One More Question About Positional Asphyxia

[Sunchimes]

I decided to add a section on positional asphyxia to my new handbook, because one parent is about to have a baby, and she just looks at me funny when I try to tell her that infant carriers aren't beds.

Anyway, what about babies sleeping in your arms? I dearly love the idea of rocking him to sleep and holding him for an hour while he sleeps. Now, I wonder if this is safe? I did it to all of my grandkids, but I hadn't heard of positional asphyxia in those days.

[cheerfuldom]

It would be different because you would be right there with him and would be watching every breath, basically. However, i never rock my daycare babies to sleep or hold during naps because that habit can be very hard to break later.

[Qpmomma]

If you are holding the baby I would hope you would notice if he's not breathing or turning colors, .

[Sunchimes]

Good point QPMomma! I hadn't thought about that.

@Cheerfuldom-Ok, I can see that. I have never had one this young--6 months was my youngest until now. I can't rock them often enough to make a habit, but sometimes, the stars align (i.e. the other kids are napping) and I don't have anything pressing to do and can sit and rock.

[teapot100]

I think holding and rocking to sleep is more than safe! My oldest dd was a preemie and we were encouraged to do kangaroo care with her, though that was skin-to-skin contact. She was still on our chests for hours at a time. Not only was it good bonding time, we were told that it helped regulate heart rate, breathing, body temp., etc.

[frgsonmysox]

we are an extreme attached family, so we hold the child to sleep for the first 2 years or so. Absolutely safe