Cribs, bassinets and SIDS

TbirdClt

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I am new at all this and just trying to learn.

It seems that a lot of people will not use crib bumpers because they block airflow which can contribute to SIDS.

At the same time, it seems a lot of people don't even use a crib at first, they use a bassinet.  All the bassinet's I have looked at have solid sides, and are much more closed in than any crib, thus logically having a limited airflow.

How is that ok? What am I missing?

Thanks!

 

 

RSClementine

This is a really good question, and I would also like to know the answer.

 I do know that having the baby sleep in the same room, close to the parents, helps the child establish a solid breathing pattern, because they breathe in time with mom and dad. This can help prevent SIDS. But as for the bassinet, I am confounded.

MrsJOSEnADRI

I've wondered the same thing about the bassinets.  We'll probably use a PNP or the FP rock-n-play sleeper while she's in our room.

TravelinMama

I've asked this question many many times as there's no evidence pointed at bassinets.

I've used both bumpers and bassinets with both my boys and will use both with this baby as well.

We also have an a/c unit in LO's room for air flow and the Angel Care monitor. 

starsmaycollide

Good question-though in our case, we are using a PNP as a bassinet , which has the mesh sides. Then, he'll be going to a crib with a breathable bumper.

Kimee13

Bumpers and sleeping with baby in your bed are big no-nos, or so says the Medical Examiner/Coroner that teaches DH's training classes each year(he's a police officer) - and we'll heed his advice.  We're planning on having baby sleep in his crib from the start - we have a ceiling fan in the room and plan on keeping it cool which are both supposed to help with SIDS. We also have a video monitor which isn't really preventive, but it gives us a piece of mind. 

skyfarm15

We used the PNP when he was in our room, so they are more open.  We we given a bassinet which I had on the first floor and it was only used with the sleep positioner to keep him in place and the hood down.  We never bought a bedding set, the only things that get used are the dust ruffle and fitted sheet, if they even come with one.  We spent the money on nicer fitted sheets, HALO sleep sacks, and a breathable bumper.

Torani

Bassinets are not an issue, because as they are only used up to 15lbs, babies are not usually mobile in their sleep for 3-5 months, so it is not an issue.  When we would put DS down, he was all swaddled up and didn't move AT ALL until we picked him up.  Bumpers are not an issue until they can roll over.  At that point, we switched to a breathable bumper.

ktwilley

That is a good question. I was asking someone about bumpers blocking airflow yesterday, and she said the entire top of the crib is open, how is airflow blocked?? I'm going to ask my OB today. I would think that a bassinet would be worse, but I'm pretty clueless as a first time mom. 

I've also read that pack and plays, bouncers, car seats, etc are not meant for full time sleeping (not that they are unsafe, just that they aren't meant for this). I know that everyone lets their LOs sleep in these, but that's just what I've read. That same article said to bring the crib into the parents bedroom for close sleeping. I don't know how practical that is for most people. I know it's not for me. 

missesru

Torani:

Bassinets are not an issue, because as they are only used up to 15lbs, babies are not usually mobile in their sleep for 3-5 months, so it is not an issue.  When we would put DS down, he was all swaddled up and didn't move AT ALL until we picked him up.  Bumpers are not an issue until they can roll over.  At that point, we switched to a breathable bumper.

Perhaps you are confused as to why bumpers are a SIDS risk.  It doesn't have anything to do with baby being mobile it has to do with air circulation.  Having bumpers on the crib can limit circulation, thus baby may not get enough oxygen.  This is why breathable bumpers are recommended if you feel the need to use bumpers.

missesru

ktwilley:

I've also read that pack and plays, bouncers, car seats, etc are not meant for full time sleeping (not that they are unsafe, just that they aren't meant for this). I know that everyone lets their LOs sleep in these, but that's just what I've read. That same article said to bring the crib into the parents bedroom for close sleeping. I don't know how practical that is for most people. I know it's not for me. 

This was on my mind when I first started researching as well.  What I didn't think of, until it was pointed out to me, is that newborn's don't generally sleep through the night, so "sleep" is essentially the same as a "nap".  Although PnP's aren't intended for 'full time sleeping', they can be beneficial in the early weeks/months since baby will wake up throughout the night anyways.

bethCT

When DD was in the bassinet (Nature's Purest) and even when she moved into the crib, she could not roll over at all. So there was no danger of her mushing her face into the side of the bassinet.  We even put a blanket over her and tucked it under the bassinet mattress on 3 sides (just like they did in the hospital).

We went with the breathable bumpers at like 7 or 8 months when little legs started hanging out of the crib and still use them.

Allie30

I think you all are confused about how bumpers "block airflow." It's not that they close off the sides -- like a previous poster said, the top is open -- it's that if babies wiggle over and get their faces pressed up against the giant stuffed bumpers (or stuck between the bumper and the mattress) then it's the same as having a thick blanket or a pillow shoved around their faces. They can suffocate.

Not having bumpers in the crib is the same safety concern as 1) not having a pillow or quilt in the crib 2) not having a stuffed animal in the crib, 3) not having a "soft" mattress that the baby can sink into.  You are supposed to put your baby on a firm, flat surface and NOT let a blanket or pillow anywhere near them. That's why they make sleep sacks to keep babies warm because it's impossible for a sleep sack to get up around their face.

That's also why the safety bumpers are called "breathable" bumpers. What it means is that if a baby's face is pressed up against the breathable bumper, it's just mesh, They can breathe through that. It's not a stuffed bumper that's the equivalent of a pillow or stuffed animal, which is a suffocation hazard. Additionally, breathable bumpers reach BELOW the level of the mattress on the outside (around the slats) as opposed to the stuffed quilty crib bumpers, which sit loosely on the INSIDE of the crib ON TOP of the mattress, and are a danger because a baby can get their heads stuck underneath them and suffocate. 

And yes, even newborns can wiggle enough to get their faces caught underneath stuffed animals, fluffy bumpers, pillows and blankets, and that's why they say to keep all that stuff out of cribs AND bassinets. 

ACindyinCanada

missesru:

Torani:

Bassinets are not an issue, because as they are only used up to 15lbs, babies are not usually mobile in their sleep for 3-5 months, so it is not an issue.  When we would put DS down, he was all swaddled up and didn't move AT ALL until we picked him up.  Bumpers are not an issue until they can roll over.  At that point, we switched to a breathable bumper.

Perhaps you are confused as to why bumpers are a SIDS risk.  It doesn't have anything to do with baby being mobile it has to do with air circulation.  Having bumpers on the crib can limit circulation, thus baby may not get enough oxygen.  This is why breathable bumpers are recommended if you feel the need to use bumpers.

If this is the issue, then why would you ever put your child in a bassinet.  It would obviously be a bigger risk.  The airflow in bassinet is even less than a crib WITH bumpers, never mind one without.

smitt2619

This is a really interesting question.  I too have wondered this myself.  My understanding is that it's a matter of distance that makes the more solid sides of bassinets okay (it's a lot easier for fresh air to flow into a bassinet then crib with bumpers), although if a baby was to roll, there still is the risk of suffocation.  Our bassinet had mesh on part of the sides, but not all of it.  My LO was swaddled in Halo Sleepsack Swaddles and couldn't roll, so I didn't worry, but I understand the question.  I think it also has to do with statistics.  It does surprise me that bassinets aren't made with mesh siding.   

Irishsapphire

I use the Mission Style cradle from JC Penney's, and I took out the bumper when my LO came home from the hospital. He also sleeps on his Baby Einstein bouncer or his wedge. 

heehee611

Allie30:

I think you all are confused about how bumpers "block airflow." It's not that they close off the sides -- like a previous poster said, the top is open -- it's that if babies wiggle over and get their faces pressed up against the giant stuffed bumpers (or stuck between the bumper and the mattress) then it's the same as having a thick blanket or a pillow shoved around their faces. They can suffocate.

 

Actually YOU are the one confused about SIDS vs suffocation.  Yes bumpers are a suffocation risk.  But they are also a SIDS risk for completely different reasons (the air flow through the crib).  Stale air is believe to be a risk factor for SIDS, and well as being in a room that is too warm.  The blanket, pillows, and stuffed animals are a danger because of suffocation.  Suffocation and SIDS are not the same thing.