Has anyone heard of Mattress Wrapping to prevent SIDS

Once again, I start with what I think is a simple search (in this case, for mattress protectors) and end up reading something scary.

Basically, I found all this information about how all cot/bassinet/cradle mattresses have "bad" chemicals which give off a gas which can cause SIDs. Apparently, this guy in NZ (who is legitimate and not selling anything according to what I've read) did some study - see here: Cot Life 2000 aims to eliminate cot death and here: Dr Jim Sprott's Home Page. It seems that you can "protect" your baby against these gases by wrapping your mattress in natural colour polythene which can be purchased very cheaply at bunnings and other hardware stores. Instructions for wrapping the mattress are here: AVOIDING COT DEATH: RECOMMENDED METHOD.

Is this crazy? Anyone else hear of this?

I'm getting tired of finding something scary behind everything I look into (like my post from a few days ago about eating peanuts because of something I read)...at the same time, if the above is all true, I feel like I should go out and buy some of this cheap plastic and wrap the cot mattress. But then it sounds like you can't use a waterproof mattress protection...which I guess doesn't matter much if the mattress is wrapped in plastic.

I might be wrong but I think that is only the case for old second hand mattresses - with regards to the gasses that is? (someone please correct me if that is wrong though).

You should be fine with a new mattress hun, and as long as baby is sleeping according to the SIDS guidelines.

S X

Hmmm, I haven't heard that study but I personally would be more concerned about wrapping my baby's matress in plastic from a hardware store! Bunnings are hardly SIDS experts! Hon, have a look at the SIDS website and see what they say. I would only trust information I find on their site.

Try not to worry hon and maybe step away from Google...it's not always your friend! ;)

I just feel there will always be something out that they say is a danger

One day pregnant woman wont be able to eat anything coz everything 'could' do something
Same with babies , something 'could' happen..I follow SIDS guidlines but you have to draw a line somewhere.

IMO i don't believe it, but you need to do what you feel is right for you and bub..If it makes you feel better you do it:) That goes with everything

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Hmmm, I haven't heard that study but I personally would be more concerned about wrapping my baby's matress in plastic from a hardware store!

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:yeahthat:

Sounds a bit odd to me..and I would be very concerned about the suffocation risk (even if there are sheets over the plastic). Check out the SIDS website, I would probably disregard the info you've read.

I haven't looked at the website but I have heard of it before and usually the information is just before they attempt to sell you the mattress cover that will 'save' your baby. I think it is a very mean form of advertising and leads parents into a false sense of security.

Check out this link: http://www.sidsandkids.org/wp-conten...010_01-FAQ.pdf There are lots of frequently asked questions about reasons for SIDS and SIDS and kids addresses it from findings in their own research.

The SIDS stuff can be scary to think about, but I think if you follow the general SIDS guidelines for sleeping (and even co-sleeping) then that is the safest options for them :hug:

SIDS and KIDS have a factsheet about it and say the research doesn's back up that theory and gives some explanation as to why some studies may have drawn that conclusion.

I will have to check that out when I get to a computer. It is cruel to play on our worst fears just to sell a product.

Thanks so much for those links - I feel much better now :).

We have ds mattress wrapped.
How to cover your mattress with BabeSafe
It's not bunnings plastic and it has vents thru it to help the mattress breath underneith.
Ds started sleeping on his stomach at 4 months which freaked me out, and wrapping his mattress wasn't causing any harm so we just did it for peice of mind- even I it was fake it was either that or neither of us sleeping.
It's basically a giant plastic pillow case to suit the size of your mattress (you order to size) and you just pop the mattress inside.

ETA there is 0 suffocation risk. Probably the same amount if your baby was to face plant on a normal mattress. The "wrap" is extremely firmly placed over the mattress (they're ordered to suit the size of YOUR mattress) and then sealed at one end. No lose bits anywhere.
There is also some info on using only natural fibers for bedding such as cotton to prevent overheating of baby. Personally I always think if it doesn't cause harm, then it doesn't cause any harm.