Quilted sleep sacks

[Sandie78]

Please help me understand from a SIDS risk perspective how a quilted sleep sack is better than a regular blanket. I understand the blanket would put the child at greater risk for suffocation than the sleep sack, but SIDS is unexplained death, not suffocation. From what I understand blankets in the crib increase the risk of SIDS. Why wouldn't a quilted sleep sack also increase the risk of SIDS? Do any of you use quilted sleep sacks?
(My friend gave me one to borrow and I'm trying to decide if I want to use it.)

[Irish Elf]

We are using a fleece sleep sack right now. It differs from a blanket because it can't get wrapped around the child's head. Also if the child does manage to cover their nose and mouth (as DD likes to play with hers) he/she can still get air. Just make sure the sleep sack fits properly - don't use a 6-12 mo size on a newborn.

Another reason we love ours - DD can't reach down and remove her socks. :D

[Sandie78]

So the caution about having blankets in the crib has to do with the risk of suffocation, not the risk of SIDS?

[jimmysgirl424]

So the caution about having blankets in the crib has to do with the risk of suffocation, not the risk of SIDS?

Thats how I've always taken those particular warnings, yes.

[Pine Tree]

I believe it's also about reduced oxygen/carbon dioxide build up if the blanket gets over the nose. I think that there is concern that higher levels of carbon dioxide (which occur when there isn't enough ventilation such as when a blanket is over the nose) may cause sleep apnea which can be fatal particularly in infants under 1.

Since SIDS is 'unexplained' there's still a lot of speculation. That's why so many simple prevantative measures are recommended right now. The main fact is that since people started doing these things SIDS has declined significantly. Now maybe they're not all necessary, but until more is known recommendations include back to sleep, no blankets etc...

We use the sleep sack and love it now that she's no longer swaddled! It's comfortable and cozy and DD stays covered all night (unlike with a blanket which just gets kicked off). Even if it wasn't for the SIDS recommendation I would definitely still use it.

[Pine Tree]

I found a link to the study that I had read. This is the key part:

"The brainstem serotonin system is thought to help coordinate breathing, blood pressure, sensitivity to carbon dioxide, and temperature during waking and sleep. When babies sleep face down or have their faces covered by bedding, they are thought to re-breathe exhaled carbon dioxide, therefore breathing in less oxygen. Normally, the rise in carbon dioxide activates nerve cells in the brainstem, which in turn stimulate respiratory and arousal centers in the brain so that the baby doesn't asphyxiate. "A normal baby will wake up, turn his or her head, and start breathing faster when carbon dioxide levels rise," explains Kinney. But in babies who die from SIDS, defects in the serotonin system may impair these reflexes, the researchers believe."

Rest of the article here:
http://www.hms.harvard.edu/news/pressreleases/ch/1006SIDS.html

The sleep sack can't go over the mouth or nose so it is much safer than a loose blanket.

Is there any reason you are hesitant to use the sleep sack? We used the miracle blanket for 6 months (best swaddle blanket ever) and then switched to a sleep sack.

[Sandie78]

We're using a swaddle blanket right now. I was concerned about the quilted sleep sack because it seems exactly like a blanket except for the shape. I thought that blankets caused a higher rate of SIDS, but it seems like that is all due to the possibility of the blanket covering the kid's face, so I guess we are good to go with the sleep sack. Thanks :)

[jimmysgirl424]

sandie78 This might be a viable option for you as well:

www.sleeppeapod.com

We use it for DD and its worked out fine. It doesn't come up around her face, and keeps her nice and snug. :)