Colin Snow
Soft bedding for babies is a dangerous practice that can lead to suffocation and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). It is recommended that babies sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surface, such as a safety-approved crib mattress covered by a fitted sheet with no other bedding. This is because soft surfaces can indent and conform to the shape of the baby's head, increasing the likelihood that they will breathe in their exhaled breath (carbon dioxide). Despite the decline in the use of soft bedding, many parents still use it, believing it to be protective and comfortable for their newborns.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safe sleep surface | Firm, flat surface |
| Safe bedding | Fitted sheet with no other bedding |
| Safe sleep position | On their back |
| Safe sleep location | Separate surface in the parents' room |
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What You'll Learn
Soft surfaces can cause suffocation
The use of soft bedding by infants has been associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), the leading cause of death for infants 1 month to 1 year old. Despite this, many parents still use soft bedding in their infants' cribs, with about half of families surveyed in one study still doing so. The American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Institutes of Health have issued recommendations that infants be put to sleep on their backs, without blankets or soft objects, to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related causes of death.
It is important to note that there is no product that prevents SIDS. The safest place for a baby to sleep is on their back, on a firm surface, covered by a fitted sheet with no other bedding. This surface should be in the parent's room, close to the parent's bed but on a separate surface designed for infants, ideally for the first year but at least for the first six months.
To ensure the safety of your newborn, it is crucial to follow safe sleep practices and choose a firm, flat surface for your baby's sleep area.
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Firm mattresses are recommended
It is recommended that newborns sleep on a firm, flat surface. This is because soft surfaces can be dangerous for babies. If an infant lies on a soft surface, it may indent or conform to the shape of their head, increasing the likelihood that they will breathe in their exhaled breath (carbon dioxide). This can lead to suffocation if the baby becomes face down in the mattress, couch, or another soft surface.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a safe sleep environment that can reduce the risk of all sleep-related infant deaths. This includes supine positioning (placing infants on their back to sleep), the use of a firm sleep surface, room-sharing without bed-sharing, and the avoidance of soft bedding and overheating.
To ensure your baby's mattress is firm enough, you can perform a simple test. Press the mattress in the middle and around the edges. If the mattress is firm enough, it will snap back right away, rather than conforming to your hand or fingers.
When setting up your baby's sleep environment, it is important to remember to only use a fitted sheet and avoid adding any other soft bedding, such as nests, bumpers, sheepskins, additional padding, or pillows. These can pose a hazard to your baby and increase the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SIDS) or sleep accidents.
By following these guidelines and choosing a firm mattress for your newborn, you can help create a safe and comfortable sleep environment.
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Soft bedding is dangerous
The use of soft infant bedding has been associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), the leading cause of death for infants 1 month to 1 year old. Despite this, many parents still use soft bedding for their babies, with studies showing that about half of families with infants younger than 8 months old still use soft bedding. This may be due to a perception that soft bedding is protective and comfortable for the baby. However, it is important to remember that soft bedding can be dangerous and is not necessary to keep the baby warm, as wearable blankets or sleep sacks can be used instead.
To ensure the safety of your baby, it is recommended to choose a firm mattress that complies with the size and depth recommended by the manufacturer of the cot. The mattress should be covered by a tight-fitting crib sheet, with no more than a 20mm gap between the mattress and the cot sides and ends. It is also important to remove any plastic packaging from the mattress and to use a waterproof mattress protector that is strong and a tight fit. Additionally, soft objects and loose bedding should be kept away from infants, as they can pose a suffocation risk.
By following these guidelines and recommendations, you can help create a safe sleep environment for your newborn and reduce the risk of sleep-related injuries or death.
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SIDS prevention
It is crucial to ensure that newborns sleep on a firm, flat surface, as soft surfaces can increase the risk of sudden unexpected infant death (SIDS) or sleep accidents. When a baby lays on a soft surface, their face may become pressed into the mattress, obstructing their breathing and causing suffocation. Additionally, soft surfaces can cause an infant to breathe in their exhaled breath (carbon dioxide), which can be fatal. Therefore, it is recommended to place your baby on their back to sleep on a firm mattress covered by only a fitted sheet, with no other soft bedding or objects in the sleep space.
To prevent SIDS and create a safe sleep environment for your baby, follow these guidelines:
- Always put your baby to sleep on their back on a firm, flat surface, such as a crib or bassinet.
- Do not add soft bedding, such as nests, bumpers, sheepskins, additional padding, pillows, or quilts, to the baby's sleep area.
- Make sure there is no more than a 20mm gap between the mattress and the cot sides and ends to prevent the baby from getting stuck.
- Choose a cot mattress that complies with the size and depth recommended by the manufacturer and meets safety standards, such as the AS/NZS Voluntary Standard (AS/NZS 8811.1:2013).
- If you bring your baby into your bed for feeding or comforting, remove all soft items and bedding from the bed. Put the baby back in their own sleep space as soon as you finish or wake up.
- Offer your baby a pacifier at nap time and bedtime, especially if you are not breastfeeding.
- Ensure your baby receives recommended vaccines and well-child visits with their healthcare provider.
- Avoid using wedges, positioners, or other products that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS, as many do not meet federal guidelines and may be linked to injury and death.
By following these guidelines, you can help reduce the risk of SIDS and create a safer sleep environment for your newborn.
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Safe sleep guidelines
It is important to follow safe sleep practices to reduce the risk of sleep-related injuries and death in newborns. Here are some guidelines to ensure your baby sleeps safely:
Sleeping surface
Always place your baby on their back on a firm, flat surface to sleep. This is true for every sleep period until they are one year old. A firm surface will not indent when the baby is lying on it. A soft surface may indent or conform to the shape of the baby's head, increasing the likelihood that the baby will breathe in their own exhaled breath (carbon dioxide) and potentially leading to suffocation. Mattresses that are too soft or worn down in any area could also create a gap where a baby's face could become stuck, causing them to suffocate.
Bedding
Use a firm mattress covered with a fitted sheet, with no other bedding. Soft objects, loose bedding, nests, bumpers, sheepskins, additional padding, additional mattresses, or pillows should not be used as they can be dangerous. Blankets can be replaced with a wearable blanket or sleep sack that wraps around the body to keep your infant warm at night.
Sleep location
The safest place for a baby to sleep is in the same room as their parents, close to the parents' bed but on a separate surface designed for infants, ideally for the first year but at least for the first six months.
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Frequently asked questions
No, newborn babies should not sleep on soft surfaces. Soft surfaces can obstruct a baby's breathing, causing suffocation, and can also lead to "rebreathing" of carbon dioxide, which can be fatal.
Safe sleep practices for newborns include:
- Placing infants on their back to sleep for every sleep period until they are 1 year old.
- Keeping soft objects and loose bedding away from the infant's sleep area.
- Using a firm, flat sleep surface, such as a mattress in a safety-approved crib covered by a fitted sheet.
- Sharing a room with the infant, but not a bed, for at least the first six months.
Soft bedding has been associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), the leading cause of death for infants 1 month to 1 year old. It can also increase the risk of suffocation if the baby becomes face down in the mattress or another soft surface.
