Jacqueline
Hoping to get clarification to why AAP recommendations in American and Canada outline not using a comforter in the cot until 12 months but Red Nose in Australia okays it at 7months. My little one just started daycare and they recommended introducing one as he is having a hard time transitioning. He’s 8 months and a strong mobile baby. But I’m still a bit nervous due to the North American guidelines.
Red Nose Education
It is not uncommon for some countries to have slightly different variations in the way Safe Sleeping messages are communicated.
The Safe Sleeping recommendations are well accepted Internationally.
Place baby on back for sleep.
Keep baby’s head & face uncovered.
Keep baby smoke free.
Provide a safe environment day & night
Sleep baby in same room as adult caregiver for first 6 months
Breastfeed.
Red Nose has the following information
The risk posed by suffocation by the presence of soft objects in the baby’s sleeping environment outweighs any benefit to the baby from a soft toy. It is therefore advised not to place soft toys and other soft objects in the cot for babies under seven months of age.
Seven-month-old babies are more likely to explore objects in their sleeping environments than younger babies. Some babies over seven months of age may appreciate a small object such as a soft toy to provide comfort and connection (transitional object1) during times of separation from their parent.