A Safe Night's Sleep for Babies - Warning About V-shaped Pillows
According to child health experts, inconsistent safety messages for parents mean that some Australian babies may be at risk of suffocation in their sleep, despite public awareness campaigns.
In the latest Medical Journal of Australia, Professor Roger Byard, Professor of Pathology at the University of Adelaide, and colleagues say that parents are receiving conflicting messages about safe sleeping for babies.
"Despite clear evidence that certain sleeping situations are potentially dangerous for infants… certain organisations or individuals continue to give a contrary message," say the authors.
They give the example of V-shaped pillows that can suffocate infants left to sleep between the two arms of the pillow if they slip into the crevice between the arms.
In 1998, following the deaths of three infants, the South Australian State Coroner recommended that a public warning be issued against the use of V-shaped pillows for infants under two years of age when left to sleep unsupervised. This warning was also included in safe-sleeping campaigns by SIDS and Kids.
"Despite these clear messages, deaths continue to occur in SA, and V-shaped pillows are still being sold in a local obstetric hospital," say the authors.
Infants are also at risk of suffocation if they share a bed with their parents. An adult who is physically large, intoxicated, sedated, or simply exhausted can unknowingly roll onto the child during sleep.
"However, parents are still being advised by health advice telephone enquiry services to sleep in the same bed with their children," say the authors.
The Medical Journal of Australia is a publication of the Australian Medical Association.
The original article can be viewed online at www.mja.com.au
CONTACT: Prof Roger Byard 08 8303 4274 / 0438 841 050