SIDS tips

[wright1212]

I just went to a revised training on SIDS today and wanted to pass along some very important things we as parents need to be aware of:
THE CRIB:
no bumpers, no blankets, no toys. An empty crib is safest. Also put them with their feet near the bottom and ALWAYS on their back. Their PJ's and a passy are really all they need. And never ever too warm.
YOUR BED:
there are too many cases of parents sufficating the baby so this is just not safe. Also the wedges to help them stay on their side or back are not safe either.
OTHER SLEEPING:
Babies should not be left to sleep on their tummies, in their carseats, bouncers, ect. These are not good sleeping position, thus reducing air flow, and its bad for their backs.
FLAT HEAD:
Some worry about them getting flat heads, but this is not a medical concern. I know I'd rather my baby be alive with flat head!
Actual CAUSES:
too warm, deep sleep, covering mouth and stop breathing, So we always want a cool room(68-72 room) passy helps, plus a little noise or a little light.
WARNINGS and BIG TIPS
Give lots of tummy play time (supervised) this teaches head control and when they get in those dangerous situations they are more able to get out of them.
Its most likely to happen between 2-5 months old, and more likely in boys.
Safest is at least during the day check them every 15 minutes. (this is the daycare rule in TN)
NO SMOKING: smoking in a room where baby ever is, during pregnancy, or wearing smoke covered clothes can all harm a baby and their respirtory system thus increasing risk of sids.

That is all I can think of for now. This info all came from the CJ foundation that provides tons of quality info on SIDS. There are some good handouts you can print if you have like a nanny, grandma or something caring for your baby. I will get those links and post for everyone.

[The Loud]

When you say that there are many cases of parents suffocating their babies, how many of these parents were drunk or on drugs? When people are drunk or on drugs, they're a danger to babies whether they're asleep or awake. If you look at the actual suffocation cases, you'll find that alcohol and other drugs are often to blame.

All the actual research I've seen shows that it's perfectly safe for babies to sleep with their (sober) moms, and it actually reduces the risk of SIDS. Here's some:
http://forum.kellymom.net/showthread.php?t=34324

[wright1212]

The case that was shared yesterday was just a sleep deprived mom who simply feel asleep, then the baby got itself in such a position against her body that it couldnt breath.
I love having the baby in my bed. I mastered laying down sideways nursing after my first 2 csections. However I also know I have fallen asleep with baby nursing too-and that scares me. I still plan on the laying down nursing-but this time I will turn a small low watt lamp on to help me not fall really asleep. Then as soon as she is done I will change her and put her back in her bed next to mine. PLUS I have 3 cats that TRY (but not allowed) to sleep in my bed so I'd rather her not sleep with us anyway.
Having the baby in parents room is good since hearing the parents make sleeping noises is one of those things that prevents them from falling into that deep scary sleep. But one thing I heard that scares me is...doctors have been putting in death reports that babies died of SIDS and not suffication just to protect parents feelings-that skews statistics and is misleading. That was enough to convince me not to do it.

[The Loud]

It's always possible to find one anecdote about a baby who died with mom, just as it's always possible to find one anecdote about a baby who died alone. In the case you mention, had any care been taken to ensure that the bed was safe (just as you would ensure that a crib is safe)? As the first poster said, "no bumpers, no blankets, no toys. An empty crib is safest." You have to make your bed safe the same way.

Of course, you should do what you feel comfortable with, but I base my decisions on scientific studies, not individual scary anecdotes. Here's some research:
http://www.nd.edu/~jmckenn1/lab/