Loungers and Weighted Sleep Sacks

Hello hello!

Welcome to another blog, this week I am discussing loungers/baby nests (see photo below for reference, and weighted sleep sacks. I wanted to go over these two items specifically because there are a lot of questions around if these items are safe. Period. 

Taken from Amazon.com

Loungers/Baby Nests

This is what Health Canada says about these props:

“A baby nest is a small, portable bed for an infant that has soft, padded sides. Many baby nests are advertised as multi-functional products that can be used as a sleep surface, changing mat and tummy time mat. Some baby nests are also promoted as being suitable for bed sharing, which involves placing the product in the caregiver’s bed. A baby nest's soft, padded sides pose a suffocation risk”

Now companies that sell these, including Dock-A-Tot say that their products are not meant to be used for sleep. They are meant to be used when the child is under supervision, just hanging out or getting cuddles. This absolutely makes sense, however we all know how things can happen in an instance so I have always been a believer in airing on the side of caution. 

Did you know that Dockatot is actually banned in Canada?

There are still many products that are VERY similar to these being sold, you might even have one in your household. If you do have one of these nest/pillow/loungers, there is no judgement,  I just want to give you all the information so you can make the best decision possible for your child.

Safety

First off, they are not safe for sleep UNLESS you are co-sleeping then having a raised pillow in between you and your partner where baby sleeps is probably your best option. However that being said, once baby starts rolling around 4-5 months… we don’t want to stop them from exploring that (also their safety when sleeping) so things get a little dicey then if you are using a lounger for co-sleeping. Co-sleeping itself is not the safest option either, however I understand it’s pros and cons and I am not a Consultant who is against it. 

Misinformation/False Advertising

I mostly have a problem with how these items can be portrayed. Obviously over the years, these companies have gotten better at how they show their items, but there are often blankets in cribs, pillows and stuffies around in the bed. Pictures that portray unsafe sleep. Having a lounger IN the bassinet or crib is another big one too. Safe sleep dictates a child is in their bed/crib with NOTHING, and the risk we run is having a child roll out of their lounger, and get stuck between the bars of the crib and the edge of the lounger.

What I want to highlight on that topic is to be mindful of what you consume on social media and in promotions. Yes, having them with a blanket around them for a photo is cute, however just be mindful of what is just for a photo, and what is truly safe for the child.

Is it worth the price?

They are also fairly expensive! These loungers can range from $100-$200+ and in reality they are not an essential for your babe. Not to say that they aren’t cute, or made out of a good material, however it is simply not necessary for calming or entertaining your child and definitely not necessary for sleep! 

So how do you transition out of using a lounger if you’re using one for sleep?

This is simple, the next time your babe has a nap, remove the lounger. From then on, all sleeps are without the lounger. It may seem like a shock, but this “cold turkey” approach is your best bet. It will probably take a couple sleeps for babe to get used to it just like everything else, however it is for the best.

Weighted Sleep Sacks

Okay so it makes sense that if weighted blankets help adults with stress and help us sleep, then they must be helpful for children too right? Yes… but no. 

Safely comes first with children, and these sleep sacks are not safe. They are made based on age ranges so even if you could get one with less weight, it would be too small for your child size wise. 

A weighted sleep sack can prevent your baby from rolling and moving, and even if they physically CAN overcome the weight of the sack, when we are asleep our bodies and brain are not the same as when we are awake. So, that child doesn’t have the same strength or motivation when they are asleep and thus it is dangerous to have any added weight on/surrounding the child. 

Yes, the pressure from the weight may help your child sleep, but that small pro, outweighs the cons. Also, your child can absolutely sleep without it, it’s not like a weighted blanket is a magical solution that only a select few are using.

The same process goes for removing the sleep sack as the lounger: the next nap your child has, swaddle them like normal or have them in a regular sleep sack, but don’t use the weighted one anymore. They will get used to it, I promise, and if they are having troubles after a week or so of getting used to it then give me a shout!

Overall 

I just want to give you all the information so you can make the best decision for your family. There is never any judgement if you are using these props… however you deserve to have the information about safe sleep and what will really help your family get a good sleep versus what’s a little gimmicky. If you want to know more information or would like to have a discussion about this, I would LOVE to talk with you.

Please email or message me on Facebook or Instagram, I am always available to answer any questions you have or have a discussion about safe sleep! 

Until next time, 

-Marina 

Your Sleep Consultant