Survivor's Bias and Baby Sleep: Why "It Worked for Us" Can Be Dangerous

From the moment that double line appears on a pregnancy test, a whirlwind of advice begins.

Everyone, from dear grandma to well-meaning neighbours, becomes a sudden expert on baby-rearing. Among the most common? Sleep advice.

It’s not uncommon to hear "well, it worked for us, and our baby turned out fine!" And while it's natural to trust experiences, this mentality - often a manifestation of survivor's bias - can sometimes be dangerous.

What is Survivor's Bias?

Survivor's bias, in the context of baby sleep, refers to the inclination to base decisions on anecdotal success stories while ignoring potential risks because they didn't directly experience them. Think of it as focusing solely on the "successes" and ignoring the unspoken failures or dangers.

The Danger of "It Worked for Us"

In the rapidly evolving world of baby products and practices, there's a reason why items like baby nests, swings, and outdated car seats are frequently recalled. As research progresses and we gain a deeper understanding of infant safety, we realise that some practices and products once deemed 'safe' are now known to present risks.

Take, for example, the grandparents who swear by letting babies sleep on their tummies, or those who had babies nap in car seats for prolonged periods. Sure, many babies were fine, but the risks associated with such practices are now clear. Overlooking these risks because of a "success story" can endanger a child.

Safe Sleep Practices: Always Evolving

Parents today have an overwhelming amount of knowledge at their fingertips. Recommendations around baby sleep safety have undergone significant changes in recent decades. A paramount example is the recommendation to have babies sleep on their backs in a clear cot, free from toys, bumpers, and loose blankets. This practice alone has significantly reduced the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in the UK by 81%.

Arm Yourself with Knowledge

Being a parent is a huge responsibility, and it's only natural to seek advice. However, when it comes to your baby's sleep safety, it's crucial to arm yourself with updated knowledge. Ensure that you're familiar with the latest safe sleep guidelines and that you're using products that adhere to the most recent safety standards.

If you're planning on having more children or advising new parents, ensure you stay updated. What was recommended or deemed safe a few years ago might no longer be the case today.

The sentiment "it worked for us" comes from a place of love and the desire to share wisdom. But in the ever changing guidance around baby safety, it's imperative to approach such advice with caution. You may feel guilt for moving away from what your parents did for you, for example, but this is not a criticism of them - they did the best they could with the advice they had at the time.

If you find yourself needing to explain why you are doing things differently (e.g. baby going to stay with a grandparent or will be with them during sleep/nap time) practise the conversation in your head beforehand. Think about what response you are likely to get. If you think they are likely to say “don’t worry I’ve done this before I know what I’m doing.” Be ready with a calm, collected response. Show them the Lullaby Trust website, explain why certain products and practises have changed and ask them to take care of your baby as you would.

Personally, if I was still met with resistance, my baby would not be going to that person.

So where to start?

Navigating baby advice can be overwhelming. Baby content on social media terrifies me, there are so many companies marketing products which are unsafe for sleep - such as baby nests and swings. How are parents supposed to know that even supervised use of these items can be dangerous when "reputable" companies are promoting them? How do you wade through all of this content and feel confident in your decisions?

I can recommend The Lullaby Trust and UNICEF for up to date safe sleep advice. I would also suggest researching any products you wish to buy to ensure they haven't been recalled and ensure you are using them correctly. The UK Government website has a list of recalled items and Consumer Affairs has products which have been recalled or banned in the US where this is a more strictly regulated industry. If they are banned there they should probably be banned in the UK too.

The Sleep Snug Sleep Guides have sections relating to safe infant sleep, so if it feel like it's a minefield of information and you don't know where to start - start there. And if you ever have questions on baby sleep safety, don't hesitate to reach out.

My Recommended Products page also has a range of sleep products - all of which adhere to the latest safe sleep guidance.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Leah x

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