Comments | kaelira: SIDS: Has A Cure Been Found?

kaelira

SIDS: Has A Cure Been Found?

Dec 27, 2007 19:33

I already posted a friends-only entry today, so no quote on this one. John wrote a compelling research paper on SIDS that I think every parent or future parent should be aware of. Hence why I'm posting it publicly. Everyone who has or ever plans to have children should know about this. Kimi introduced us to this subject, and the more we read, ( Read more... )

Comments 7

daisies843 December 28 2007, 19:42:19 UTC

That is really interesting! Since I'm not an expert in the medical field... :o) In his reading, did John read anything about why a lethal dose of toxic gas was never discovered as a reason when infants died? Like in a autopsy? I could guess reasons, but I was just wondering if he read anything about that specifically :o) And do you guys know if there's been any more in-depth research done about this theory?

adasca December 29 2007, 06:02:08 UTC

I'd suggest reading this article if you're interested in the whole theory: http://www.healthychild.com/SIDS-crib-death-cause.htm

Quote: "These heavier-than-air gases are concentrated in a thin layer on the baby's mattress or are diffused away and dissipated into the surrounding atmosphere. If a baby breathes or absorbs a lethal dose of the gases, the central nervous system shuts down, stopping breathing and then heart function. These gases can fatally poison a baby, without waking the sleeping baby and without any struggle by the baby. A normal autopsy would not reveal any sign that the baby was poisoned (Sprott 1996)."

Hope that helps :)

daisies843 December 29 2007, 07:12:41 UTC

Yes, thank you! I figured as much, it just makes me feel better to know someone actually said it :oP

kaelira January 2 2008, 03:15:01 UTC

Thanks Kimi! I was going to ask John or look it up, cuz I couldn't remember for sure. Heehee, now I don't have to;)

softlyfalling December 30 2007, 01:20:33 UTC

What a fascinating paper! We have a waterproof cover on Ethan's crib mattress. Do you know if that fixes the problem like wrapping it would? Tell John job well done. :)

kaelira January 2 2008, 03:13:36 UTC

I've been kind of wondering about that, too. We bought a waterproof cover before we found out about this theory. I don't think the waterproof covers are gas impermeable, like the ones mentioned in the articles referenced above, but they also said that the mattress has to be damp for the fungus to grow. If the mattress has a waterproof cover on it, then it can't get damp...so...maybe? All the same, we're getting one of the gas impermeable covers. Not that she sleeps in her crib yet anyway...

Non-toxic Crib Mattress anonymous January 3 2008, 00:41:22 UTC

I've known about this theory for a long time and have read a lot of information on the subject. The "Toxic Gas Theory" may be true, but the evidence against crib mattresses goes even further. Some of the chemicals used in crib mattresses are extremely toxic all by themeselves without the generation of gas at all. These can include chemical fire retardents, phthalates, and others. Even if there is no death, who knows what long term effects these chemicals will have on the baby? Many companies are starting to offer alternatives to regular crib mattresses that are chemical free and are usually made with organic cotton. I prefer this method to the gas impermiable covers since I would rather not bring a toxic mattress into my house in the first place. A good company to check out is Naturepedic (www.naturepedic.com). They were founded precisely to confront this issue. Everything they make is safe and has undergone extensive lab testing.