In 1992, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended that all babies be placed on their backs when put down to help prevent the incidence of SIDS. Since then, the incidence of SIDS has significantly been reduced since this went into effect. I would also like to add that parents need to be aware that it could also be very dangerous to allow your baby to sleep in bed with you. Not only are the mattresses not safe for babies to sleep on but a tired parent could inadvertently lay on top of their baby and smother them. It is a very unsafe practice to let a baby sleep in the same bed with adults. Contrary to popular belief, babies do not aspirate their vomitus if placed on their backs. I have never seen this happen.
Doctor WatchDog Notification Service Sphere ItSudden Infant Death Syndrome and Infant Position
Published by March 28th, 2007 in Children's & Women's Health - Leslie, RN, BSN and MyDocHub.6 Responses to “Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Infant Position”
- 1 Pingback on Mar 31st, 2007 at 4:47 pm
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I have to disagree with you about the babies sleeping in bed with their parents. If safety measures are followed to ensure the child’s safety, co-sleeping is safer than leaving them alone in a crib in a nursery. There are no medical studies showing that co-sleeping and SIDS are related. When people suggest that they are it perpetuates the myth that co-sleeping is dangerous. Obviously, it’s a personal decision, but not a medically supported danger.
I agree with JenniferW. My review of the research done on infant sleeping shows a marked low number of SIDS-related deaths in non-Western cultures. These cultures have a high rate of co-sleeping. Parents do not roll over on their babies by the same mechanism that keeps them on the bed to begin with. Co-sleeping helps infants coordinate their breathing; sleeping next to one’s baby is a better monitor than the ones you plug in, IMO.
I co-slept with our son for a year, then he transitioned to his own crib, then to his own room a few months later. He’s a happy, healthy kid. We had a beautiful bond that I wouldn’t have given up for anything. It’s a viable choice that (I think) more people ought to consider.
I would have to comment then if parents insist on having their babies sleep next to them, please be very aware of what is surrounding the baby. Please do not surround the baby with a bunch of heavy and fluffy blankets. Please keep the baby on its back and try to always be aware of the baby while sleeping. I used to have my younger child co-sleep with us until at the age of 2 months she was almost smothered by my husband who had rolled on top of her. I awoke to hear some very heavy and slow breathing from her so please be careful. I understand that this is very rare but it does happen. Also, please understand that I agree that co-sleeping does aid in bonding with parents, I am just addressing the safety issues. I have seen the other side.