Yesterday, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated their Infant Safe Sleep Recommendations in ongoing efforts to reduce the number of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) cases among newborns.
Their new recommendations include breastfeeding, getting the baby’s necessary immunizations, and removing bedding bumpers.
I read this article on Baby Central website and was shocked and disappointed by the ongoing comments of mothers refusing to remove their baby’s bumper pads, in disbelief that there is a correlation between removing bumpers and a reduction of SIDS.
One mother said,
“I think that’s crap… stop trying to scare moms!! We have too much else to think of!!”
Another said,
“I call B.S!!!”
While I’m sure these are loving mothers, who love their children as much as the next, it’s disappointing to hear people purposefully disregard an EASY recommendation by a creditable medical association.
While I don’t like to think of myself as an overbearing mom, as a new mom, I was (am) terrified of SIDS. Especially when Max was first born, I would lay in my bed (exhausted) yet unable to sleep, worried about him waking up from each nap or sleep. Many times, it didn’t bother me, while other times, the thought alone could bring me to tears in worry.
If something happened to my son, I would be absolutely horrified. It’s hard to imagine I could ever be the same person, or even close to it, if a tragedy occurred. However, I think the only thing that would provide me comfort would be knowing that as a parent, I did everything I possibly could to prevent a tragedy from occurring.
And if that means taking off his bumpers because the AAP says to do it, then that’s what we are doing!
I’m sorry that some Moms think their bumpers are too pretty, expensive, or accessorize the room too well to be removed. I am a mom… I am not a doctor. So if the AAP makes a suggestion that could save my child’s life, I’m all on board.
In the past, the AAP has provided parents with other guidelines to help reduce the chance of SIDS. These include putting your child to sleep on its back, using a firm mattress, keeping toys and blankets out of the crib, offering a pacifier, and avoiding overheating.
To see the AAP’s full list of guidelines, visit http://www.aap.org/pressroom/sids.pdf
