If that sounds extreme, it's because it is. The city of Milwaukee is under fire for their anti-co-sleeping campaign featuring these advertisements of an adorable baby, wearing just a diaper, laying next to a knife. Milwaukee is relating co-sleeping with laying your baby down with a knife. These pictures show the babies surrounded by sheets and pillows, with no mom or dad in sight, and not on their back (which is recommended). Seriously, Milwaukee?
When you put a baby to sleep in a crib, you make sure the space is safe and free of anything hazardous. The same for co-sleepers - no one puts their baby down on a feather pillow with a bunch of blankets and sheets.
This campaign, with different images and perhaps some safety tips would be more well-received by parents, but these images push it too far. A lot of parents will admit that in the middle of the night, they cuddle up with a fussy baby in hopes of catching a few more minutes of sleep. The problem with that, is that the other person in your bed may not know you've brought the baby, and THAT is dangerous. For parents who regularly co-sleep, they have rules, they know the baby is there, it's a safe situation.
So let's keep this discussion free of insults and bad-mouthing, but what do you think of this campaign?
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Comments (68)
@BarniganFlarn@xanga - I get what you're saying about conveying feelings like nostalgia. I just happen to resent that this particular ad campaign is so disrespectful of a capable, thinking public. It says "you're too dumb to understand this issue, so I'll make it so clear (even if not 100% accurate) that even you imbeciles can get it." The thing is, this ad won't change a single statistic. It pisses off the crowd who would be likely the ones to change things (not that they need to change), and it won't change the behaviors of those who really just *don't care*. It's my opinion that the vast majority of co-sleeping accidents come from the "so what" mindset. This targets/tries to manipulate the wrong audience. And people like me almost never get to the message whether it is valid or not because I resent the disrespectful notion that they think the only way I'll listen is if they are overdramatic and try to manipulate my feelings. This is how they want me respond "aww look at that sweet, innocent baby sleeping. WHAT! There is a knife beside him! That is so awful! Wow, co-sleeping is as bad as letting your baby sleep with a butcher knife? I never knew that. What a dangerous moron I've been." Thank goodness they can appeal to my emotions, since my mind is incapable of rational thought or argument. *sarcasm, sorry
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I don't happen to like co-sleeping from a mother/father relationship point of view, and because I saw/heard too much when I worked for over 10 years in a hospital. Although in that amount of time, there was only 1 case I actually saw with my own eyes (and the main risk factor for that one was that the father was heavyset and had sleep apnea - i.e. if you're not waking up to breathe, you're definitely not waking up if you are rolling over your baby).
this is the first time I've ever been compared to a butcher knife
From reading some of the comments on the original article, I gather that Milwaukee has a particularly high mortality rate for infants sleeping with their parents. The comments suggest that this is because the parents are going to bed with their kids high or drunk, in other words not aware of their baby and not alert enough to notice if something is wrong. But, in typical PC fashion, the city is making a fuss about co-sleeping in general, and linking it with SIDS. This is ironic to me because co-sleeping (properly, not drugged out of your mind) is supposed to actually help prevent SIDS because the mother's breathing seems to "prompt" the baby to breathe more regularly.
I also liked how the health commissioner mentioned the undeveloped countries that have better infant mortality rates than Milwaukee. Undeveloped countries tend to have MORE co-sleeping, more breastfeeding, more baby-wearing- than an urban area like Milwaukee. And those things that promote bonding and closeness tend to keep the baby safe.
perhaps they should make ads about how to bed your baby the right way in general? It doesn't help if they fill the crib with pillows and put their baby in there, face down.
The second-leading cause of infant mortality in Milwaukee is SIDS, or sudden infant death syndrome, which often results from ”unsafe sleep,” according to the health department’s website.
SIDS is the sudden death of an infant under one year of age which remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including performance of a complete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical history
SIDS is UNEXPLAINED. They do not know what is it is result of or what causes it! Co sleeping does not cause SIDS.
SIDS is not SUFFOCATION!
This add and all of the articles I have seen that go along with it are unbelievably frustrating to me.
Those ads are unnecessary and extreme. There are people who can safely co-sleep, I know from just reading comments of mothers on blogs like these. I think instead of demonizing the practice, they should encourage and inform on how to do it safely.
I feel like most parents are smart enough to know if they sleep too heavy for it, or they know they toss and turn without realizing it in their sleep, and therefore know that co-sleeping would be dangerous in their case. Parents who aren't sure should try napping with the child while the other parent is around. If there is an incident, the other parent is there to immediately prevent any harm from occurring, and they know co-sleeping is not for them.
I agree with them. Why would you want to risk your baby's life by having it sleep with you in your bed? It's a risk that can be avoided (like sleeping with a knife).
@AbnormalButSane@xanga - Because in some instances it's actually safer and healthier for the infant to co-sleep. My cousin was born prematurely, he wasn't thriving until his mother decided to co-sleep. She actually did kangaroo care with him. He never left her chest for a moment, except for her to change a diaper or shower. Now he's grown larger and smarter than many of the other children his age. Co-sleeping can be a beautiful thing, when done properly and by responsible people. It's only a debated concept in modern times. When my grandmother was born, you were a bad parent for leaving your child alone in her own bed at night.
@greene_lily@xanga - I still think that should only be done when you are either in a hospital where nurses can keep watch or at home when someone else is watching the entire time.
Also, there's no evidence that sleeping on his mother made the child you are referring to smarter and larger....o.OWhen my grandmother was born, she was put in a crib...so her parents wouldn't roll over and suffocate her in their sleep. Same for my mother. Same for me.
But it's just the way I was raised. If one wants to risk the life of his or her child, that's one's own prerogative.
@radicalsounds@xanga -
I fully agree with everything you said and I don't even bother adding on because it was perfect.
Well Said!
Scare tactics don't educate. This ad was pointless.
I can't comment without insulting your intellect. Seriously? I don't watch the first five minutes of a movie to say it sucks and walk out. I stay through it all so I can safely say, "I watched it all and it sucks..don't watch it." The ad is about infantile deaths associated with parents sleeping with their kids. Not in the crib, so it should not even be mentioned. Thus the pillows. Read about the ad before you lambast it. It is all metaphorical, "dangerous as" statements. At least I hope people don't put their babies to sleep with some JA Henckels. Additionally, Milwaukee has a high rate of deaths, SIDS, due to this, so it is more or less a PSA. I'm also very sure that they put this out there based on the cases that they witnessed. Although it may not be true in another part of the USA, it is on the spot where it was put out. Fyi, this is what bassinets are for. So yeah, I really can't comment without bad mouthing you. They are doing something good by educating the uneducated. I'm a 24 year old man that knows more about raising a child than some women out there.
@sarahsmurfette@xanga - While I agree in the benefits of facts, oh wait here are some:
Based on a report published in 2010, 1 in every 6 adult in Milwaukee has low literacy skills. These are also the ones that lack education and understanding of the the consequences from co-sleeping with an infant. They can't go door to door and talk to them, it's time consuming, and they can't put out pamphlets, because they cannot read, so the only option is a picture. It is an urban community, with urban demographics, with urban illiteracy rates, so words, sadly don't say much.
Hmm, wonder how the species survived when cosleeping is SO dangerous. I mean seriously? Yes, clearly if you look at the instinctual behavior of mammals all over the planet it is obvious that moms sleeping with their offspring is a deadly combination. That is why pretty much every mammal does it, and don't even get me started on kangaroos.
Adds are worthless. The people they are aimed at are to stupid to pay attention. That being said, I am a great believer in cosleeping with your babies. I did with mine, and now that they are adults, we remain a closely bonded family. The child will decide when they are ready to sleep by themselves.
@olopocram2@xanga - Following your logic, then, about the prevalence of illiteracy: If those at whom these ads are intended can't read well, then why are there words at all? All they'll see is a picture of a baby and a knife in a comfy bed. The message doesn't come across without words. Only a horror picture.
And I do want to correct something you mentioned in your other comment. SIDS is not caused by nor is it a risk factor of co-sleeping. (I don't like co-sleeping myself, but that's another issue). SIDS, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, happens when a baby simply stops breathing with no cause and without warning. Some doctors will even suggest that you do co-sleep if your baby is at risk (respiratory problems, immaturity, things like that) because movement and breathing can help stimulate the baby who is sleeping too deeply to function. (Side note, I wonder if SIDS is related to sleep apnea?) At any rate, SIDS happens in a crib.
Also? There are other venues out there to educate, personally, the mothers. Sorry but the vast majority of babies are born in a hospital. Don't you think a nurse could just as easily warn against co-sleeping when they are discussing carseat safety and emphasize that the baby should sleep on their backs (to reduce incidence of SIDS)? That seems like a more intelligent way to get the message out to the intended audience.
Curiously, the WHO, UNICEF, and NHS promote co-sleeping. However, the AAP advises against it.
@AbnormalButSane@xanga - Each to his own, I guess. I prefer co-sleeping, some people are against it. Both my children turned out fine. And for my cousin, her doctors told her that his growth and development were improved because of her co-sleeping and kangaroo care. So no, I can't post evidence, all I can do is tell you what she said and what she was told.
@greene_lily@xanga - I've never heard the term "kangaroo care". Is that the same thing as baby wearing?
I don't understand why people are bashing this? You SHOULDN'T sleep with your baby. It's dangerous. You could easily roll over on top of them and kill them. So they're comparing that to a baby sleeping with a deadly butcher knife. YOU'RE just as dangerous.
A lot of people don't like these ads, because they have or are sleeping with their babies, and it's dangerous.
My mom Co slept with all of us with the exception of my oldest brother, but he was also bottle fed. Non of us have died or suffered any damage from sleeping in the same bed as my parents. My dad even made a 'side car' for their bed, basically a frame that raised a crib mattress to the same level as their bed so that there was more room for everyone. I think co sleeping is perfectly safe and fine if you know what you're doing.
thanks for pointing out this ridiculous campaign. I'd say they'd be better off with a campaign showing how to put your baby down safely in their own crib or bassinet -- more kids die trapped between the mattress and the crib, or suffocated by stuffed animals in their own room as far as I know than in co-sleeping arrangements, which are -- frankly -- instinctive.
I like what they are trying to get across, but they did it with very little taste. My house is full of tiny dogs (3 to be exact, and the smallest is less than 8lbs) and I'm used to something little snuggling up with me. They know when to move if I were to roll over and hurt them... babies, not so much. I wouldn't trust myself to sleep with a baby in the bed for THAT reason. As careful as other people are, I would probably crush my baby. And as light of a sleeper as I am (when any of the dogs move and I jolt up out of my sleep). A lot of people argued 'safe' co-sleeping. I don't care how many steps you take, you still run the risk of co-rolling on your baby. New mommies and daddies are tired. I'm not off to the idea... but some new parents now-a-days are a little older than babies themselves. Educate, give pro's and con's of each method of baby sleeping, and make it known that accidents do happen. The best thing you can do is be cautious. Know your surroundings, as well as the miniature humans' laying near you.
I think it's safe under certain conditions. If the mom is a heavy sleeper, over tired or taking medications that could make her drowsy?...no, a bassinet or crib is safer. I'm not comfortable with it unless my husband is out of the bed. Having said that, she sleeps in her room all night until my husband gets up for work. Then when she wakes up I bring her and nurse her back to sleep in my bed. This is to ensure that I can put enough room between us, but she is still next to me. Plus I don't have to worry about my husband rolling over on top of her.
The ad is a bit ridiculous though, I agree with that. I say do what makes you comfortable. If it doesn't make you comfortable, co-sleeping is not for you.The baby could suffocate.