

Keep in mind, though, that even formula-fed babies shouldn’t be propped up on pillows. This claim is supported by research published in a 2019 study that found the cuddle curl is more commonly found in those breastfeeding as opposed to those that formula feed. Known as a “cuddle curl,” they protectively surround their baby with their legs and arms bent in such a way that rolling over the child is nearly impossible to do. Research has found that those breastfeeding instinctively take on a protective posture when they nurse while laying down. Rather than having your baby on your pillows directly in front of your face, they should be flat on the mattress with their face near your breast or chest. So, the idea is that your baby has direct access to your breast or chest, which makes nursing easier to accomplish. Note that this rhyme is geared more toward those who are breastfeeding or chestfeeding. This line references that your baby shouldn’t be propped up on pillows.

The AAP, in addition to not recommending bed sharing, also warns against smoking while pregnant and exposing infants to smoke as it can increase a child’s risk of SIDS. This is a fact that’s supported by research, as many cases of bed-sharing-related infant deaths have occurred when one or more parents were smokers or went to bed after consuming alcohol or taking medications. No smoke, sober momĪs a rather straightforward statement, if you’re going to bed share with your baby, don’t smoke and don’t consume alcohol before bed. So, let’s discuss each line in the rhyme and whether it’s supported by the scientific community. The AAP recommends sharing a room without sharing a bed.Īdditionally, according to the AAP, the risk factors that may contribute to SIDS include some behaviors both during and after pregnancy, such as smoking or using drugs or alcohol, along with choosing to formula-feed rather than breastfeed. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend having an infant sleep in an adult bed with parents or caregivers because of the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and accidental infant suffocation and strangulation. Mentioned frequently by La Leche League (LLL), Safe Sleep Seven is often promoted for nursing moms, but can also be used by parents that are bottle feeding. During the early days, frequent feedings and wakings along with the associated exhaustion parents experience can make the process of moving baby in and out of a separate sleeping space a logistical nightmare. The general concept is to normalize the idea of bed sharing, especially for new parents or parents of young breastfeeding infants. The concept originated in 1999 in the book “Sweet Sleep” by Diane Wiessinger, Diana West, Linda J.
SAFE SLEEP 7 BED SHARING SERIES
Safe Sleep Seven is a series of guidelines designed to make bed sharing safer for a baby and their parents. What is the safe sleep 7 and who came up with it?
