Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Wrapping a cot mattress in plastic does not explain the continuing fall in SIDS mortality

  • Short Report
  • Published:
European Journal of Pediatrics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In 2005 in Auckland, New Zealand, the prevalence of wrapping cot mattresses in polythene, which has been recommended for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) prevention by proponents of the toxic gas theory, was 21.7%. This cannot account for the 63% decline in SIDS from 1994 to 2004.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1

References

  1. American Academy of Pediatrics Task Force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (2005) The changing concept of sudden infant death syndrome: diagnostic coding shifts, controversies regarding the sleeping environment, and new variables to consider in reducing risk. Pediatrics 116:1245–1255

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Blair PS, Fleming PJ, Bensley D, Smith I, Bacon C, Taylor E (1995) Plastic mattresses and sudden infant death syndrome. Lancet 345:720

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Dow NA (2000) A survey of parent opinion on polio immunisations and other child care practices. Masters of Public Health thesis, University of Otago

  4. Ford RPK, Schulter PJ, Cowan S (2000) Changes to infant sleep practices in Canterbury. NZ Med J 113:8–10

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Mitchell EA, Brunt JM, Everard C (1994) Reduction in mortality from sudden infant death syndrome in New Zealand: 1986–92. Arch Dis Child 70:291–294

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Mitchell EA, Hutchison BL, Stewart AW (2007) The continuing decline in SIDS mortality. Arch Dis Child 92:225–226

    Google Scholar 

  7. Mitchell EA, Subramaniam K, Blackburn J, Shooter D (2000) Plastic wrapping of cot mattresses: results from a pilot study. NZ Med J 113:326–327

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Richardson BA (1994) Sudden infant death syndrome: a possible primary cause. J Forensic Sci Soc 34:199–204

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Sprott TJ (2004) Cot death-cause and prevention: experiences in New Zealand 1995–2004. J Nutr Environ Med 14:221–223

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Wilson CA, Taylor BJ, Laing RM, Williams SM, Mitchell EA (1994) Clothing and bedding and its relevance to sudden infant death syndrome: further results from the New Zealand Cot Death Study. J Paediatr Child Health 30:506–512

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Paediatrics, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand

    Edwin A. Mitchell

Authors
  1. Edwin A. Mitchell
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Edwin A. Mitchell.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Mitchell, E.A. Wrapping a cot mattress in plastic does not explain the continuing fall in SIDS mortality. Eur J Pediatr 167, 251–252 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-007-0526-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-007-0526-8

Keywords

Search

Navigation