No SIDS Deaths in 11 Years!
We have a few things on our baby’s bed that are a little different than what most people have. With all of the SIDS hype, it is very important to have a safe bed; so we’ve done our research and tried to make it as safe as we know how. Here is what we have done.
Mattress Cover
I can’t remember how we ran across this product or information, but it didn’t take long to prove itself to us. We read about Dr. T.J. Sprott of New Zealand who has done some great SIDS research that you really don’t hear about here in the States. Dr. Sprott has been researching cot death, (SIDS), since about 1981 and has come up with some very interesting facts. He has concluded from his research that SIDS is not caused by a baby breathing in their own carbon dioxide, but by breathing in the “hightly toxic nerve gas which can be generated from mattresses and other bedding used in babies’ cots. The gases are generated by action of common household fungi on compounds of phosphorus, arsenic and antimony present in the mattress or bedding.” In other words, common fungi in your house feed off of the chemicals in your baby mattress and emit toxic gases. When your baby is sleeping, their little face is right next to where the toxic fumes are being emitted! If that got your attention, then go and read Dr. Sprott’s FAQs page! There is also another interesting article on the toxic gas theory here.
The way to prevent your baby from breathing in these toxic fumes is to either buy a BabeSafe mattress, or a BabeSafe mattress cover. We went with the cover since it was cheaper and because it also protects the mattress from “accidents”. The mattresses are only available for purchase in New Zealand. All of the details on measuring your mattress and “wrapping” it can be found here, just click on FAQs about mattress wrapping. If you’re still not convinced, please look at this statistics page. There have been NO reported deaths (in about 11 years) of any babies sleeping on a BabeSafe mattress or BabeSafe mattress cover!! Isn’t that amazing??!?
Bumper Pad
The other product I wanted to tell you about is similar to a bumper pad. In the past we had always used a standard bumper pad in the crib. You know, the tall, padded kind that you tie to the rails. But we never liked the fact that it could limit the airflow for our babies to breath; especially when they snuggle right up to it. When Nathaniel started using his regular bumper as a step stool of sorts, I decided to take it out. But, since he likes to snuggle up to the side of his bed when he’s sleeping, he couldn’t get comfortable without the bumper there as a cushion. That’s when I found this awesome CozyWedge at Mom4Life. It is short enough that he can’t use it to give himself a boost, but it protects his little head from hitting up against the edges of his crib so he stays comfortable. Even more, its unique wedge shape makes sure your baby is always getting fresh air. We love it!
I just had to share this important information with you. Hope this information will have your baby’s bed in a SIDS free zone too! Please, let us know what you think.
