Many parents such as Miller still subscribe to Steinschneider's theory and many pediatricians still prescribe monitors. Neither of those concerns justify taking a chance with their baby. Even if they don't prevent SIDS, the machines are useful in detecting breathing problems and other abnormalities in babies, said Dr. Larry Consenstein, a pediatrician and director of the apnea center at St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center. It has never been proven to prevent death. But we use it every day to prevent death.
Pediatricians are loath to stop monitoring.
For many parents, monitors address their worst fear. And sometimes their fear is so great that this electronic babysitter helps them get through. As psychological placebos, monitors have been far from benign. About 3,300 problems with home monitoring were reported to the Food and Drug Administration from 1982 to 1995. Robert Samec, vice president of apnea monitor manufacturer Aequitron Medical Inc., said the problems often result from parents not using the machines properly.