One of the most frightening things that a parent can dream of is something horrible happening to their baby. SIDS, for example, is a horrible occurrence. In some cases, a simple mistake can lead to horrible outcomes. Something as simple as using a quilt or a blanket in your baby’s bed at night can increase the risk of suffocation or even death due to SIDS.
While you may not realize it, SIDS is the leading cause of death for babies between one month and one year of age. While the reasons or causes of SIDS aren’t always obvious, studies have conclusively shown that having materials like bedding or stuffed animals can reduce the risk of SIDS.
Most experts, in fact, recommend that the crib be empty entirely. A fitted sheet, your baby and clothing that will keep her warm at night are all you really need. While a nice comforter may match the décor of the room, it may also contribute to a risk for SIDS.
There are a number of things that you might be tempted to put into a baby’s crib. Bedding, blankets, bumpers, stuffed animals and more can be a hazard. Each of these kinds of items can cause your baby’s face to become covered, which leads to re-breathing. Re-breathing is the process of taking the very same air in over and over again. This causes your baby to breath in more carbon dioxide than she should, which may be what connects it with SIDS.
Some experts recommend sleep sacks in order to help reduce the risk of re-breathing and SIDS. Sleep sacks are snuggly sleeper blankets that you actually zip your baby into at night. They’re relatively easy to work with at night for changing time, too, because they usually fasten at the bottom as well. Some are designed to be worn alone, while others work with pajamas.
A sleep sack is a good choice for alternative bedding if you are concerned that your baby may be cold at night. They do the job of a blanket without the increased risk that is associated with SIDS.