Waterbeds are used in all the nursery isolettes in Sweden and Norway (I did
an internship in Norway). Their philosophy is that waterbeds are much more
soothing, and I believe it.

Yes of course, but the fact is that these are baby-size and not shared with
other humans. It's not the surface that's the problem but the interactions
on that surface, and where mothers are heavy and babies light any surface
that indsents and allows baby to get down in a valley she can;t climb out
of increases risjs of oxygen deprivation and CO2 increase.

Can't generalise from special care nursery situation to home: Norwegian
babies are in bed with Mum after the isolette, and adult hospital beds are
not waterbeds, although they remain more soothing for all!

This is not an argument for waterbeds or against them, just against this
piece of information being misinterpreted.Though I think the evidence clear
that soft beds and broken surfaces make for greater SIDS risks, and it's
interesting to see how those of you with waterbeds have tried to prevent
baby getting into the valleys formed by adult bodies.

maureen

Maureen Minchin, IBCLC
5 St, George's Rd., Armadale Vic 3143 Australia
tel/fax after March 1: 61.3.95094929 or 95000648