Your cover story about the American Academy of Pediatrics’ statement on sudden infant death syndrome (10/11, A-1, “Crib use, pacifiers cut risk of SIDS”) says babies should sleep in their own beds to lessen the risk of SIDS. This is misleading. The crib must be in the same room as the parent to offer a reduced risk of SIDS.
The article indicated that some babies stay in the same room with their parents for the convenience of the breastfeeding mothers. Regardless of how babies are fed, SIDS risk is reduced when babies sleep in close proximity to their parents.
The academy says it is OK to nurse and comfort infants in their parents’ bed. They recommend the babies be returned to their own beds, in the parents’ room, when the parents are ready to sleep.
I was pleased the article clearly stated that pacifier use was not recommended in the first month for breastfeeding babies. Pacifier use in babies younger than one month can lead to nipple confusion and decreased duration of breastfeeding.
More information about breastfeeding and safe sleep is available through the nonprofit breastfeeding organization La Leche League, available at lalecheleague.org or 1-800-LALECHE (525-3243).
Emily Ragan
La Leche League leader
Manhattan, Kan.
