Soft beds as a SIDS risk

[Sri Radha]

I was wondering if anyone knows why soft beds are considered a SIDS risk? My husband and I bought a new bed 6 months ago and it's pretty soft and plush on the top. I had no idea that this could be an issue for an infant. Right now we use an Arm's Reach co-sleeper and it works pretty well but there are times I wish she could just co-sleep in our bed but I am too scared to do it. What do you think? Thanks.

[Kelly1101]

Originally Posted by Sri Radha

I was wondering if anyone knows why soft beds are considered a SIDS risk? My husband and I bought a new bed 6 months ago and it's pretty soft and plush on the top. I had no idea that this could be an issue for an infant. Right now we use an Arm's Reach co-sleeper and it works pretty well but there are times I wish she could just co-sleep in our bed but I am too scared to do it. What do you think? Thanks.

I think the reasoning behind it is that the baby could smother if she turns over on her side or tummy in the night. You don't want anything that the baby could "sink into" enough to smother. That also includes comforters and plush blankets and pillows.

I know a lot of people here have varying degrees of comfort with different kinds of mattresses, but I wouldn't be comfortable co-sleeping unless I had a firm mattress, especially for a younger baby.

[To-Fu]

I assume it's because softer beds allow the baby to sink into them more. If it's too soft, a baby could turn his head to the side and become unable to breathe if the mattress is squishy enough to get in his face. I assume it would also be more difficult for the baby to move around and be in control of his sleeping environment b/c he could get "lost" in the bedding.

I don't know if I'm explaining this well, but it's the reason all mattresses intended for toddlers and babies are extra firm.

[Sri Radha]

I wonder how old would be safe enough for a soft bed??? I am not going to let her sleep there until I am sure.