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SIDS Prevention - Does Having Organic Baby
Bedding Help?
What is SIDS?
SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome causes around 7,000 deaths every year.
Despite years of study, and many theories, scientists have not managed to find a
definate cause.
Possible causes of SIDS include - an infection, a stress related problem, a birth defect, or
a failure to develop properly.
However a complete explanation for SIDS has not been
found.
Possible Causes
SIDS could also be related to problems with the infant nervous system, heart, breathing,
sleep patterns, chemical balances, and environment.
There is a large body of professionals who link this syndrome to pesticides and other
chemicals in crib bedding. There is a possibility that chemicals in textiles are 'off gassing'
or slowly releasing chemicals into babies' lungs.
This is serious, as chemicals used in processing plants for textiles are much stronger
than those used to grow plants for food. Infants lungs are also much more sensitive and
are still developing.
So - does organic bedding help prevent SIDS?
The answer is that there is no definite proof. There is only the potential risk from
chemicals in conventional bedding, and the possible benefit from chemical free bedding.
However, at such a sensitive stage of a child's growth, it is better to err on the side of
safety. Here are some generally accepted wisdoms in the fight against SIDS.
1. Use a firm organic crib mattress firm sleep surface. A standard 510 coil mattress is usually sufficent.
Note that there are much cheaper mattresses on
the market, however if you read the specifications, you will often see that they
are no more than an 180 coil.
2. Always place babies on their backs to sleep. When putting the baby in bed,
make sure that the baby is laid directly on the mattress, (with a fitted
sheet/mattress pad.)
3. Soft blankets, pillows, comforters, sheepskins, quilts, etc., should never be
placed between the baby and mattress surface.
4. Never smoke while pregnant, or smoke near children at all.
5. Generally, a separate sleeping area for the baby is best, in the same room
as mother. Studies have shown that babies who sleep in close proximity to
their Moms do better.
6. Avoid overheating - the baby should not be hot to touch. A room
temperature comfortable for a lightly clothed adult is usually sufficient for a
sleeping baby.
Using organic crib bedding and organic cotton clothing hasn't been proven to prevent SIDS, but it MAY help to reduce the risk SIDS. And in this case, why take any chances?