Search by category:
Hi! I’m a Newborn Care Specialist, Postpartum Doula, Sleep Consultant and safe sleep extraordinaire. You might think that all of the products on the market are safe for your baby. Unfortunately, you’d be wrong. While some products are never safe, others are fine for playtime or supervised naps but aren’t recommended for unsupervised sleep. Some of the data is scary and does reference infant death. Let’s go through a few of the worst culprits for unsafe sleep spaces:
The Doc-A-Tot and similar products
Not safe for unsupervised sleep. The “Authorities on sleep” do not recommend use of these products for sleep. And personally, we haven’t found that babies sleep changes much with or without it. So why take the risk? Parents often perceive that their baby sleeps better because they “look” more cozy in it. Your baby is completely comfortable and safe in a crib or a bassinet from day one.
If you do choose to use a Doc-A-Tot, please use it on a flat firm surface, and discontinue use when they show signs of rolling. Your baby needs free space to roam in their crib once they are unswaddled, and you also don’t want to take the risk of your baby stuck with their face in what is essentially a pillow!
Rock-N-Play, Swings and Bouncers
Not safe for sleep. Many variations of inclined sleepers have been recalled because of multiple infant deaths. The reasons are that:
1. New babies’ don’t have neck support and are very top heavy, so at an incline their head can tip down and cut off their oxygen flow.
2. Older babies can turn and/or roll and put themselves into positions which also limit oxygen flow.
If the safety risk isn’t enough to dissuade you, our concern is also for the physical development of the baby as well. Being in containers puts your baby at a higher risk of torticollis, plagiocephaly [flat head], tight muscles and delayed development. Additionally, inclined sleepers bring the issue of trying to transition a baby that is used to being inclined onto a flat surface later on. Your baby will absolutely outgrow their swing or their bouncy chair and then you are stuck with an older baby that is really angry about sleeping in a crib!
FYI the Rock N Play is not only not approved for safe sleep but is completely recalled and not available for purchase. They were considered safe for awake play, but so many parents were using them overnight and using them incorrectly that they had to take them off the market!
Even for babies with reflux, propping the crib is typically an outdated recommendation. Also, the degree of tilt to alleviate reflux symptoms [30-45 degrees] typically isn’t possible/safe in most scenerios. If your baby is uncomfortable lying flat, talk to your pediatrician. Positionally, they might recommend a few things:
- Inclining the crib or bassinet [with baby still on a flat surface.]
- A wedge that goes under the mattress to incline.
- Belly sleeping.
All of these recommendations are against current safe sleep guidelines, but the benefits might outweigh the risk if assessed with a medical professional.
Reflux recommendation: we first recommend attempting an “eat play sleep” schedule, so baby has time to digest before being laid down.
Carseats
I feel I need to sneak this one in here. Not approved for unmonitored sleep.
Your baby can absolutely take carseat naps in the car or attached snap-n-go stroller. However, your baby should not be napping in the carseat when you bring it into the home. The angle in the car and stroller is leveled in a way that is safe for your new little one’s neck to not affect their breathing. That being said- do not leave your baby unchecked even at the “correct” angle for a long period of time. If your baby falls asleep in the carseat ideally you will transfer them inside when you get home. Never ever overnight. [Even if they seem to sleep better.] Please and thank you!
Tips and Tricks
If you want to make safe sleep choices, but your baby isn’t sleeping well without a device, maybe we can help. Check out our other blogs, follow our instagram for little tips, or reach out to us if you’d like to talk to a professional sleep consultant.
