SAFE SLEEP POPULAR PRODUCT 5: Baby Rocker

New parents will receive a lot of advice when their baby is born. There are many different opinions – from friends, family, and the internet – on how to care for a baby. How and where to put your infant to sleep may be one of them. Parents want to keep their baby safe, comfortable, and happy. Be sure to get your information from credible sources.

Speaking of infant sleep, rocker chairs are a popular item for new parents. Shop online or in stores and you will see the product with a picture of a peaceful, happy baby. These products claim to soothe your baby. They are usually soft and cushiony to keep your baby comfortable and happy. While this sounds like every parents dream, products like this are not safe for a sleeping baby. Rocker chairs like this can increase the risk of Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUID), commonly known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Here is what you need to know before you make the decision to let your baby  sleep  in one of these products:

1. Not a flat surface – Safe sleep recommends that a baby sleep on a flat surface. Rockers are often egg-shaped. The design makes your baby feel cuddled. It can also increase the risk of suffocation. Your baby’s head can slump forward in the seat and they may struggle to breathe.
2. Not a firm surface – This product has cushion to protect and comfort your baby. This product could be great during the day when your baby is awake and you are alert and watching. Your baby should not sleep in this product. Your baby can turn their head and the cushion could block their airways.

If your baby falls asleep in one of these products, move them to a crib right away. Create a safe sleep environment to help keep your baby safe. Be alert of any children’s product recalls. The CPSC (United States Consumer Product Safety Commission) warns which products to avoid. The CPSC shared that products with inclines 10 degrees or less, with flat and rigid surfaces, are safer for your baby’s sleep. Follow the safe sleep rules for every sleep to reduce the risk of  SUID. To review all the safe sleep rules visit DE Thrives Safe Sleep. or for more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics click here. Don’t forget to follow and visit our Twitter and Facebook for more updates.