Vulnerable Environment Irritants in the child's environment that cause airway swelling are a critical factor. Sleeping in a prone position probably compounds the obstructive and mixed apneas with which these infants are faced. The Canadian Pediatric Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics now recognize this and are endeavoring to encourage parents to position their newborn babies on their side or back for sleeping. Unsafe Sleeping Environments Soft, loosely filled cushions, water beds, and bean bags that can conform to the infant's body and head are especially dangerous.
Infants lying face down are vulnerable to re-breathing expelled air.
In addition, an obstruction results from pushing the mandible and tongue posteriorly, thereby further aggravating obstructive apnea. In spite of Federal guidelines and warning labels, there still are older, unsafe cribs and mattresses in use. An adult lying on the child has been cited as a cause of sudden infant death since the time of King Solomon and, therefore, co sleeping should be discouraged. Regurgitated materials and feces on the bedding can cause increased growth of microbials that may adversely affect the infant. The temperature in the baby's immediate environment is a critical factor.