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From: sgcpal@watdcsu.UUCP (Paul Arthur Layman -- EE)
Newsgroups: net.kids
Subject: Do infants sleep better on unshorn sheep skins?
Message-ID: <969@watdcsu.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 15-Feb-85 13:53:37 EST
Article-I.D.: watdcsu.969
Posted: Fri Feb 15 13:53:37 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 16-Feb-85 05:50:28 EST
Distribution: na
Organization: U of Waterloo, Ontario
Lines: 20


A while ago (maybe a couple of years) I remember hearing something about
parents (and some hospitals if I recall correctly) having infants sleep
on unshorn sheep skins, rather than conventional sheets and blankets.
The theory was that the long wool on the sheep skin would contact more
surface area of the child and provide a cozy enviroment in which to sleep.
I think they said that most infants cried less and slept longer when they
slept on one.  

Does anyone know where information on this subject could be found or has
tried it?  I don't think that there would be a problem with suffocation,
should the child role over face down, because the wool isn't very dense.
I suppose there could be a problem if the child is allergic to the 
lanolin in the sheep wool, but I can't see any other reasons not to try it.

I would appretiate any comments you have on the subject before I start
tracking down such a skin.

Thanks
Paul A. Layman