Mattress pads, sheet savers, etc and SIDS

[PattiB]

Hi there,

I know this question is very similar to one posted below but I just noticed that almost everyone on this board seems to use something else besides the mattress and sheet and I'm just wondering - isn't there a risk associated with this? According to the book and our pediatrician, nothing else but the mattress and sheet is recommended, and maybe the ultimate crib sheet - which I do think we'll end up using. But I'm concerned about baby's comfort because we bought the Colgate Classica mattress - very firm but I would think it's also very uncomfortable. I'd like to get a mattress pad, not so much for the waterproofing since we'll have the Ultimate Crib Sheet, but for comfort - but all I see are quilted pads, and doesn't this negate the purpose of having a firm mattress??

And a friend highly recommended the BRU sheet savers to me, but doesn't this just add another unwanted layer and is there any risk with using these?

I'm just confused because on the one hand, we're supposed to get a firm mattress to protect against SIDS, but on the other hand, if we were to layer using all these pads, sheet savers, etc., it seems to do away with the point of the firm mattress.

Any thoughts or advice?

Thanks!
Patti

[momma_boo]

Just based on my experience with our baby, I wouldn't worry about comfort. We also have the Colgate Classica mattress. DD has been sleeping in it since we brought her home and we haven't had any problems/complaints yet!

I think there would be more of a SIDS risk if you were using items that were loose. The UCS and sheet savers attach to the crib, so they aren't loose, thereby reducing the likelihood of covering the baby's face and impeding their breathing.

Personally, I only used the sheet savers. She used to spit up a lot, so they were pretty helpful.

[mik8]

I do think it's more on personal preference and convenience especially if one has a baby who spits and drools a lot. It becomes a tedious task to keep changing the mattress frequently especially if you have a bumper that needs to be untied. I myself have a Colgate Classica I mattress and Sofia used the crib since week 2. We never used any extra pads or quilts (she doesn't drool nor spit a lot - crossing my fingers). She sleeps in it without any problems. I agree with Esther, "loose" bedding is the key word to remember for danger of possible suffocation. While no one really knows, even the medical community, what exactly causes SIDS, I think it is safe to add one extra layer if you really feel it's a necessity.

[jennifer13]

We use a quilted mattress pad under the sheet. It adds some padding and comfort but in no way seems too soft. The key is to make sure everything fits very snugly so that it doesn't come off as baby rolls around.

Jennifer
Mom to Norah 5/23/03