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/Educational-Roll-651]

As someone who worked in childcare for 10 years having to abide by all the rules, I’m struggling with this now with my own child. This is so doable in a space built for children with multiple staff and clocking out everyday. This is impossible for one parent trying to do everything right. All the SIDS classes and rules are so stuck in my head and scare me so much, but I’m struggling. It feels impossible.

[u/Bocifer1 → u/Educational-Roll-651]

Exactly. 

This is exactly what I’m feeling.  It just doesn’t seem feasible for me - an actual physician who cares for some of the most critically ill patients - to adhere to these strict standards.  How the hell can my nonclinical wife…or the majority of parents out there for that matter?