Getting ready for any journey takes some time and effort, but when your baby is traveling with you, both the time and the effort double. It takes meticulous planning and elaborate preparation to make sure your little one feels fine during the trip. So, here are some valuable tips for all the parents out there who are hitting the road with a baby on board:

Make timely plans

When making a plan for a trip that includes a baby, you have to take into account all your little one’s needs and routines.

For instance, if you’re traveling by car, perhaps you’ll want to drive at night and leave home at about the same time your baby goes to bed. This makes it more likely that they’ll sleep through most of the trip and that they won’t get nervous or bored in their car seat.

You’ll also want to consider when you have to feed your baby so that you can plan when and where you’ll stop to do that. And if you take another step back and think about the date of the trip itself, you’ll also want to adjust that to your baby. In case you’re flying with a newborn, it might be a good idea to postpone the trip until your doctor says it’s safe for the baby to travel.

In addition, when making an itinerary, don’t try to fit too many sights and activities into it. Remember, while you might have been able to visit six different museums in a day back when you weren’t a parent, you’ll definitely want to take it slow when your baby is with you.

Keep your family safe

As important as it is to keep everybody comfortable all through the trip, especially your baby, your top priority should always be safety.

Whether you’re traveling by car, train or plane, you should invest in a quality child seat. Not only will the journey be cozier for both you and your little one, but a baby is always safer when they’re snug in their seat than they are on your lap.

Furthermore, in case you decide to drive your family in your own car, you should take it to a mechanic/garage before you leave, so that there’s no doubt it’s in its best shape and that you have all the necessary tools and equipment. Of course, you shouldn’t even consider going anywhere without good car insurance. Choose one which is tailored precisely for you and your family, so that you can count on your car being towed and stored in certain cases. Finally, get enough rest before you start driving and always keep your eyes on the road.

Pack wisely

Packing everything your baby might need is crucial and it would be best for you to make a detailed list before you even begin putting things into your suitcases. Plenty of clothes, diapers, bottles and other baby products are a must, so check twice if you’ve brought enough of them. As far as a stroller is concerned, you can opt for a lighter version for your trip, and go with one which can be reclined, so that your little one can take their nap when they get tired. However, the type of stroller you bring has to be in accordance with the terrain you’ll have to push it on, so bear that in mind, too. Plus, a baby carrier or a sling might prove to be beyond useful on any trip with a baby.

Visit your baby’s pediatrician and ask them for a list of basic medicines you should take, so that you’re on the safe side.

Another thing you should definitely pack is a carry-on bag, which should contain things like one or two changes of clothes, some diapers, a pacifier, some milk, and water, as well as some baby wipes and anything else your little one usually needs when you go out.

In addition, babies sometimes get nervous during a trip, so you’ll want to have something to entertain them at hand. Some colorful toys, books or their favorite songs on your phone will probably do the trick, but this differs from child to child, so bring the things your child normally reacts to best.

Conclusion

Traveling with a baby may seem a bit complicated at first, but as it is with most things in life, it just takes some practice. Even if you don’t do everything perfectly the first time around, you’ll do better next time and you and your entire family will be able to enjoy your trips together. So, have fun and make some memories to last until the next journey and beyond.

What do you do to ensure safety while traveling?

The post Safety First: Tips & Tricks for Traveling with a Baby appeared first on The Baby Sleep Site - Baby / Toddler Sleep Consultants.

The majority of first time parents worry about letting their baby sleep with stuffed animals in their cribs for the earliest time! Letting a baby keep their infant stuffed animal by their side while they sleep could be a risky move.

However, as the baby grows up and ages, having toys for cribs is a great way to comfort them and help them sleep better.

Crib toys to help baby sleep are becoming increasingly common for parents to buy for their babies, nowadays. However, the question still exists: what age can my baby sleep with a stuffed animal?

It is well known that young children, especially babies, don’t sleep very well. This can make them upset. Luckily, having baby stuffed animals around them to comfort them may help to ease their distress.

Why To Let Baby Sleep with a Stuffed Animal

Sleeping with a stuffed animal can help your baby to sleep better. However, this is only relevant when your baby is old enough to have a stuffed animal to sleep with.

Sudden infant death syndrome is a very real risk for babies who have a stuffed toy in their cot with them while they sleep. Indeed, it is said that the rate for SIDS has doubled since the turn of the century!

As such, young babies should not be given toys to sleep with due to the risks associated with these. Only older babies should be given safe crib toys to help them relax. But when do they reach this age?

When Can Babies Sleep With a Stuffed Animal?

Most people seem to think nowadays that the right age for babies to be given their first baby sleep bear or stuffed toy to sleep with once they are able to move about on their own. The logic behind this is that a baby who can roll over, or ideally even sit up, on their own, won’t be at such a high risk of SIDS.

Most babies will hit this milestone at around a year of age. So, if you want to get some plush toys for babies to go in your little one’s crib, wait until they hit this milestone first to be safe.

In summary: once your baby can move about on his or her own, you can look at getting him a stuffed toy. If he cannot do this, though, you should not get him a toy. This is because you may be putting him at risk of sudden infant death syndrome by giving him a stuffed toy or soft down pillows when he is too young!

What will you choose Toddler Pillows or Soft Toys?

Many new parents will think about getting their little one a toddler pillow instead of a soft toy. These both come with different benefits and drawbacks.

Understanding which type of comfort toy is better for your baby will help you to get him the right sort of comforter.

Pillows for toddlers are one example that can help your toddler get comfort. Pillows should not be given to babies, though, due to the risk of SIDS. Once your toddler has control over their movements, though, a pillow could help them to relax and calm down.

However, toddlers do not need pillows, and this is a common misconception. In fact, since their heads are so much smaller than an adult’s head, they don’t need the extra neck supports that adults and older children benefit from.

It is worthwhile to remember that toddlers are escape artists, too. If you get your toddler a pillow for his crib, make sure you remember that he could use it to climb out!

Soft toys are another option. Soft toys are useful since they allow a toddler or baby to have a sense of companionship. This is especially the case for specially made baby sleep bear toys.

On the other hand, toys that are too big could potentially pose a danger to a young baby. You should only ever choose baby safe stuffed animals for your baby’s crib for this reason. But do you know how to choose the right toy?

Pillows

• Pillows should not be given to babies, though, due to the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
• Once your toddler has control over their movements a pillow could help them to relax and calm down.
• Toddlers do not need pillows, and this is a common misconception. In fact, since their heads are so much smaller than an adult’s head, they don’t need the extra neck supports that adults and older children benefit from.
• Toddlers are escape artists. If you get your toddler a pillow for his crib, make sure you remember that he could use it to climb out!

Soft Toys

• Soft toys are useful since they allow a toddler or baby to have a sense of companionship. This is especially the case for specially made baby sleep bear toys.
• Toys that are too big could potentially pose a danger to a young baby. You should only ever choose baby safe stuffed animals for your baby’s crib for this reason.

The Best Stuffed Animal for Baby to Sleep With

When it comes to choosing the best-stuffed animal for your baby’s bear cribs, you should consider numerous factors. To decide on the right stuffed animal doesn’t need to be hard!

The most important thing when you are going to pick a stuffed animal is the size. Giant stuffed animal beds are not suitable for babies and toddlers, due to the risk of suffocation.

Toys that are too big can easily fall on and smother your baby. Select a smaller toy instead that won’t put your baby at risk of suffocation.

This can seem a little strange for parents of toddlers. People do not entirely understand what a 3 year old should know educationally. This means that they wrongly assume that their toddlers will be able to get away from a large toy that falls on them. Sadly, this is sometimes not the case.

It only takes a toddler to panic when their toy falls on them for them to get smothered.

Conclusion

Choosing the best-stuffed toy for your baby is easy. You just need to consider a few simple factors.

The best-stuffed toys for babies will be small and lightweight. This will allow your baby to move away from it easily if the toy happens to fall.

Similarly, baby toys should have no sharp materials; the best ones are made from soft materials such as fabrics.

The easiest way to check if the toy you have chosen is right is to look at the packaging. Soft toys should have a recommended age on them.

Picking a toy within the recommended age for your baby will help you to keep your baby safe with his new stuffed toys.

Further recommendations and guidelines are available from WebMD.

The post What Age Can My Baby Sleep With A Stuffed Animal? appeared first on The Baby Sleep Site - Baby / Toddler Sleep Consultants.

Babies can use wearable blankets from birth or as soon as you stop swaddling your baby. Your baby should not use loose blankets until they are at least a year old, however, you should not expect your child to keep a blanket on them for warmth while sleeping until at least 3-4 years old.

Let’s dig deeper about your baby and the use of blankets to ensure you keep your baby safe and warm.

Babies and Wearable Blankets

Once you transition away from swaddling, the best and safest way to put a blanket on your baby is to use a wearable blanket. This way, the blanket can’t come off as your baby sleeps, rolls around, or even stands up. Wearable blankets come in many different sizes from newborn to toddler sizes. You can even get size 3T-5T wearable blankets that allow your preschooler to walk around.

Usually, if you use a wearable blanket, you only need to put your baby in a onesie and pajamas underneath. You don’t want him or her to overheat, so don’t put on too many layers. Your climate as well as the current season may become a factor as well. You may want to check your baby’s sleeping bag’s TOG rating to make sure you have the room temperature correct with the wearable blanket you plan to use. For warmer temperatures, you may want to consider a Muslin sleep sack. Alternatively, using a 4-season Merino Wool wearable blanket would let you avoid needing to buy multiple blankets for different seasons. This takes the worry away that you will use the wrong blanket for your baby and prevents overheating.

Babies and Loose Blankets

As a safety precaution, The AAP recommends that you avoid loose bedding and blankets for the first year. This is, of course, because your baby may pull the blanket over his or her head and become entangled and unable to take it off. This can lead to accidental suffocation. So, it is strongly recommended that you not use a loose blanket to cover up your baby until at least a year old. Keep in mind, however, that most children won’t keep a blanket on all night until they are at least 3 years old unless they happen to be very still sleepers. Most children are active sleepers, however, so unless you have your room temperature set at a comfortable setting even without a blanket, continue to use a wearable blanket until your child is old enough to keep it on.

Babies and Blankets as a Comfort Item or Lovey

What about a small blanket? Can you give your baby a small blanket to hold on to as a security blanket?

Again, The AAP strongly recommends that you avoid any loose objects at all in the crib until at least one year old. Some babies and toddlers do benefit from a comfort item, or baby lovey. So, when you’re comfortable giving your baby a lovey, you can consider a small blanket that isn’t used for warmth but as an attachment object.

Attachment objects allow your baby or toddler to seek it out for comfort, whether at home or while traveling. Many items can become a lovey such as a toothbrush, mommy’s shirt, a car, a book, and pacifiers often become attachment objects. A security blanket is the most commonly known lovey. Depending on your age, you may remember The Peanuts character, Linus, who clutched his security blanket.

A popular type of lovey blanket is one with tags, so if you have a tactile baby, he or she can touch the tags and my son even liked to put his fingers through the loops. There are many different variations of these blankets, some with teethers and crinkle noises for playtime. Of course, if you are trying to encourage sleep, consider a quieter version like this Taggies blanket.

Other Blanket Safety Considerations

Whether you are using a baby blanket for warmth or comfort or both, do keep safety in mind. We don’t want blankets that are coming apart as they can be a choking hazard. We don’t want blankets with pieces that can fall off like a button or similar. The blanket should not present a suffocation hazard, so even if you have a baby who is over a year old, consider how large the blanket is and the size of your child.

TIP: Once you do find a blanket that you and your child loves, consider buying a second one that can be used during washes, in case of loss, or to lengthen use due to wear and tear! Having a backup can be even more important if your baby goes to daycare or takes their blanket with them often. There’s nothing worse than getting to bedtime and realizing you don’t have your baby’s favorite blankie!

When did your baby start using a blanket?

The post When Can Babies Sleep With Blankets? appeared first on The Baby Sleep Site - Baby / Toddler Sleep Consultants.

Babies are different, some have very delicate skin while others can wait a little bit longer to be changed once they have soiled their nappies. All the same, babies need changing immediately to prevent nappy rash.

Young babies may require changing as often as 10 to 12 times a day, but as they grow older, this frequency drops to about 6 to 8 times. While changing, among the things you need are:

• A changing towel, mat or changing table
• Warm water
• Cotton wool
• A bucket or plastic bag for disposal of dirty nappy
• Barrier cream for the baby skin
• Clean clothes

The changing table is designed for this specific purpose of changing baby nappies. It comes at a comfortable height so that you can change the nappies conveniently. Research indicates that falling accounts for 65% of injuries among children is 5 years and below.

Some of these accidents especially around the changing table are avoidable. The following tips can help you to minimize instances of changing table falls.

1. Use a Child Restraint

   Most modern changing tables come with a safety trap. This gives your child an extra level of protection. The strap is designed to restrain your child’s movement and keep them in place. However, the restraint shouldn’t be an excuse to let them out of sight.

   In your changing routine, ensure you inspect the strap regularly to confirm whether it is still in safe working order.

2. Inspect the Changing Table

   Changing tables just like any other piece of furniture may weaken or become loose. This phenomenon is most prevalent with collapsible changing tables. If you haven’t inspected the changing table before use, do not place your child on it.

   Report any loose or broken parts to a technician for repairs. Do not try to modify broken latches or folding mechanisms on your own.

3. Ensure All the Supplies are Within Reach

   Leaving children unattended at the changing table is dangerous. They can easily roll off and sustain serious injuries, fractures, or concussions. When preparing for the nappy change, ensure everything you need is within an arm’s stretch.

   If you invest in the best changing table, you will have the advantage of drawers that can help you with extra storage for baby changing items.

4. Keep Hazardous Items Out of Reach

   Things such as bottles, open pins, creams, and other small items should be carefully stored in lockable places such as drawers. If left on the changing table, babies may stretch their hands, get hold of them, and push them into their mouths. This presents a choking hazard.

   They may prick their bodies with the pins or even cut their skin with razor blades. Remember, the babies are only interacting with whatever objects around them.

5. Maintain their Attention during the Process

   Babies are bundles of energy and most times they love wrestling while changing their diapers! Some may crawl away, fuss, or even cry. To put to an end this tug of war and minimize chances of injuries, maintain their attention.

   You can do this by talking to your child, playing some background music, or giving them a toy to keep them engaged.

6. Have a Routine for the Changing Procedure

   Uncertainty and change can be stressful for all people leave alone babies. As your child navigates the continuous challenge of learning and interacting with new things, support them by making some processes familiar. Nappy changing is one of them.

   The more you make this a routine, the more your child will have a sense of control, security, and will learn what to expect. This minimizes negative behavior and subsequently any falls or injuries that may result.

7. Constant Supervision

   Children, unlike adults, do not fully understand what danger means. They are curious and simply want to explore the world around them. This can pose a serious threat to the changing table because the more mobile they become, the more adventurous they get.

   In the blink of an eye, they can roll off. Depending on the height of the table, injure themselves badly. Ensure you constantly pay attention and reach out to them if they are tempting to do something injurious.

8. Choose Changing Tables with Roll-Off Protection

   When shopping for changing tables, go for models that have raised sides and ends measuring 10 cm and higher. Such a design is important to protect your child from rolling off. Alternatively, you can also incorporate a concave shape change mat to contain your child when changing nappies.

9. Observe Manufacturer’s Instructions and Limitations

   Changing table manufacturers have clear guidelines on how their products should be used. From assembly to the actual usage, every step is normally contained in a set of instructions. For instance, your changing table has an age or weight limit.

   Children whose age or weight exceeds these limits should not be changed on these surfaces. Typically, from the age of two or when children attain 30 pounds in weight, parents should look for alternative changing surfaces.

   The safety of your child should be a priority at every point in their growth and development. Ensuring their safety on the changing table contributes towards their general safety.

The post 9 Safety Tips to Follow While Using the Changing Table appeared first on The Baby Sleep Site - Baby / Toddler Sleep Consultants.

Lots of parents assume that a night light is one of those baby essentials that every nursery requires. After all, a well-placed night light can reduce the fumbling usually associated with middle-of-the-night diaper changes and feedings. But is a night light distracting to your baby? Do you really need one? What kind of night light should you buy? Keep reading for our baby night light do’s and don’ts, as well as a list of our top 5 favorite baby night lights!

Baby Night Light Do’s and Don’ts

1. DO place the light close the areas of the room that you’ll need to use at night, but DON’T place the light too close to your child’s sleeping area.
2. DO ensure that the light is low-wattage and dim enough that it won’t disturb your child’s sleep.
3. DON’T use a night light that casts cool, blue-toned light, but DO use one that casts warm, red- or yellow-toned light.
4. DON’T assume you or your baby will need a night light; you might not!
5. DO try a night light as your baby grows, if he suddenly develops nighttime fears or separation anxiety.

1. DO place the light near areas you’ll use, but DON’T place it too close to your child’s sleeping area.

When your baby is young, the night light is really more for you than for him; it can really help facilitate middle-of-the-night diaper changes and night feedings. So place the night light near the areas of your baby’s nursery that YOU will use, like the changing table or the glider. But be sure not to place it too close to your baby’s sleeping area, as even dim, soft light can be distracting for some babies and can interfere with sleep.

2. DO ensure the light is low-wattage and dim.

This probably goes without saying, but you don’t want your night light to be too bright! 4-7 watts is typical for most night lights. You’ll also want to be sure that the light itself is shaded and diffuse, so that your baby isn’t disturbed by any harsh glare.

3. DON’T use a light that has blue tones, but DO use one that casts warm red or yellow tones.

Fun fact: did you know that blue light is bad for sleep? It’s true! Blue light interferes with the body’s production of melatonin, a natural, sleep-inducing hormone. This is one huge reason why we never recommend keeping a TV in your child’s room, and why many experts advise that children should stop all screen time a few hours before bed. So avoid blue-toned night lights; instead, opt for night lights that give off warm, red- or yellow-toned light.

4. DON’T assume you and your baby need a night light.

It’s interesting – a lot of parents assume that a night light is necessary, but this isn’t always the case. For one thing, some babies really are distracted by night lights and have trouble falling asleep in a room that has any light at all (baby temperament has a lot to do with this). And if the light turns on and off by itself (when it senses daylight, for example, or when it senses motion), that might be doubly-distracting for your child. And don’t assume you need one, either; lots of parents have told us that leaving the nursery door cracked open and using the light from the hallway for diaper changes and feedings works just fine.

5. DO try a night light as your baby grows, especially if he develops nighttime fears.

You may find you can do without a night light at first, but as your baby grows, a night light might become useful. Some parents find, for instance, their children get anxious about being left alone in the dark as they grow older; this is probably natural nighttime fears mixed with some separation anxiety. A night light can really help in instances like this; it can provide a little reassurance and comfort in the middle of the night. Nighttime fears can become a real problem during the toddler years, too, so even if you manage without a nightlight for a while, don’t hesitate to try one out if your two-year old is suddenly afraid of the dark.

Our Top 5 Night Light Recommendations

Greenic Dusk-to-Dawn LED Nightlight (in Amber)

This night light is super basic, but also super effective! It casts just enough diffuse light to help you find your way around for diaper changes and feedings, but not so much that it’ll make it hard for your baby to sleep. Just be sure to buy one in a warm color; we like the amber-colored one best.

Albrillo Baby Night Light

  The Albrillo Night Light is a customizable light with a rechargeable battery that lasts 200 or 6 hours in dimmest or brightest settings, respectively. And, the bottom button disables touch control and boosts brightness by 30% for outdoor visibility, if you like to go camping and the like. What we really love is that you can touch the top for half a second to enter night light mode for breastfeeding at night, for example, or you can tap the logo twice to set a 1-hour timer to comfort your toddler to sleep. This way, your toddler has a night light as he goes to sleep, but it won’t wake him in the middle of the night.

Bubzi Co. Penguin Plush & Projector

This adorable little elephant doubles as a night light and a lullaby player; it plays 10 different lullabies and projects a beautiful, soft starlight scene for a total of 30 minutes before automatically shutting off. This could work as a great bedtime routine tool; to signal to your baby that your routine is over and that it’s time to go to sleep, simply turn on this little plush owl. Note that some babies might find the starlight scene distracting; however, the projected image doesn’t move, so it should work for most babies. The added benefit here is that this little plush owl is portable; it runs on batteries, meaning you can easily move it around your home (from pack-n-play to crib, perhaps), or take it on the go. Best of all – by purchasing this Bubzi Co. product, you’re giving back! A percentage of every Bubzi Co. purchase is donated to Postpartum Support International, an organization that helps new moms look after their perinatal mental health.

Space / Animal Projector Night Light

This may or may not make a good baby night light; the moving stars or animals and multi-colored lights might prove too distracting. However, your toddler might really love it! This projector offers soft light that’ll keep your toddler feeling comfortable and secure, and it also projects a rotating scene that could be just the thing to keep an antsy toddler interested (and in bed!). If you have a jack-in-the-box toddler who is constantly popping out of bed or who finds bedtime boring, this nightlight might be a great choice. In addition, this could be another great bedtime routine ender – if you consistently end your routine by turning on the projector, it could send a strong signal to your toddler that it’s time to settle in and go to sleep.

Munchkin Light My Way Nightlight

Oh my GOSH, is this thing adorable! This portable little nightlight (another owl!) could work well for babies and for toddlers. It casts a nice warm glow, and it’s also small and portable, meaning it’ll travel well. What’s more, this light automatically shuts off after 15 minutes – but if your toddler wakes in the night and wants her night light on, she can simply press a button for another 15 minutes of light. Extra bonus – your toddler can carry this with her for middle-of-the-night trips to the potty! And you can easily move it around your baby’s room as needed.

The post Baby Night Lights Do’s and Don’ts (And Our Top 5 Night Light Recommendations) appeared first on The Baby Sleep Site - Baby / Toddler Sleep Consultants.

Over the years, as we’ve worked with tens of thousands of families on their children’s sleep, we’ve seen countless baby sleep products come and go. But here’s one that stuck around (one for which we’ve seen many, many iterations): the baby sleep positioner.

You know what I’m talking about, right? Those products that go in the crib or bed, and that promise to keep your baby safely positioned for sleep. Many of them claim to be great for newborns, as they keep baby cozy and snug. Others claim to be ideal for babies with reflux, as they slightly elevate baby’s head and upper torso.

But are these products really all that they claim to be? And, most importantly, are they safe?

Sleep Positioners and Sleep Devices

Sleep positioners and sleep devices like crib wedges, head-shaping baby pillows, baby “nests” (such as the popular Dock-a-Tot), and head-and-neck supporters are usually used inside your baby’s crib. Other stand-alone sleep devices are designed to rest directly on the floor. All of these sleep positioners and sleep devices generally promise to do the same things. Keeping your baby positioned properly, elevating your baby’s head, helping with baby’s reflux symptoms, solving any flat-head problems your baby might have from spending so much of her snooze time on her back, and/or improving your baby’s overall quality of sleep to name a handful.

Do they work? Well, if Amazon reviews are any indication, parents seem to love these products! Many have glowing reviews, with parents boasting that their babies sleep for hours in them. And, we know at least one of our clients tells us she loves the Dock-a-Tot quite often. After all, they are lightweight and portable, which is a big selling point.

But are these products safe or would it be better to get something like a Pack n Play or Rock n Play? Regardless of whether or not they work or if you absolutely love them, should you be using them in your baby’s crib?

Sleep Positioners and Sleep Devices: Not Safe For Unsupervised Sleep

We cannot say this enough: sleep positioners are not safe for unsupervised sleep. While some of our U.K. clients have told us that sleep positioners are approved for overnight crib use in the U.K., this is not the case in the United States. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has released several warnings in the past years. The warnings urge parents not to use sleep positioners or in-the-crib sleep devices. Babies can (and have) rolled in these devices or become wedged between the sleep positioner and the floor or mattress. No matter how foolproof and safe these sleep devices claim to be, there are often stories of injuries or worse. You should never allow your baby to sleep unsupervised in anything but a crib containing a firm mattress and a tight-fitting crib sheet and nothing else.

Now, to their credit, the makers of these sleep positioners and devices seem (technically) to be following these guidelines. The makers of the Dock-a-Tot, for instance, do not expressly state on their website that the Dock-a-Tot is to be used for sleeping. Instead, they claim it’s great for tummy time, diaper changes, “lounging,” and for “resting.” Similarly, the dexBaby Day Dreamer claims that the Day Dreamer allows mom to get “a few moments to herself.” Pictures on their website also only show the Day Dreamer being used for supervised sleep.

But here’s the issue – browse Amazon reviews or customer testimonials of any sleep positioner or sleep device, and you’ll find that parents are using these products in their babies’ cribs at night, all night long, with no supervision. And, as stated, this is not safe.

Sleep Positioners and Sleep Devices: Should I Avoid Them At All Costs?

Here’s some good news: while sleep positioners and sleep devices should never be used in your baby’s crib and/or during unsupervised sleep, you can certainly use them while your baby is supervised. Many positioners and devices are great to use for tummy time, or when your baby is resting next to you. They can provide an easy way to ensure your baby is content, which in turn gives you some much-needed free time.

Sleep Positioners and Sleep Devices: What’s an Exhausted Parent To Do?

It’s no wonder, really, that tired parents turn to sleep positioners and sleep devices to get their babies sleeping. What else are exhausted parents and overtired babies to do? As tired parents yourselves, you probably know a thing or two about the siren song of a “miracle” product that promises to give you a happily sleeping baby, right?

But no matter how desperate you become, it is so, so, SO important to put your baby’s safety first!

This does not mean that you have to reconcile yourself to endless sleep deprivation. Not at all! You can help your baby learn to sleep peacefully in a way that is 100% safe: you can gently help your baby learn to sleep through sleep coaching. When you sleep coach, you help your baby gradually overcome any sleep associations and learn to fall asleep more independently. This, in turn, assures that your baby can fall back to sleep after any night wakings or early-nap wakings. Best of all, when you sleep coach, you don’t have to rely on expensive products to put your baby to sleep. Sleep training is a process you can try at home, on your own! (Our free guides are a great place to start.) It’s also something that our team of expert consultants would love to help with!

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Benefits of Swaddling Your Baby

When your baby is swaddled, he or she is taken back to the days in the womb, when everything was comfortable, safe and snug.

Swaddling has a number of key benefits for both parents and babies – when done correctly and safely:

• Babies who are swaddled sleep longer and more soundly.
• Swaddled babies experience less anxiety.
• Swaddling prevents unnecessary wake-ups due to the startle reflex.
• Using a swaddle eliminates the need for comfort items in baby’s crib – no pillows, bumpers, blankets, stuffed animals, etc. (using these items in crib have been linked to SIDS)
• A swaddled baby can’t scratch their face.
• Swaddling mimics touch, which is important for baby especially when they wake up at night.
• Wearing a swaddle helps maintain baby’s back-sleeping position and also reminds tired parents to place baby on back to sleep.
• Swaddling soothes babies with colic (again, when swaddled, they feel secure and safe just like they felt in the womb).
• Using a swaddle with baby in the hands-over-heart position is the preferred sleeping position for babies; in this position, they learn to self-soothe and can get back to sleep on their own.
• Swaddling benefits parents too — when baby sleeps more, mom and dad sleep more!

Safe Swaddling Tips

Over the last 20 years, we’ve learned how to swaddle safely. It’s safe to say we have come far from the tightly wrapped, mummy-style swaddle bands and swaddle boards! Learning to correctly swaddle baby is key to ensuring safety and effectiveness. Here are seven tips:

1. Do not over-swaddle

   Over-swaddling or using double swaddle blankets can lead to overheating. This factor has been linked to SIDS. Signs of an overheated baby include damp hair and sweating. Today parents can use swaddles that are specifically designed to allow excess heat to escape which provides ventilation for baby.

2. Make sure the swaddle won’t unravel

   A loose blanket can end up covering your baby’s airway.



3. Position baby “hands-over-heart”

   In the past, it was traditional to swaddle baby’s arms at his/her sides, but this can cause joint problems and limits mobility. Place baby’s hands over the chest before wrapping, or with a swaddle sack that requires no wrapping, put baby in, place baby’s hands over chest, and zip!

4. Don’t swaddle too tightly

   Rather than a blanket, use a specially made baby swaddle that hugs baby comfortably but allows for natural movement of the legs/hips to prevent hip issues like hip dysplasia.

5. Place baby on his/her back to sleep

   When baby sleeps on his/her tummy he is more likely to rebreathe his own exhaled air and start to overheat, both of which can lead to SIDS. Remember: “back is best.”

6. Stop swaddling when baby begins to roll

   When baby begins to roll, this is a good time to consult with your pediatrician or a baby sleep consultant on whether or not swaddling should be continued. Usually, you want to transition baby to arms-free sleep once baby begins to roll, but some pediatricians are now saying that swaddling is safe even after baby begins to roll as long as the crib is free from all suffocation hazards such as bumpers pillows toys, and blankets. When it’s time to transition, an arms-free sleep sack is a wonderful tool so baby can feel snug but with their arms free.

7. Don’t swaddle all day

   Babies need freedom to move around and learn their bodies. Even if your little one loves being wrapped up all day, give him/her time to develop and leave the swaddling for sleep time.

Most people use swaddling during the newborn stage and begin to phase it out before six months. Some babies like being swaddled up to nine months, and that’s perfectly fine so long as you are using an arms-free sleep sack once baby begins to roll. At some point though your baby will prefer the freedom outside the swaddle and struggle to break out. Click to read more about when and how to stop swaddling.

Note: Each baby is different; some babies resist swaddling from the very beginning, although this is rare. All newborns put up a little bit of a fight, but they quickly accept the feelings of security and peace the swaddle affords them.