Rock-N-Play
Rock-N-Play is essential for modern parents; simply because life with a newborn can be a little hard and exhausting.
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Research has shown the first two months of having a newborn can be completely brutal.
Many parents are looking for ways to get sleep, and when they identify equipment that works for their babies, they always want to share the good news with other parents.
According to pediatricians, Rock-N-Plays can safely be used for adult-supervised naps because they can monitor to see if the infant is in anguish and not for overnight sleep.
Besides the frequent warnings, most mothers use Rock-N-Play for their babies for naps and use nap time to complete house chores or take naps, forgetting to check on their babies.
It only takes a few minutes for an infant to be distressed; if they are sleeping or napping, parents are advised to check on them frequently.
Here are a few tips on when a baby should nap in a Rock-N-Play;
When practicing to lie flat.
The transition of a baby from the womb to the outside world is a big adjustment, simply because babies spent nine months floating in the belly.
Rock-N-Plays are used during naps to assist babies to adjust to the big change.
With vibrations and rocking, they seem to be at peace
Also, for babies with reflux, an inclined position is great for them to relax.
Transition gradually.
Rock-N-Plays during naps assist babies to transition gradually to their new sleeping spaces.
The naps should start for about 30 minutes as they adjust and can swiftly increase as the baby grows and gets familiar with their cribs.
When the rocking or vibrations are turned off
Babies can nap on the Rock-N-Plays when the rocking and vibrations are turned off.
This allows them to transition faster to flat, firm, and non-moving surfaces when overnight sleeping.
However, when the rocking is on slow motion, it also helps in changing multiples variables at a time.
Enough practice.
Infants should nap on Rock-N-Plays after enough practice.
It takes a lot of time and repetition for a routine to stick.
For babies to be comfortable taking naps there, they require to practice also.
For some parents, the equipment works smoothly while for others, it takes a lot of effort.
All parents should learn to be patient when it comes to naps on the Rock-N-Plays.
Why is it not safe for babies to nap in a Rock-N-Plays?
SIDS is a nightmare to every parent.
Parents must be aware of how to reduce SIDS risks and other causes of death for their babies.
The Rock-N-Play design is in direct contrast with recommendations from the American
Academy of Pediatrics for safe sleep or nap for infants.
This is because of;
Soft bedding.
The soft side padding and headrests are contrary to the recommendation that infants should sleep on a firm, flat, and solid surface.
Most parents prefer soft places to lay at the end of the day, but it is very unsafe for infants and babies.
Rock-n-play or cribs for babies should not contain any soft material around their face or head during naps or sleep
Inclined sleep.
Infants should nap on a flat firm surface.
Even for babies with reflux who tend to spit up a lot, they still need to nap on a flat surface.
When babies are inclined at any angle that most Rock-N-Play seats are, they develop poor breathing posture.
Their head might tilt to the side or forward, and their abdomens might twist inward.
Such a position can be associated with blocking airflow, and the baby might not be strong enough to turn himself right.
Too hot.
Many parents harmlessly put the infants in the rock-n-play and add a comforter or blanket to cover them up because they are worried that the baby could be cold, but the extreme risk is if the baby gets too hot.
The combination of the Rock-N-Play material surrounding the baby, clothing, and blanket can increase baby’s temperatures.
Babies should dress comfortably in lighter sleepers.
Additional blankets and comforters have a greater risk of suffocation at that age.
Safety straps.
Rock-N-Play manufacturers and retailers assert their products to be safe if only used until the baby can roll over, and safety straps are put in place.
The main challenge is that a parent or caregiver will not know when a baby can roll until they start rolling.
The safety straps might not prevent the rolling over of the baby.
Most babies whose death happen in the rock-n-play start to roll over and get stuck during the process, with them being unable to roll back because of the lower center gravity caused by the soft materials on the Rock-N-Play.
Flathead.
Although not a SIDS risk factor, Rock-N-Play might cause flat head syndrome; this is because the soft material on the equipment can keep the baby in one direction or position leading to a flat spot on their head if they spend too much time facing one direction.
For example, in the first year of the baby’s life, the skull bones float without attachments between them; if the infant naps in the same position, there is a huge risk that skull bones will dislocate, causing a flat head.
How can I safely use Rock-N-Play?
Regularly, most mothers wonder when it is safe to use Rock-N-Play equipment for their newborn or babies.
The following are a few ways on how to use them safely;
- Adult supervision. When infants or babies are napping on the rock-n-plays, they should be supervised strictly by an adult for the entire napping period.
- Use of safety straps- Safety straps should be in use at all times when the baby is in the rock-n-play; this ensures the baby is held tight and kept in place for safety purposes.
- Use of less soft bedding materials. Mothers should ensure less soft bedding material like comforters and blankets should not be used in the rock-n-play.
- Used for soothing purposes. If the Rock-N-Play’s vibration or rocking assist the baby to fall asleep, the features can be used, and once the baby is sleeping, parents can transfer them to their crib.