In reference to Mary Renard's post about the lastest goverment statement and
SIDS and co-sleeping, I believe she is probably referring to what was also
published in our local paper, The Wichita Eagle. It had a small article
that was titled something like, "Babies sleep safest alone" and referred to
The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development web site and the
"Back to Sleep" SIDS Campaign link. Their address is:
http://www.nih.gov/nichd/
The following is just part of the text from the website:
>>>Recently, scientific studies have demonstrated that bedsharing, between
mother and baby, can alter sleep patterns of the mother and baby. These
studies have led to speculation that bedsharing, sometimes referred to
as co-sleeping, may also reduce the risk of SIDS. While bedsharing may
have certain benefits (such as encouraging breast feeding), there are
not scientific studies demonstrating that bedsharing reduces SIDS. Some
studies actually suggest that bedsharing, under certain conditions, may
increase the risk of SIDS. If mothers choose to sleep in the same beds
with their babies, care should be taken to avoid using soft sleep
surfaces. Quilts, blankets, pillows, comforters, or other similar soft
materials should not be placed under the baby. The bedsharer should not
smoke or use substances such as alcohol or drugs which may impair
arousal. It is also important to be aware that unlike cribs, which are
designed to meet safety standards for infants, adult beds are not so
designed and may carry a risk of accidental entrapment and suffocation.
Babies should be kept warm, but they should not be allowed to get too
warm because an overheated baby is more likely to go into a deep sleep
from which it is difficult to arouse. The temperature in the baby ís
room should feel comfortable to an adult and overdressing the baby
should be avoided.
There is some evidence to suggest that breast feeding might reduce the
risk of SIDS. A few studies have found SIDS to be less common in
infants who have been breast fed. This may be because breast milk can
provide protection from some infections that can trigger sudden death in
infants.<<<
Barb Gabbert-Bacon, LLL Leader, Wichita, Kansas
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