The danger behind using infant rockers for sleep.
In the early days of a new baby, sleep is a precious and sometimes rare gift. This is especially true if you have a baby who hates the bassinet. And the crib? Forget it. So, when they finally drift off to sleep on one of those amazing infant rockers, you relish the moment and let it be. At least, that’s what I did with an acid reflux-prone baby.
And, I don’t know about you, but when bad news about inclined sleepers and infant rockers comes out, my instinct is to push against the notion that it’s dangerous. Because the thought of losing the one thing allowing us to get sleep is nearly too much to bear.
With that said, no one wants to become one of these terrifying statistics. Luckily, there are solutions. Read on.
What we know about infant rockers
The motion of an infant rocker can be relaxing to your baby. Brands like Fisher-Price and Kids 2 have created products that feel like a miracle when you’re living on two hours of sleep. Unfortunately, recent studies have revealed that this is not a safe option for your baby. There have been:
13 deaths in the Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler or Newborn-to-Toddler Rockers
1 reported death in the Kids 2 Bright Starts Rocker
30 infant deaths in the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play
97 deaths related to inclined sleepers
When you prop up your little one at an angle greater than ten degrees (which includes most infant rockers), you may restrict their airway causing a major risk of suffocation. This same angle also makes it possible for the child to roll out of the device.
Due to the number of deaths seen in infant rockers and other products that are marketed for sleep at an incline, President Biden signed the Safe Sleep for Babies Act into law. This applies to all infant sleep products with an incline greater than ten degrees.
In other words, it is only safe for your baby to sleep on a firm, flat surface such as a crib mattress.
What to do if your baby only sleeps in an infant rocker
Before you decide that the infant rocker is working for you, so you’re sticking with it (I’ve been there), consider some alternative, safer options.
First, remember that we are creatures of habit–you may need to get your baby used to sleeping without the rocking motion. Take things slow and allow them to adjust gradually. Each time, try to rock them less and less or at a slower speed. Once they fall asleep, stop the rocking motion, take them out, and allow them to rest in a stationary position with you.
They will get used to the feeling of sleeping without constant movement. From here, you can start placing them on a firm, flat surface such as in their crib. This process could take as long as two weeks.
Here are some other options that can help:
Massage them before naptime to calm and relax them
Create a good bedtime routine with minimal distractions around nap or bedtime
Keep their room dark and quiet, using white noise if necessary
When you set them down in the crib initially, lay them on their side and then gently flip them back to their back which can help them stay asleep instead of waking immediately on the transfer
Hold your baby during nap time. It’s a much safer option than inclined products. In desperate situations you could hold your baby at night, switching off with your partner.
You’re not alone
It can be frustrating to learn that the one thing that seemingly helps your tired baby is now deemed hazardous. But there is help and hope for your baby to get their best sleep without the use of infant rockers.
At a complete loss? It’s okay, you are not alone. Parents have dealt with the same thing and are navigating these tricky waters as you read this. Consider consulting with a pediatric and maternity sleep consultant to determine where your routines surrounding naptime and bedtime can be modified.
At My Sweet Sleeper, we’ve worked with thousands of families all over the world desperately wanting a few hours of sleep. We can help make sure you and your baby are getting the sleep you need… safely.
For guidance, feel free to contact us or try our newborn sleep course or 4-12 month sleep course.
Related:
Six Ways to Combat Nighttime Anxiety
