I had some sad news this week as someone I work with lost her baby to SIDS. What a tragedy to lose a baby so young and full of life with no warning, no signs, and no time to say goodbye. He was at daycare and just didn't wake up from his nap. My heart goes out to not only his mother, but also the person watching him. As I think about the mother, I cannot even begin to imagine what she is dealing with. Her little boy was a little older than Delaney, and it just reminds me that there is something so scary out there that we have no control over, or at least that is what I had originally thought.
Upon hearing this news, and in an attempt to make some sense out of a tragic and heartwrenching situation, I did a little research. I found that there is actually a cause that has been found, and if you use the method these researchers suggest, SIDS will not happen. It has been 100% effecive over the last 11 years. Unfortunately, this is not told to people in the U.S. The study was done in New Zealand and babies in New Zealand are not dying. At all. SIDS is caused by chemicals in mattresses mixing with a normal fungus/bacteria found in mattresses and creating a toxic gas that lies over the top surface of the mattress. If a high level of this toxic gas is breathed in, it kills the baby. To prevent it you wrap the mattress to eliminate the exposure. It's as simple as that. I am currently furious at our government for not recognizing this because they feel they would have to admit liabliity for requiring these chemicals be put in the mattresses in the first place. (The chemicals are what make mattresses fire retardent) Please read the link I attached if you are interested because it explains it so much better than I have.
Anyway, the point is, if you know anyone who has a young baby or is pregnant, please let them know about this solution to SIDS. I will be wrapping my crib at home and both the crib at my parents and Christian's parents. It's just not worth the risk!!
Here is just ONE of the many websites explaining the research.
http://www.healthychild.com/cribdeathcause.htm
I just hope if I can help spread the word maybe we can prevent a death without even realizing it. Unfortunately it took a horrible situation for me to even look up more information.
3 comments:
Thank you so much for posting that website! I found it a very interesting read and will be buying a mattress cover also. I have shared it with my girlfriends with little ones or who are expecting! Thanks again!
Thank you Kerry for sharing that info. I am not expecting a child anytime soon, but when the time comes, I will be buying a matress cover as well! Anything you can do to reduce your risk is worth it.
I know we haven't met (yet) but I'm one of Kelley's friends....I am so glad that you wrote this post - I have 3 friends that are expecting and have forwarded the information on to them. Anything we can do to prevent such a horrible loss is worth it. Praying for your friends during this terrible time...
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