Sheepskin

[rockdoctor]

I was considering buying the baby a shorn sheepskin rug to sleep on in the co-sleeper or crib. I was also going to use it for the baby's playtime on the floor or in the living room and for trips so that the LO would always be "at home". I have read that they are soothing for babys and can even calm a colicky baby. However, I also just read that infants should not sleep on sheepskins (or the family bed for that matter) because it increases the chance of SIDS. Do you guys have any thoughts on this?

[HarperCait]

Yeah- I just think the sheepskins are gross. I got the whole explanation at our local natural mum & babe store, and I was not sold on the concept.

Aside from it being a big nasty pelt of dead stuff, it just seems like a really great way to asphyxiate. I don't have any data on this, but it's my first instinct when I look at it. Even the short haired ones seem too fluffy to me. Plus, personally I would find it tickly to sleep on, rather than comfy. I dunno.

I like the concept that yr supposed tp sleep with it first so it 'smells like mummy'. Could you do that with something else??

Anyway. That's my *probably very unhelpful* opinion on sheepskins for babies.

[cbhowell]

I've heard/read that they are definitely not for babies to sleep. Fine for cozy snuggly thing to put baby on (on back), or for older baby/young toddler to hang out on. There are several fleecey things avail. that are similar, if the animal-skin part bothers you.

[ChaoticMum]

Originally Posted by cbhowell

I've heard/read that they are definitely not for babies to sleep. Fine for cozy snuggly thing to put baby on (on back), or for older baby/young toddler to hang out on. There are several fleecey things avail. that are similar, if the animal-skin part bothers you.

That's always been my take on it - if babe is sleeping on tummy as per SIDS recommendations there is just too many spaces for CO2 to collect.

[Zumbi]

Personally, I'm getting a sheepskin. I think they are soft and wonderful to lay a baby on for tummy time or just hangin out on their back supervised. My whole family has always used sheepskins for babys in this way and never had any problems. We've never used them for sleeping though so I'm not sure about the SIDS thing.

[Siobhain]

being an aussie, sheepskins were the norm for babies, we haven't used them but are considering it for this baby. Not for sleeping though, I don't recall them being used in cribs/cots for babies, more for strollers.... and car seats often had sheepskin covers and for floor playing time. I am not opposed to animal hide so that doesn't concern me, I wouldn't leave baby unattended to sleep on one (once they are older and past risk of sids I wouldn't be as concerned). They are supposed to be very breathable and comfortable <shrug>

Erin

[becalive]

aussie here too - I think most aussie grew up with these. My siblings and I had our own each and carried our sheepies around forever. I have the fondest memories of my sheepie.


These days i would be more worried about the chemicals it has been treated with and then to be on the safe side wait to the babe was past the age of sids.
I would probably get a good quality one, there are alot of fake varieties out there. The skin maybe real but the fur is not. so be careful with what you buy.

Good luck. I dont think there is anything wrong with them. Before there were blankets skins were used all the time to keep the lil ones warm

[murphysaangel]

I got one like this
http://www.mommasbaby.com/item--Bowr...skinShorn.html
because it was way cheaper than actual sheepskin. I never put my son on it bare, though. I had it wrapped around the cradle mattress for extra padding and "waterproofing". It sheds A LOT so I always put a sheet over it.

I have a very old natural sheepskin that was actually off of a lamb from my MIL's family in Ireland. It had gotten very dirty. Tried washing it with lanolin, but the bits stuck in the fur and it never really got clean. I'll take it to be professionally cleaned one of these days, but for now the only one getting any use from it is one very contented cat!

[Nicole_ac]

I have always seen them used in strollers, never thought of sleeping on one myself.

Sorry, probably unhelpful opinion

[sugarpop]

I have three younger sister, and they all used them. They are apparently "self cleaning", I have been told put them out on the line on a damp day...did you ever seen a sheep take a bath??

My sisters all lived on theirs. Slept on them, played on them, spit up on them...everything. They are sooo soft.

I have wondered about the chemicals. I saw them for 20 bucks at Ikea and as tempted as I was by this...I thought hmmm maybe not suck a safe idea because of the chemicals. Then I saw them in a baby store with a baby safe stamp, something about organic...and I think I will spend the 80 for that.

I might go for the short sheer because the long might matt up to easily. I want one for myself they are so soft and comfy!

[~Laura~]

I have a Snuggle Wool blanket for this wee one: https://snugglewool.com/shop/catalog.php?category=13

It's sooooo soft, and machine washable, so a nice compromise. I got the one backed with organic cotton and *I* want to sleep on it! I think this baby girl will love it. (I hope!) I am also a huge fan of organic, knitted wool covers, so this is just an extension of that, IMO.

Not sure about sleeping, but I plan to use it to lounge on, in her stroller, etc. It's just soooo nice and snuggly.

Laura

[texaspeach]

Originally Posted by ChaoticMum

That's always been my take on it - if babe is sleeping on tummy as per SIDS recommendations there is just too many spaces for CO2 to collect.

the rec for sids prevention is on their back to sleep, not on their tummy. Are the advocates of using a sheep skin saying you should put baby on their tummy to prevent sids?

[MichelleAnnette]

We have one but it has never been used for sleeping. My mom thought it was a necessity and bought it for us. It's a nice place to put baby down but not an essential item. I used to sleep on a big one in college and it was very comfy. I would not put a baby to sleep on it unless I was right there watching, like if I put baby down to sleep on the floor next to me while I was on the computer or something. I don't have my hopes up that I will ever have a baby who will sleep unattached to me but hey, it's a nice thought.