Crib Bumpers & SIDS
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) strikes fear in the heart of every parent. Pediatricians know that good sleep practices reduce the risk of SIDS, the most important of which is putting babies down to sleep on their back. There are many theories about the cause of SIDS, including a heart defect called Long QT syndrome. Another factor may be the presence of bumper pads in the crib. The American SIDS Institute recommends against using crib bumper pads to eliminate one risk factor in SIDS deaths.
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Sleep Practices
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No one knows for sure what causes SIDS, but one theory is that babies cannot breathe well during sleep. Experts advise putting infants to sleep on their back rather than their stomach. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the American SIDS Institute advise placing babies to sleep in a crib alone to reduce the risk of SIDS. However, research by Dr. James McKenna suggests that babies' breathing and heart rates are better regulated when they sleep next to their mothers, making the SIDS risk lower. Obese mothers or those under the influence of alcohol or drugs should not share a bed with their babies because of the risk of suffocating them.
Risks
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In addition to avoiding crib bumpers, keep other plush items such as stuffed animals and pillows out of the crib because baby could roll over onto them and suffocate. Other risk factors include exposure to secondhand smoke and being born to mothers who smoked or used drugs during pregnancy.
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Evidence
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According to a study by Dr. Bradley Thach at Washington University at St. Louis, crib bumpers present more risks than benefits. The study reviewed database reports from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and found 27 accidental deaths and 25 non-fatal injuries associated with crib bumper pads. Eleven babies died between 1985 and 2005 from suffocation when their faces pressed up against a bumper pad, and 13 died from being wedged between the bumper pad and another object.
Strangulation Risk
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Crib bumpers also present a risk of strangulation from the ties that connect them to the crib. The Washington University study found that three children have died from strangulation by bumper pad ties. People still use bumper pads because of concerns that babies' hands and feet could get stuck between the slats of the crib and to keep babies from hitting their head against the crib. However, the risk of SIDS is far more serious than those concerns.
Minimizing Risks
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Babies need air flow through the crib while they sleep. According to experts at Baby Center, crib bumpers reduce the amount of air flow through a crib, which has been linked to SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that crib bumpers should not be used, but if they are, they should be thin, flat and tied tightly to the crib. Avoid exposing babies to respiratory illnesses and secondhand smoke, and breastfeed if possible.
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References
- Photo Credit baby sleeping image by Tatyana Gladskih from Fotolia.com
