Whoever invented the phrase ‘sleep like a baby’ knew nothing about baby sleep. It wasn’t a new sleep-deprived mum for sure. Newborn babies often sleep longer in the first couple of weeks. And then, as their brain starts to develop, they begin to sleep less and wake more frequently. It takes time for them to recognise day from night and create specific sleep patterns. Because of all that, new mums are usually far from well-rested.
They’re often torn between what society says about how a baby should sleep and what their instincts say. On top of that, safety guidelines and mortal rates. It’s not hard to imagine how anxious and worried a new mum could feel. If this is you, you’re not alone. Mums worldwide feel overwhelmed by the ton of information on baby sleep. So, what can you do?
What Is Considered as Safe When It Comes to Baby Sleep?
It’s vital to be informed on safe baby sleep to reduce anxiety. Safety guidelines are clear – a baby should always sleep on their back, on a firm surface, without anything around them that can provoke suffocating, such as blankets or pillows.
While some people claim that safe means the baby is sleeping alone, these claims are not scientifically proven. Research says that co-sleeping increases the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The majority of the cases were where the mother fell asleep on a bed or rocking chair with her baby in her arms. This led to the baby sleeping in the sheets and death.
Safe bed sharing is possible if parents stick to basic guidelines. It’s the ultimate way for breastfeeding mothers to catch some sleep while feeding their babies around the clock. No matter if your bub sleeps alone or with you, you should always place them on their back. However, it’s widely known what this does to babies. It activates their Moro, or startle, reflex. This makes their little arms move as they’re afraid to fall and, unfortunately – wakes them.
So, what can you do to reduce this reflex?
While swaddling is the first option that comes to mind, more and more parents put it away when they realise that babies hate the swaddle. It’s often hard for breastfeeding mums to unswaddle their babies every time they wake up to eat. If swaddling isn’t an option for you, you should consider a baby snuggle nest for safe and sound sleep.
What Is a Baby Nest?
A baby nest is a sleeping pod with an oval form and raised edges. It contains a base mattress and wrapped edges. They’re like a little cocoon for a baby to sleep in, mimicking the feeling they had while in the womb. As babies spent the previous nine months in the womb, laying in a baby snuggle nest makes them feel safe, secure and relaxed.
Are baby nests safe? Yes, when used correctly.
There is a variety of baby nests available today. We’ll compare the three favourites hoping we’ll make choosing one easier for you.
The Top 3 Baby Nests
Cocoonababy Sleep Nest
The Cocoonababy Sleep Nest has been a favourite number 1 among parents for 25 years. More than 300.000 families worldwide have used it in the past ten years only, including many Australian homes. It was developed in 1995 by a paediatric physiotherapist and other medical professionals. Its first use was in the paediatric units in the hospitals. Some years later, after being fully developed, it’s become available for parents in their homes.
What makes the Cocoonababy a favourite?
It’s not too soft and not too hard, but just right. It is designed with a firm base yet soft surface. This baby sleep positioner includes a wedge that prevents babies from sliding down the nest. Also, a tummy band keeps them in the perfect position without limiting their moves. The ergonomic design keeps the baby in a semi-foetal posture. This prevents problems lying on hard surfaces for long periods, like flat head syndrome or gastric reflux. It also reduces the startle reflex.
The Cocoonababy has been tested to ensure that the foam is firm enough to avoid the baby’s head sinking, causing suffocation. The tummy band applies the same light pressure on the baby’s tummy as does swaddling. This has a calming effect without restricting movement, and it prevents colic too.
The safe shape and materials make the Cocoona baby nest the only product used day and night for the first months. Medical specialists have been examining the posture of the babies while in this nest. Their conclusion? It’s the best posture for a baby’s comfort and development.
That’s why many parents decide to put the Cocoonababy straight in the baby’s cot or cradle. It provides newborns with comfort and dramatically reduces separation anxiety that babies get from lying in too ample space for them.
Parents can use the Cocoonababy not for sleep only but to also interact with their babies while awake.
DockATot Deluxe+
With over a million DockATots sold and thousands of verified 5-star reviews, the Swedish-designed DockATot is a global parenting must-have.
Made for a womblike experience, multi-award-winning DockATot offers a gentle womb-to-world transition to soothe your precious baby. The snug nature of this baby nest hugs your little one, reduces their startle reflex and makes them feel like they are being held.
This nest has a variety of uses. Whether you use it for baby massages, tummy time, or nappy changes, it’s a safe and comfy space for your baby to snuggle, sleep and play.
DockATot is lightweight and portable, making it the perfect bub nest to take on family adventures.
Although The Deluxe+ can be used from birth until eight months old, it’s not recommended for overnight sleeping.
Purflo Sleep Tight Baby Bed
Concerned new parents searching for a cleaner, safer and healthier sleeping environment for their babies was what inspired the brand Purflo to launch their first product in 1997. Today, safe sleep is still the main motivation for Purflo. Safe sleep baby product experts design the brand’s entire range. They use hypoallergenic materials and safe sleep guidelines. That’s why they developed the Purflo Sleep Tight Baby Bed.
This nest is the first of its kind to be certified for unsupervised, overnight sleep from birth to 8 months old. Using a sustainably sourced, firm filling and innovative breathable base and panels, the Sleep Tight baby nest bed provides a healthy and safe sleeping environment day and night.
To Sum Up
Baby nests are trendy baby sleep solutions today. They can make your bub feels safe and secure like they do in your arms. This can give you free hands to finish some work or to rest.
However, if you want them to be a safe place for sleep and rest for your baby, you must use them how the manufacturer requires. Only that way you can secure your bub’s safe and sound sleep.
