SIDS Prevention

[m_t_rose]

No monitor can prevent SIDS however a movement monitor may give you the piece of mind and so you won't be getting up to check the baby as often so it can be very helpful to the parents.

Personal opinion but I think the reason that movement monitors don't prevent SIDS is that even with proper quick CPR it is very unlikely that a person will start breathing again on their own. So if there is nothing you can do once they stop breathing then a monitor isn't going to prevent SIDS (they even claim that on the monitor) but it does give great piece of mind to the parents.

 

[Olivia_T]

First off, I want to say thank you very much!
I have a question about circulating air, can you use a ceiling fan? Or is the air blowing on the baby bad? I think I'm also going to buy a monitor... just in case.

We are going to go the ceiling fan route on a low setting. Just anything to keep the air moving a little

 

[Olivia_T]

I CERTAINLY mean no offense to anyone who sadly had to endure something like that. But I would imagine that everyone would be a proponent for at least TRYING to take the best precautions out there. I totally understand that the "best" precautions is subjective for some people...but I think everyone wants to be as safe as they can be

I know you meant no offence to anyone, I don't think anything you said would have caused offense - its was just me thinking aloud - and worrying that I could do everything right and still lose a baby to SIDS. I doubt I will ever stop worrying but I was talking to my OH last night and he asked, at what age can we stop worrying about SIDS? Do you know?

I also wanted to say thanks, but I forgot in my first post!

I believe that MOST cases happen between 2-4 months. That doesn't mean it can't happen outside of that range but that is where the biggest risk lies. I think the odds decrease a lot after 6 months-ish

 

[My_First]

Please everyone also remember that SIDS is VERY, VERY rare. I posted this only recently, however in 2008 there were sadly 312 cases of SIDS in the UK. And its horrible for even ONE baby to die, but putting it into perspective, in the Royal Berkshire Hospital,alone, there are 500 births A MONTH, making the statistics very low.

In addition, everyone, but everyone is clutching at straws at to what causes SIDS. Some theories are that its an undetected viral/bacterial infection that goes undiagnosed. But all in all, its theory only. If you look at the ONS statistics on SIDS, 1 baby died after a year old, and the greatest proportion is between 1-4 months. The only clear correlation beween the reduction of SIDS was the 'back to sleep' campaign, which has reduced the cases by 2/3rds. There is NO other clear correlation, its only theory. There are not enough cases to make it fact.

 

[nikkchikk]

Thank you for the explanation. I got it know. I will definetely make sure he won't smoke and touch our baby.

Anybody know what monitor is best for preventing sids? The one that you put under the mattress or just a regular baby monitor?

Mrs. Leahy, it didn't say avoid 'secondhand smokers'... it was 'secondhand smoke'... so for example your husband should never ever smoke around baby, in the house, in the car, and even would do well to change clothes after smoking or protect his clothes and hair with some sort of smoking cover-up (a hoodie, jacket, etc...) and wash up very well after smoking.

My SIL has the AngelCare monitor, and I plan on using one too. It's a flat board that goes under the mattress and monitors the baby's movements. If there is no movement (inc breathing) for 20 seconds, an alarm on a separate monitor goes off.

 

[nypage1981]

Hello, in one post it is said to not allow babies to nap out of their bassinet or crib. That stinks, I love having my baby cuddle up to me, and being only a week old, he is always sleeping. Is this unsafe as long as I stay awake?

 

[StranjeGirl]

Hello, in one post it is said to not allow babies to nap out of their bassinet or crib. That stinks, I love having my baby cuddle up to me, and being only a week old, he is always sleeping. Is this unsafe as long as I stay awake?

I am no expert at all, but think from what was said on here is that it IS unsafe to have a baby sleep anywhere where they are not flat on their back on something firm. I think what the original poster said (correct me if I'm wrong) but the cases of SIDS that were happening in her mom's county were from being in mother's arms, on beds etc, and none happened in the cribs recently. You'll have to get some more information to make an informed decision, but I think I'd be too nervous to allow the child to sleep anywhere other htan a crib/bassinet, flat stroller etc.

 

[AFwife77]

Good info!

 

[Jaylynne]

Great info! Everyone should be aware of the risks whether from preventing SIDS possibilities or unnecessary suffocation issues.

I will be doing the bassinet by the side of my bed as I KNOW cosleeping in the same bed is a huge mistake for me. My side of our king is soft and his is firm and we both move a lot in our sleep. He has sleep apnea and has to wear that darth vadar mask thing and flops from side to side - totally not safe for baby.

Quite honestly, I don't know why you've gotten so many negative responses from those wanting to cosleep. It's a personal decision and Olivia was just pointing out potential hazards not saying " thou shalt not cosleep". Many parents think they might want to cosleep when it's not safe or "just this once" as they are exhausted. Not all cosleeping deaths are the result of intoxication or drugs. Moms or dads just may be so exhausted they don't feel themselves rolling. I'd be afraid to sleep if my baby was right next to me in bed.

If you think you can do it safely and follow all the strict guidelines of cosleeping and have a super firm mattress and have support from a medical professional then do it. But please don't jump on someone that was trying to help and was using legitimate experiences and medical findings to show the potential dangers.

 

[DJF]

I haven't it made it through all of the posts but what are your mom's opinions on the Halo Sleepsacks. I have been doing some reading online about preventing SIDs and I saw a recommendation for these. Also how will I know what is too much clothing or how my baby is too hot? I am due at the beginning of April and live in northeast US. I was considering getting the microfleece sleepsacks. Will these be to warm?

 

[Olivia_T]

Hey DJF! I think the Halo Sleepsack looks like it would be a fine choice as long as it's not way too big on baby

Here's a little info to hopefully help

One of the first things to do is to make sure the room temperature is safe and comfortable. The thermostat should be set between 68′ 72′. This is the optimal setting so your baby won’t have to be bundled up all the time, but will be comfortable at night.

Dressing your baby:

As a general guide, dress and cover your baby according to how you are dressed. Many parents’ think that babies need to be bundled-up more than adults, but that’s not true. Most pediatricians will recommend you dress your baby how you are dressed, but with one more light layer on top.

Layered clothing keeps baby warmer than say just one thick, chunky sweater would. So choose light undershirts and easy to remove tops and layer according to the weather.

How can I tell if my baby is warm enough while sleeping?

You can feel your baby’s feet and head to see if she’s cold. Take a good look at her too. If her skin is blotchy and her extremities feel cool to the touch, add a layer or cover her head and feet since that’s where most body heat escapes. A light hat or cap will help keep her head warm and footed sleepers or some socks will help keep her feet warm.

How can I tell if my baby is too warm while sleeping?

Over-heating, in some instances, can be the cause of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). An over-heated baby may sleep too deeply to arouse herself if she starts to have breathing problems. Making sure your baby is not too hot while sleeping is just as important as making sure she is warm enough.

If your baby is damp or sweating, that’s a good sign that she’s over-bundled and moisture is accumulating on her skin. Excess moisture can lead to prickly heat, even in the winter, so take a layer off or change your baby’s clothing so more air can flow over her skin.

Also if the baby appears flushed or feels hot to the touch, that's a good sign too.

 

[Lauren D.]

Olivia: Thanks so much for this information!

I have a question or two. First off, I don't plan on co-sleeping with my baby and neither does my husband (particularly if someone else isn't awake and alert in the same room, supervising). But I do plan on the baby napping near or on me while I'm awake, while she's outside of the crib. This seems like it would be pretty much impossible to avoid (my understanding is the babies sleep a LOT, but I don't know... this is my first and I have no experience with babies). Should I always try to discourage the baby from belly sleeping, even while I supervise her? Like say she is sleeping on my chest-- should I turn her on her back if she is falling asleep? I'd be afraid that letting her sleep on her belly while supervised would encourage belly sleeping in the crib while she was unsupervised. So should I discourage belly sleeping at all times, or am I just being paranoid?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Olivia_T]

You're not be paranoid!!

A couple of thoughts...encouraging back sleeping from day one helps to develop the habit and hopefully make baby comfortable an used to sleeping on their back.

If baby does fall asleep tummy down on your chest, I believe it is still recommended that they be turned over to their back

That being said, I am a first time mom too so I know a lot of this stuff might b a lot easier said than done. All we can do is be aware and as cautious as we see fit.

I am planning on trying to lay her down in her crib or co sleeper bed on her back if she falls asleep on me...hopefully it will go well. I know they might wake up but hopefully she'll fall back asleep...or I might even try her swing.

 

[DJF]

Thanks for the great information!

 

[BeachComber]

Just wanted to point out that co-sleeping if done properly actually reduces the risk of SIDS.

https://thebabybond.com/Cosleeping&SIDSFactSheet.html