Why “adult” mattresses are not safe for babies? Are they too soft? How does it affect the baby?
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So it is partly suffocation risk. This is also why babies shouldn’t have cot bumpers etc.
if a baby rolls onto their front on a firm mattress, because they do not sink into it, it will be much easier to roll themselves back over. And if they turn their heads slightly, they can breathe. If they have sunk into a soft mattress, turning their head slightly can still mean their mouth/nose is covered.
Also with adult mattresses, if it has sunk to fit the shape of you, they can sink into these dips and struggle with rolling out.
The chances are also higher of breathing in their own exhaled breath. Inhaling carbon dioxide means inhaling less oxygen.
Safe co-sleeping suggests a firm adult mattress when done correctly is safe, however this is parental discussion and research!
Depending on age, it is also the chance of babies rolling out. Other things that include dangers of beds include pillows, bedding, being rolled in by adults. Again, co sleeping can be researched by parents to see if this is something they are comfortable with (in my country)
Unlike adults and children over 1 year of age, babies may not automatically struggle and readjust if their breathing is blocked by a soft surface while they are asleep. Their brains and automatic behaviors need more time to develop. Therefore, the safest place for them to sleep is a firm surface, with no cushions, stuffed animals, blankets, pets, or other humans. (This is the guidance in the USA). On this firm, empty surface, if they roll over or roll around, they would still get plenty of air. On a soft surface, they could be in danger.
The risks go down a lot after 6 months old, and by 1 year old, a baby’s brain has developed enough that they will automatically wake up and readjust if they are having a hard time breathing.
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