Despite the exhaustive efforts of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the American Academy of Pediatrics and various SIDS organizations to warn the public to it's dangers, soft bedding is still regularly used in cribs. According to the CPSC, parents across the country continue to unwittingly endanger their childs safety, resulting in an estimated 900 infant deaths per year, by failing to recognize the potential hazards associated with loose blankets, overstuffed bumper pads, crib comforters, and other soft bedding items.

The risk is unnecessary and the solution is practically old-fashioned in Europe -- and now lauded by many U.S. pediatricians and health experts. A California based website, www.babyinabag.com, addresses the soft bedding issue by offering infant and toddler sleep sacks" as a safer alternative to traditional blankets. Sleep sacks have been used extensively in Europe for the last thirty years.

This is really safe," states Christine Dearden, a pediatric nurse, as she zips up her 10-month old son Ethan in his sleep sack. He's covered up, he's not going to get his legs trapped in the crib, and hes not going to smother." Ulrike Nienhaus, media chair for San Diegos Birth Resource Network and a professional childbirth educator, agrees. Im German, and have always used sleep sacks. Im thrilled that they are finally catching on in America."

Sleep sacks are wearable blankets that cannot be kicked off or cover a babys face," states Christina Alborn, owner of Earthwalk Design LLC, which operates www.babyinabag.com. They are not a garment, but are worn over pajamas. They keep a baby warm like a blanket would, but wont cover a babys face or entangle around the neck like soft, loose bedding can."

Soft bedding, rebreathing and the SIDS factor:

Soft bedding has been linked to a condition called rebreathing." Rebreathing can occur when bedding molds around or covers a babys face as they sleep, creating a stale pocket of expired air. Babies rebreathe this air, which is eventually reduced to carbon dioxide. Vista, Ca, based pediatrician Dr. Douglas Stein states, It has been established that rebreathing is a risk factor for SIDS. Laying infants to sleep on their backs has reduced the incidence of SIDS, but babies still roll and change positions. All soft bedding is to be discouraged and should be removed from the crib."

While rebreathing is a promising theory, the true cause of SIDS is still unknown. My goal is not to be an alarmist or to give parents a false sense of security," says Alborn. I just firmly believe in reducing the risk factors until we have more information." Dr. Stein echoes the sentiment by stating, Sleep sacks are a common sense choice to keep an infant comfortable and safe while sleeping."

Added convenience for moms and dads:

Sleep sacks may also offer better sleep for both the baby and caregiver. Because babies actually wear their blanket, they can sleep restlessly yet still remain covered and warm. A consistent body temperature may help lull a baby into a longer, more restful sleep. Thats a big bonus for a sleep-deprived parent," Alborn says with a smile. Safety is always key, but getting a few extra minutes of sleep is priceless for an exhausted mother or father."

Baby in a Bag is a product of Earthwalk Design LLC- a family owned and operated company in San Marcos, California. For more information about sleep sacks or crib safety information, visit www.babyinabag.com or call Earthwalk Design LLC at (760) 798-2648.



Author Information

Christina Alborn
Earthwalk Design LLC