A few week before Maddie went to heaven I read a blog about a baby who got suffocated in her bumpers. That night I ran to Toys R US ,bought breathable bumpers and put them in her bed. No, they are not as pretty I knew I needed to change them.
Maddie was at the babysitters house in a pack n' play when she passed away. I was told that she was in the middle on the pack n' play when they found her. So, suffocation was never the even thought of as her cause of death.
I feel so strongly about educating moms (and dads) about bumpers because I didn't know they are a no no.
Remember: The best practice is NO bumpers at all. If you feel like you need them buy ONLY the breathable ones.
15 comments:
Thanks for sharing. I was wondering what Maddie slept in while at the babysitter. Would you have done anything else different? I know you talked about mattress wrapping, can you do that in a Pack n Play too?
As soon as I heard about Maddie's death and you started posting about bumpers being a no-no, I immediately removed the bumpers from my daughter's bed. Yes, bumpers are adorable but not necessary. Thank you so much for all the information you post and for showing the strength a mother can have for her child. I have to admit your strength inspires me so much.
Elizabeth
Thanks for sharing this info Kellie. I think a lot of new moms don't realize that they're a suffocation hazard. Especially because they sell them in the adorable crib bedding sets, but you can only use half the items in the set. The bumpers, and comforter they come with are both suffocation hazards. You're better off just buying fitted sheets for your baby's crib.
Thank you for spreading SIDS awareness. You are doing such a wonderful thing by touching so many lives. I think about you and your sweet Maddie every day, and I pray for you. I'm sure Maddie is so proud of her mama!
Serene
Thanks Kellie. Im not a mom yet, but I have already learned a lot from you and picked up a bunch of tips. Makes me feel a lot better. I hope things are going well for you & your family.
I have to say your blog has inspired me and I wish I had half the strength and faith that you and your husband have. I wrote a blog post about your story and I hope that is ok. http://www.yestheyrallmine.com/index.php/2011/09/strength-faith/
I am so glad you shared this, I was wondering the same thing. I am currently pregnant for the third time (two previous miscarriages). Your blogs have taught me soo much. Thank you so much! I do love Traci's question, would you have done anything different. I only ask because as all mothers, I want to do everything I possibly can to keep my child safe.
Would I of done anything different?
I ask my self this question every day. I try not to what if my self. It just hurts more....
But in short... I'd say no. James and I did everything we knew to keep her safe. We loved her every second we were with her. She knew she was loved.
You have to remember the suggestions I give are only preventions. If SIDS is going to happen it WILL happen even if you do EVERYTHING right. I have to keep telling my self this.
I read an article about a dad rocking his baby (he was a doctor). The baby stopped breathing. He immediately did CPR and they baby still passed away. So, like I said if its going to happen it will unfortunately.
My family (Husband, myself and 5 kids) was checking out at JC Penney's. The young cashier told us she was expecting her first child. We briefly discussed all of the needs of babies. When she started talking about bedding, I told her DO NOT USE A BUMPER!! She didn't even know what a bumper was (she knew what I meant when I described it, just not what it was called.) She said she had no idea they were so dangerous and that she would not use one. One baby's life possible saved :)
Wonder Bumpers are also a good product to use if people feel the need to use bumpers but don't like the breathable in my opinion.
I switched from regular to breathable bumpers after reading your blog. You're doing a great job with SIDS awareness; it's very admirable. You, James, and Maddie are constantly in my thoughts.
Kellie - Loving your child every second is the perfect way to be a parent. You and James did NOTHING wrong. I admire your courage and dedication in educating other parents (and grandparents) about infant safety. Praying constantly for you.
My daughter was in the NICU for 2 weeks and we discussed with nurses and doctors about bumpers, it was a concern for me, so we decided not to use one. After I was upset about not having the adorable, expensive bumper we bought, my husband figured out that if you tie it on the bottom outside of the crib, right above where the dust ruffle is, that it look's great! It's also safe! So just thought I would throw that idea out there. I continue to pray for you daily. I also love that you make suggestions of how to prevent SIDS, some of the stuff I knew nothing about!
I just had a baby two weeks ago and wasn't very educated on SIDS. My sister lists your blog on hers (bunchbabies.blogspot.com) and I began reading your story. You have educated me and even though I know I can't prevent it entirely, I am following all your suggestions. Thank you for your courage to continue blogging.
Thanks for all your important info! I just had my third daughter and didn't bother to put a bumper on her crib, even though I did for my first two. Everyone asks where my bumper is and I say it is not needed and a risk factor for Sids. She sleeps great without one. I get the response, "But everyone uses them." Thanks for spreading the word and I will continue to do so too.
Kellie, I have read several articles and done some research and many are now saying not to use the breatable ones. The best thing is no bumpers at all, plus all of the other things you have mentioned. (i.e. ceiling fan, mattress wrapping)
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