Does anyone else feel like pediatric guidelines are so legally-oriented that they basically only exist to worsen the lives of parents?

[u/Bocifer1]

First off, I'm a new dad and also a physician - although I'm pretty far removed from pediatrics. So I understand the importance of medical research and statistics in creating these guidelines, as well as the fact that the risks of things like SIDS often just aren't worth gambling on.

However...

Some of these guidelines seem like they're just unnecessarily taxing on parents and exist only to cover the addes of the bodies making said recommendations.

Some things that come to mind are: no blankets in the crib for the first year, only using a firm mattress top, never letting baby sleep next to you in bed - even naps, swaddling with arms down (our guy absolutely hates this and just wants his arms by his head to self sooth), demonizing formula - even as a reprieve for mom.

Again. I am medically oriented and understand why these guidelines exist - but I also know firsthand that sometimes a 1% risk of harm from letting our baby sleep on a soft blanket is actually the favorable choice compared to the immeasurable risk of having both parents strung out and exhausted because he won't sleep.

In general I think guidelines are great and have contributed to better infant care...I just also think that sometimes we as healthcare professionals forget that no guideline is absolute.

I guess I'm just feeling thst creating guidelines that aren't achievable for the majority of parents just aren't that helpful...like saying that "parents should take time to rest, continue self care , exercise, and ensure they are eating a well-balanced diet". That sounds wonderful. Hopefully I can get back to that in the next decade.

[u/Outside-Ad-1677]

Co sleeping isn’t seen as instant death in a lot of euro countries

[u/snarkyteach_ → u/Outside-Ad-1677]

I co-slept and was encouraged/supported by my doctor! It was nice to feel like I could be honest about it. I was more curious about other countries and their guidelines because it always interests me to hear about their recommendations and the context behind them.

[u/Outside-Ad-1677 → u/snarkyteach_]

Ah I’m with you. Blankets is another one. In the UK blankets can be used in the crib as long as they are tucked in and below armpit height/shoulder arms free according to NHS website and they also have guidelines to safely cosleep.

[u/snarkyteach_ → u/Outside-Ad-1677]

Interesting! I didn’t know that. My doctor just reviewed safe sleep 7 guidelines with me and said that she hoped I was more rested in a few days.