I've heard one of the ways to prevent SIDS is to not have a blanket or pillow in the crib with the baby. However, I've heard a lot of people say (on here and from friends/family) to wrap your baby up tight in a blanket to help him/her sleep. The tightness of the blanket reminds the baby of being in the womb and comforts the baby. I'm not trying to criticize anyone, I'm just trying to get information. It seems like these two things contradict each other, am I right? Or is there a safe way to wrap your baby to help the baby sleep that will still prevent SIDS caused by the effects of blankets? Thanks everyone.
2007-10-14 09:41:37 · 15 answers · asked by BlackDahlia 5 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
It is called swadding and if you get it tight enogh and do it right it shoudnt oosen up and suoffocate her. But i suggest dressing them warm and putting them on their backs to seep. Once they get od enough to turn themselves over they have enough muscle strength to control it and the risks of SIDS go way way down. I would not use bumpers on your crib either. The little babies may scoot themselves over to it and push their face against it and may not be able to move it.
2007-10-14 09:46:52 · answer #1 · answered by bbhefer 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
SIDS is a slippery slope - everyone has a theory and a "solution" some say back sleeping is the best, others tummy or side with a wedge. There are the no pillow and the pro-pillow as well as the no fluffy blanket and the pro-fluffy blanket. It is enough to drive a mom insane. The Facts are clear the prevention is varied since to date there is no real known cause for SIDS. The only thing a parent can do is the best they know, watch the baby - check to make sure there is no hazard in the bed, that the mattress is firm and the slats of the crib are no wider than 2 3/8 inches, be sure nothing dangles in the crib like a cord, strapping or other strangulation hazard and know that all you can do is keep your baby safe - you cannot prevent SIDS.
Not much help - I know - but as a mother of three and grand-daughter of a midwife it is the truth.
2007-10-14 09:52:03 · answer #2 · answered by Walking on Sunshine 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The way to wrap your baby is not tight, but rather snug. For some reason, I vaguely remember it being called "bunny-ing". I don't think you can prevent SIDS. I think these days if your baby is at risk they will be able to tell that in the hospital and suggest a monitoring system to you. I think there is actually a mattress pad that will set off an alarm should the baby stop breathing. A pillow is not a good idea, not just for SIDS. If the baby rolls into it and their little body gets stuck there they will smother. That is not SIDS.
The bunnying isn't just for the snug environment. It stops the baby from flailing and scaring or hurting their self. Babies have very little control of what their bodies do and when they cry they move alot. In the womb they wouldn't hurt themselves, but things are different on the outside. I had success bunnying my kids. You kind of get to know when they get too big for it, just as you kinda get to know alot about babies when you start caring for your own.
P.S. Do what your doctor or nurse suggests about the babies position in the crib. Years ago I was told the best way for the baby to lie was on its side. On the back they could choke on their own saliva or vomit. When the baby is bigger it was suggested on their tummy was the best. Things are always changing, but the best bet is to monitor that little life and you will feel more sure of whatever you choose to do.
2007-10-14 09:58:50 · answer #3 · answered by bin there dun that 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's okay to swaddle a baby as a newborn because at this age they really don't have enough strength (if you swaddle them correctly) to undo the blanket. And if they are laying on their back then you really don't have anything to worry about (although you should always keep an eye on them).
However, once they get older (usually when they start to roll over) you shouldn't have pillows or blankets in the crib while they sleep. They can roll over and get smothered or they can pull the blanket over their face.
2007-10-14 09:47:52 · answer #4 · answered by adrian♥ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
swaddling is what they are talking about doing when they tell you to wrap the baby up tightly in a blanket. it is different than having a loose blanket in the crib, which can suffocate the baby if it gets around their face while sleeping (which is considered SIDS caused by a blanket) although it is kind of contradicting to one another, having a loose blanket in the crib is shown to increase the risk of SIDS, while swaddling is shown to reduce the risk. not all babies like to be swaddled however.
2007-10-14 09:50:26 · answer #5 · answered by katana_avion1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the best way to prevent sids is to lay the baby on their back at all times! and if you swaddle a baby right then you shouldn't have any problems with the blanket. I used to use baby bumpers so i knew my sons wouldn't end up on their tummy's. I have asked quite a few doctors and from what I understand it mainly occurs when the child is laid on their stomach, but it can also occurs for no reason in some instances the baby just forgets to breathe :(
Hope this helps.
p.s by baby bumpers im not talking crib bumpers. baby bumpers are little things ( humps) that sit on each side of the baby's hips thats supposed to stop them from rolling over.
2007-10-14 09:48:49 · answer #6 · answered by chalet_6968 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you place a blanket loosely on a baby the concern is that it will end up over their mouth. So if you are using a blanket you are told to either swaddle the baby or place the baby with their feet on the footboard and tuck the blanket in firmly on both sides so it can't move.
Swaddling is safer than just tucking in the blanket, however you have to be careful the baby doesn't overheat.
Sleep sacks or no blanket are even safer.
2007-10-14 09:48:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The SIDs danger from blankets and pillows is because of the possibility of suffocation from heavy blankets and fluffy pillows. If a baby is tightly swaddled in a light receiving blanket the chance of them suffocating is next to none.
2007-10-14 09:48:30 · answer #8 · answered by jennifer_elaine83 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't want to put a blanket or pillow loose in the crib, the baby moves around a lot and can get tangled up in all of it and suffocate. Also wrapping it tight keeps it next to the baby and keeps it out of her face, of course I never did that, I used sleepers and doubled them up and then put a light blanket on them. But that is just me, and all five of my kids are alive and well
2007-10-14 09:48:08 · answer #9 · answered by Barbara C 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When they say no blankets, they mean no comforters or thick fuzzy blankets that can get caught in the nose/mouth area. Same thing for bumpers, they are thick and smothering hazzards. The thin blanket that you wrap the baby in does not pose a risk.
2007-10-14 09:57:49 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What they mean by no blankets or pillows is no fuzzy thick or furry blankets, like comforters. You can safely swaddle the baby in receiving blankets and they will not cover the babies face if done correctly.
They say no big thick blankets because the baby can put their face into them and not receive enough oxygen, it is called rebreathing.
2007-10-14 09:46:35 · answer #11 · answered by Ree 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋