position for sleeping doesn't make sense

1. Hi,
   
   I was thinking about the position they tell us to put our babies to sleep in.. you know on their backs.. and was wondering what would happen if they throw up.. Wont they choke and aspirate it into their lungs?
   I'm really worried about this!!!
   
   Please let me know..
2. 

   About roud123

   Joined: Oct '01; Posts: 22

   11 Comments

   Topic Closed
3. 
   Sep 21, '02

   Joined: Apr '02; Posts: 38,756; Likes: 16,288

   I HAVE been in the habit of putting babies who have recently eaten on their SIDES to sleep. I usually use tightly rolled blankets to keep them in the position. I have done this w/my own babies and do at the hospital. The danger of aspiration is indeed there, although small. I have read of no studies that told of babies aspirating while sleeping on their backs, as a matter of fact. It is my own personal preference. I just NEVER EVER sleep them on their tummies til they are old enough to roll over themselves.
4. 
   Sep 21, '02

   Joined: Sep '01; Posts: 16,606; Likes: 680

   I always placed my babies and the babies in the NBN I use to work in on their sides with a tightly rolled blanket behind their backs and a blanket over them to tuck them into position. It worked well for those newborns who were my previous patients, my own babies, and my many grandkids. :kiss
5. 
   Sep 21, '02

   Joined: Jul '00; Posts: 11,351; Likes: 387

   We only place recently fed babies on their sides. It is EXTREMELY unlikely that an infant who hasn't fed lately and was burped will spit up and aspirate and die.
6. 
   Sep 21, '02

   Joined: Oct '01; Posts: 22

   well that makes me feel better.
   I just need to make sure to burp good and if ate recently to put on the side.
   
   thanks ladies!:kiss
7. 
   Sep 22, '02

   Joined: Apr '02; Posts: 38,756; Likes: 16,288

   yep, roud that about sums it up. RELAX!
8. 
   Oct 3, '02

   Occupation: Level II Nursery RN Joined: Aug '01; Posts: 265; Likes: 3

   I have seen a huge effort put into the "back to sleep" campaign to prevent SIDS.
   We place babies on their sides with a rolled up blanket.
9. 
   Oct 3, '02

   Occupation: RN-Retired Specialty: 27 year(s) of experience in NICU ; From: US ; Joined: Jul '02; Posts: 1,400; Likes: 163

   We had a baby that did aspirate while on it's back-big kid, nine+ lbs (r/o sepsis baby).Feeding well, no problems for me on nights, when I came back, was on a warmer with sats upper 80's, low 90's. He'd thrown up, gagged and choked. That did extend his stay with us......
10. 
    Oct 5, '02

    Joined: Jul '01; Posts: 2,151; Likes: 86

    It seems to me that the issue here is really GE reflux. If a baby is suspected of experiencing reflux, remember that you can help to combat this type of thing by elevating the head of the bed or mattress at least 30 degrees, or using a Tucker sling or similar apparatus (whether bought or home-made) to keep them in place so they won't slip down. I agree that you should never place a recently fed baby on their back- babies typically have a weak cardiac sphinctor that allows food to be easily regurgitated. On our unit, we either bundle them tightly and prop them upright in a corner of the crib, or we bundle them so they cannot roll over and then roll them on their sides, supported by blanket rolls, so if they do spit up, gravity will help them not to choke on it. If you're worried about this for your own baby, maybe you should look at some of the supportive devices that are being sold? (Or you could make your own...) I know that a number of sites, including stores especially for preemies, sell items that could help you with this, like mattress wedges, slings, etc. I totally am in agreement with the 'back to sleep' method in general- but remember that every baby is different. ;>) Didn't you say you were going to be a new mom? Don't forget: No comforters, pillows, etc. in the crib with the baby!!! Make sure the mattress you buy is firm enough that your baby's face won't sink down into it if they're on their tummy. End of my lecture for today. ;>)
11. 
    Oct 5, '02

    Joined: Jul '01; Posts: 2,151; Likes: 86

    Some pictures...first one is a wedge and sling.

    Attached Files

    
12. 
    Oct 5, '02

    Joined: Jul '01; Posts: 2,151; Likes: 86

    Second one is a 'nestie'- you could use rolled up blankets to accomplish a similar effect.

    Attached Files

    
13. 
    Oct 6, '02

    Joined: Oct '01; Posts: 22

    Those are neat! Thanks for posting about them
    I think I like the wedge the best, although the wrap around one looks just like the baby is back in the womb
    
    Yes, I'm still hanging in here... 4 more days left till my Official EDD..
    
    Thanks again!
    
    Rebecca

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