We’ve already a talk a lot about: Do I need a bassinet for a newborn baby? But now the question is: “
Well, in short, Incline bassinets are totally safe, but there are some safety points which you need to take into consideration.
Talk on these points soon but, let us first tackle the negative aspect of incline bassinets .
The only problem with incline bassinet is babies can sometimes roll and face a risk of suffocation.
As the Wall Street Journal reports, in 2018, a parent in New York filed a complaint with the Consumer Product Safety Commission after a 6-month-old rolled over while sleeping in a Rock
WASHINGTON—Earlier this year, a parent in New York filed a complaint with the government’s consumer-product watchdog about a controversial type of baby bed. A napping six-month-old sleeping in it had rolled over, stopped breathing and died.
So, on May 31, 2018, CPSC release a note that encouraged parents to use restraints that hold the baby in a single position for their safety when using an incline bassinet.
CPSC is aware of infant deaths associated with inclined sleep products. Babies have died after rolling over in these sleep products. CPSC, therefore, urges consumers: Always use restraints and stop using these products as soon as an infant can roll over
There’s really no exact age limit when your baby will start rolling in a bassinet by himself. Generally, babies can roll in a bassinet when they reach between 4 to 6 months.
My son didn’t start rolling over until he was almost 7 months old! No, there wasn’t anything wrong. He was just a bit lazy! BTW, keep in mind that it sometimes takes longer for a preemie to roll over (there are specially designed bassinets for preemies that are built to keep them safe).
It’s up the parents to observe their babies to know when to stop using a bassinet and start using a crib.
What Parents Need To Know About Inclined Sleepers:
To promote good development, a newborn baby needs to sleep16 hours a day, usually 3 to 4 hours in one period. But you need to make sure he’s sleeping in the correct position.
You can check this PDF published by nichd.nih.gov to learn more about the correct sleeping position for your baby.
I’ve noticed that when my baby sleeps on his back, he sometimes gets congested, with his nose and throat often filled with mucus.
It scares the heck out of me because he sounds like he is suffocating. You may have noticed the same exact thing with your baby.
In these cases, pediatricians recommend that children sleep slightly inclined to facilitate the opening of the airways and allow for better breathing when your baby has a cold.
And, believe it or not, sleeping inclined also leads to better digestion! Who knew?
Here is a few more recommendation for safe sleep for your baby. And, remember, the safer your baby is, the more you’ll relax and the easier it will be for you to sleep soundly as well.
- Follow Sleeper’s Manual Guidelines: Inclining bassinets vary in the level of incline they offer. So, make sure you read the set-up instructions carefully before using the bassinet. Also, make sure to check periodically for damaged, loose or missing parts.
- Use restraints: If you are using an incline sleeper for your little one, then don’t forget to restrain him in the sleeper. The CPSC has clarified that babies are safe as long as they are properly buckled in with the restraints I mentioned above. My baby was so congested that we loved using an incline sleeper. He was able to breathe easier and he slept better.
- Make sure sleeper is empty: Make sure that your baby sleeps in the safest environment possible. So, don’t put anything in the sleeper, like padding, a pillow, a comforter or anything else that can be dangerous or uncomfortable to your baby or increases the risk of SIDS while your baby is sleeping.
- Check for recall: Before I bought the bassinet, I made sure I checked for any recalls. And, I wasn’t sure about federal design standards, so I went to www.cpsc.gov before buying my baby’s bassinet.
Word of Advice
Now again the same question, Are inclined bassinets safe for babies? Definitely yes but always make sure your baby is properly restrained so that they can’t move in the bassinet.
I was really happy with my baby’s inclined bassinet; I loved the fact that it eased his congestion and allowed him to have a great night’s sleep. And I think you’ll be pleased with an inclined bassinet as well!
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) already assert that bassinets, cribs, pack and plays, and incline sleepers are safe for sleeping babies because they meet the safety standards, and manufacturers follow safety guidelines for designing the bassinets
But, to be extra safe, always follow the ABC rule for safe sleeping that APP and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development agree on (I learned this with my first baby and I’m glad I did!):
- A is for Alone
- B is for on the Back
- C is for in a Crib
So, if you are looking for the rock n play and incline sleeper, check our list of the best rocking bassinets for 2019 (Link Update soon). All these bassinets are verified and review by moms like you. So, you can rest assured that these bassinets will be safe!
Now, it’s your turn. Let us know your view about incline sleepers. Do you think you’ll buy one for your little one? Let’s help other moms to make a quick decision.
And don’t forget to share the article, because sharing is caring!