New Information on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

SIDS is the leading cause of death among infants who are 1 month to 1 year old. Most deaths occur between 2 to 4 months of age. One factor that may be associated with SIDS, are the flame retardant chemicals found in crib mattresses. According to researcher James Sprott, when naturally occurring fungi grow in a mattress, they react with flame retardant chemicals producing a toxic gas cloud that hovers just above the bed. Turning babies onto their back has decreased SIDS because their noses are not placed right in the toxic gases.

Covering your mattress in one of two ways can prevent this problem. One way is to buy a BabeSafe mattress cover for a bassinet or crib. Search BabeSafe or www.healthychild.com or www.preventcribdeath.com to find crib mattress covers. The other option is to make your own mattress cover using polyethylene from a hardware store. Sprott’s research has shown that no infants have died in New Zealand since 1994 when wrapping mattresses with a polyethylene covering.


How to Wrap a Mattress for SIDS Prevention:

Wrap any mattress until baby is well past the age of a risk from SIDS (12 months).

1. Use thick, clear (not colored) polyethylene sheeting, available in the paint section of your hardware store. The thickness must be at least 125 microns, or 5 mil. Polyvinylchloride (PVC) should never be used. Measure the mattress and figure enough extra to cover the sides and part of the bottom of the mattress along the entire perimeter. Cut the approximate size for the mattress and air it outdoors for a few days before wrapping your mattress.

2. Place the polyethylene over the top of the mattress and down the ends and sides, and then secure it firmly beneath the mattress with strong adhesive or duct tape. The polyethylene should not be airtight on the underside of the mattress, but it must be airtight on the top and sides of the mattress.

3. On top of the polyethylene place a pure cotton blanket or mattress cover and tuck this in securely. Look for organic mattress covers. Place sheets on as usual. Refrain from using acrylic blankets, sleeping bags, or moisture-resistant mattress protectors.


Other precautions to prevent SIDS:

·Do not allow babies to sleep in soft mattresses or on other couches or soft
surfaces (beanbag chairs, overstuffed chairs, waterbeds).

·Do not smoke or expose them to cigarette smoke.

·Alcohol and recreational drug use, sleeping pills and other sedatives taken by mothers during pregnancy has been linked with SIDS.

·Poor prenatal care and low birth-weight are also risk factors. Receive optimal prenatal care.

·Have your baby sleep on their back.