and healthy despite unsafe actions...but those are also babies that might not have the genetic/neurological condition that seems to predispose some babies to SIDS.

I am not familiar with the Bristol research but it sounds like they did not die in their cribs but rather in bed with their mother trying to feed them.

Again, I mean this as no personal attack. I truly don't. One thing I hope everyone understands....my mom has to deal with really hard issues. Just recently she had to visit with a mom who lost her child. Her husband told her not to allow the baby to sleep in bed with her but the mother chose to and the baby died. The coroner felt the death was preventable. The woman told my mom, "I feel like I deserve to go to jail for what I did to my child." It rips my mother apart to deal with cases like that.

So I just want everyone to know, none of this comes from a place of malice or wanting to be "right." My mom does what she does because she truly is passionate about keeping children safe. No one has ALL the answers and no one is infallible, this was only an attempt to hopefully share something that could help a mother and her newborn.

 

[Olivia_T]

Thank you for posting Olivia. Lately I've been doing a lot of research on the best sleeping situation for my baby so most of what you posted I'm aware of. I recently wondered about crib bumpers though - the bassinet we're getting comes with one so I'll be sure to remove it. Just wanted to post what we plan on doing for our little one -
Baby will be sleeping in a "sleepsack" >>example: https://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41aP1QTVTqL._AA300_.jpg<<. I've read they reinforce baby to sleep on his or her back, which is recommended. They also decrease risk of suffocation as no blankets are necessary. Blankets and other bedding pose a risk to block breathing so nothing else will be in baby's bassinet. Sleepsacks come in thicker textures ideal for winter and also thin textures for warmer weather. Baby will be sleeping in a bassinet, >>https://cdn.idealo.com/folder/Product/2389/7/2389779/s1_produktbild_gross/lunamie-babybettchen-4-in-1.gif<< which according to the information about this one, works for a baby up to 1 year. I'm unsure about that as once baby's able to stand it seems he or she could easily get out of the bassinet so we may need to consider the move over to a crib earlier depending on that development. Also, I'm considering leaving the "drape?" off the bassinet because it's just another piece of fabric that isn't necessary for anything other than visual pleasure. As this baby will be born in the middle of winter, regulating the temperature may be a challenge. We'll try to have the windows open as much as possible to get lots of fresh air in and circulating but it'll get too chilly quickly so we'll have to juggle window opening with managing the heater temperature (guess we'll be in for one hefty heating bill!). We'll also get a humidifier so everyone can breathe a little easier. As air tends to be very dry in winter, the humidifier will be kept on for the night. About co-sleeping - I know little about it but will not be doing so with my baby as I have no way of controlling myself while I sleep. I tend to move around a lot and there's no way I would feel safe falling asleep with a tiny baby beside me. But, the baby will be close as the bassinet can be placed right at the side of the bed.

Thanks for your post! I will have to look for a sleepsack like that!!!!

 

[Olivia_T]

My son slept in his cot from 8 week old (my oh snoring would wake him so we moved him out of our room)

his cot has a bumper, in fact it has 2 to stop any light and shadows at the bottom of his cot

He refuses to sleep on his back and he sleeps on his side or more frequently his belly, my constantly fretting and turning him over was disturbing his sleep making him grumpy and upset

I had to stop breastfeeding at 3 weeks due to mastitus dring my supply up.

He starts of at the bottom of his cot feet to foot... ends up at the top sidewards

He turned 1 yesterday and is in the words of our lovely health visitor advanced for his age in most areas. Im not knocking the OP one bit as i think there are some very valid points that mums should take into account but what im trying to say in the most NON argumentative way possible lol is dont be too anal about it all.

I fretted about all sorts as all us mums do, they are good tips but if your baby doesnt do everything on that list it doesnt nessecarily (sp) spell bad news.

Thanks for this post! I have mentioned it a couple times but I think it gets lost sometimes in the posts...so this gives me a good opportunity to reiterate:

LOTS of babies can not follow best practice and be perfectly healthy. No one would deny that.

The overlying issue is that there are some babies who have a genetic/neurological predisposition to being susceptible to SIDS and right now, the medical profession does not have a good way of telling the difference between a baby who is at a higher risk and one who is not. So some might be fine if you covered them in blankets on a bed...but it's just a calculated risk if you will.

 

[Saphira]

Thanks for your post! I will have to look for a sleepsack like that!!!!

Check out these sleepsacks: https://www.sterntaler.com/spielwaren.php?m=4&k= Their products are too cute! I'll be getting a few from Sterntaler.

 

[Olivia_T]

Just wanted to let people know, I never intended this thread to be controversial or offensive to anyone. My intention was and still is to try to be helpful especially to new moms since I am one myself and I didn't know all this info.

Thanks to everyone for their insights and suggestions! If nothing else, it makes people aware of some of the issues we might not all consider.

 

[Olivia_T]

Thanks for your post! I will have to look for a sleepsack like that!!!!

Check out these sleepsacks: https://www.sterntaler.com/spielwaren.php?m=4&k= Their products are too cute! I'll be getting a few from Sterntaler.

I LOVE the little giraffe ones! Those are sooooo cute!

Oh and I forgot to mention, you wouldn't necessarily have to open windows. My mom was saying you can take a small fan and use it in the room. It does not even have to blow on your or the baby but it just helps keep the air in the room circulating a little better. We have a humidifier but never use it! I should totally blow the dust off of it and break it out

 

[Saphira]

I LOVE the little giraffe ones! Those are sooooo cute!

I love the giraffe ones too! Also, I've told my husband if we have a girl the first thing I want that's girly for her is the pink horse sleepsack! All of our purchases have been more on the boyish side so far since we're waiting on the gender so she'd need some girly pieces. The hedgehog will probably the first purchase as it's gender neutral and, well, I love hedgehogs haha!

 

[Saphira]

Oh and I forgot to mention, you wouldn't necessarily have to open windows. My mom was saying you can take a small fan and use it in the room. It does not even have to blow on your or the baby but it just helps keep the air in the room circulating a little better. We have a humidifier but never use it! I should totally blow the dust off of it and break it out

Oh okay, thanks, good to know! We may have to get a smaller fan then because the one we have is quite loud and intense, even on the lowest level. I know my husband wouldn't go for that racket all night, haha. We'll still open the windows but maybe for not as long as I'd have originally thought, we'll see.
Yes, you should break the humidifier out! I'm so eager to finally get one - my nose is so dry, even in the summer. I sometimes wake up with nosebleeds it's so bad.

 

[Olivia_T]

Oh and I forgot to mention, you wouldn't necessarily have to open windows. My mom was saying you can take a small fan and use it in the room. It does not even have to blow on your or the baby but it just helps keep the air in the room circulating a little better. We have a humidifier but never use it! I should totally blow the dust off of it and break it out

Oh okay, thanks, good to know! We may have to get a smaller fan then because the one we have is quite loud and intense, even on the lowest level. I know my husband wouldn't go for that racket all night, haha. We'll still open the windows but maybe for not as long as I'd have originally thought, we'll see.
Yes, you should break the humidifier out! I'm so eager to finally get one - my nose is so dry, even in the summer. I sometimes wake up with nosebleeds it's so bad.

Ah that's terrible! I hope the humidifier helps

Yeah we have a horrible box fan that I could never sleep with. I am thinking we might just try to run our ceiling fan at the lowest level. But we'll see