The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its "Safe Sleep" guidelines for infants.
The report also includes the following recommendations:

• Always place your baby on his or her back for every sleep time.
  
• Always use a firm sleep surface. Car seats and other sitting devices are not recommended for routine sleep.
  
• The baby should sleep in the same room as the parents, but not in the same bed (room-sharing without bed-sharing).
  
• Keep soft objects or loose bedding out of the crib. This includes pillows, blankets, and bumper pads.
  
• Wedges and positioners should not be used.
  
• Pregnant woman should receive regular prenatal care.
  
• Don’t smoke during pregnancy or after birth.
  
• Breastfeeding is recommended.
  
• Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime.
  
• Avoid covering the infant’s head or overheating.
  
• Do not use home monitors or commercial devices marketed to reduce the risk of SIDS.
  
• Infants should receive all recommended vaccinations.
  
• Supervised, awake tummy time is recommended daily to facilitate development and minimize the occurrence of positional plagiocephaly (flat heads).
  

For more information go to: http://www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/AAP-Expands-Guidelines-for-Infant-Sleep-Safety-and-SIDS-Risk-Reduction.aspx

AAP Expands Guidelines for Infant Sleep Safety and SIDS Risk Reduction www.healthychildren.org

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discusses its expansion of guidelines on safe sleep for babies, as well as tips on creating a safe sleeping envronment for children.

A question that is often asked is; “Do I need a box spring?” of course the answer is “It depends”.  You need to analyze the box spring (foundation) you currently have.   Ask yourself the following questions and do the appropriate tests to find out if keeping your old foundation makes sense.

Question #1.  Is the new mattress you are buying the same size as your existing mattress?

If the answer is no, you need to replace your foundation.
If the answer is yes, go to question #2.

Question #2.  Does your old foundation squeak, crunch, make noise or was it cut to allow it to go up a stairs? 

If the answer is yes to any of the conditions in question 2, you need to replace your foundation.
If the answer is no, go to question #3.

Question #3.  Does your old foundation have coil springs? (Lift up the foundation from the frame, pull the dust cover back and inspect the foundation from the underside.  Are there coils inside?)

If the answer is yes, you need to replace your foundation.  Coil spring construction contributes to excessive movement and potential sagging.   This style foundation does not work well with modern mattress systems.
If the answer is no, go to question #4.

Question #4.  Is your old bed taller than you want it to be?  Is it too high or too low to sit on comfortably?

If the answer is yes, you need to replace your foundation.  Foundations are available in different thicknesses to help get your new mattress to an acceptable height.
If the answer is no, go to question #5.

Question #5.  Is the surface of your old foundation smooth and flat? (Use a long piece of string and pull it tight diagonally across from corner to corner, from side to side then head to toe in several places.)  Did you find low spots on the foundation that are ½” or greater?

 If the answer is yes, you need to replace your foundation.
If the answer is no, you should be able to use the foundation under your new mattress.

If you still have questions please give us a call, we will be happy to assist you with your questions or schedule an in home inspection if needed.