Is newborn hammock good? The truth will be revealed!

Many older people often recommend hammocks because they used to take care of their baby and have no problem getting a good night's sleep. Some others also believe that sleeping in a hammock helps a baby's head round, beautiful and avoids flat head syndrome. Should babies be hammock or not? aFamilyToday Health will help you find the answer in this article.

There are two reports of infants dying while sleeping in a hammock. This has raised concerns about the safety of this item for the infant. Therefore, researchers at the University of Auckland, New Zealand have conducted a study examining whether babies sleeping in hammocks affect the amount of oxygen they receive because at this age, babies are at risk. high sudden death.

The study results show that the hammock position does not affect the upper respiratory tract of the sleeping infants. The baby's sleep time in a hammock is short or long is not clear. However, these findings are not applicable to all types of hammocks, nor for older children, especially when they are able to roll. When your baby is rolling, you should not hammock your baby without supervision.

Advantages and disadvantages of giving babies a hammock

When an infant is in a hammock, the hammock can hold the baby as if it were being wrapped. This helps the baby feel more secure. On the other hand, the swaying movement of the hammock helps the baby feel like he is still in his mother's womb, so it will be reassuring and soothing for the baby, especially in the first weeks of life. This creates a comfortable and cozy environment for babies to sleep better.

Besides the advantages, babies in hammocks also have limitations such as:

Babies dependent on hammocks: Babies may get used to the swaying motion of the hammock. For babies who have trouble sleeping, this rocking helps babies sleep well . However, some experts advise not to put your baby to sleep with swaying or shaking movements from the very first days. When your baby sleeps in a rocking hammock, he becomes dependent on it. Without a hammock, the baby will not be able to sleep. By the time your baby gets older, it takes time to practice your baby not to sleep in a hammock.

Risk of falls and shortness of breath: Babies can only hammock until they can turn over. Most babies can roll around when they are 3 months old. Your baby may roll to one side but have a hard time turning her back. This can be dangerous or even fatal because baby's breathing can be blocked.

Baby is hot: Some fabrics may not be well ventilated, which may cause your baby to be too hot to develop a rash.

Potential dangers in hammocks for babies

In Australia, a crib sold must pass all infant safety tests. And children's hammocks are not subject to these safety checks. Therefore, you should not use a hammock for the following reasons:

Children may roll to the side, face against the hammock, making them unable to breathe

Lying in a crib, the baby will lie straight, but lying on the hammock, the baby's back will curl, pushing the baby's chin towards the chest making it difficult for the baby to breathe. This is dangerous for the child, even death

Older babies can roll through a hammock, fall to the ground and get injured

Children are trapped or choked with strings or accessories in the hammock.

For these reasons, health experts advise against hammocking, unless your doctor advises you to use a baby hammock for some special reason.

Things to keep in mind when letting infants lie in a hammock

Please keep the following in mind:

Make sure your baby is always safe while sleeping. Pay attention to factors that reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

Always put your baby in the hammock in the supine position, not on his stomach or on his side

Check if the hammock is capable enough to support the baby. Some hammock production companies can provide an indication of the maximum weight and height of the person lying on the hammock. However, if you are reusing an old hammock owned by a friend, relative or first child, check if it is torn or frayed in any position.

Do not place any pillows, blankets, or soft toys in the hammock as they pose the risk of choking and overheating.

Infants lie in hammocks, mothers should choose a hammock that is cool, easy to remove and wash

Do not hang any accessories such as small metal bells, colorful tassels, ribbons or toys as they pose the risk of choking and strangling your baby.

Do not let your baby's older siblings rock the hammock because accidentally the baby uses too much force can knock babies out of the hammock

Do not allow older siblings to climb into a baby's hammock. Young children may enjoy being in a hammock with them, but they cannot balance and could be dangerous to the baby

Always make sure the hammock hangs in a stable, safe and well-balanced place. Check laces often as continuous swinging of the hammock can loosen knots and fray on hammock ties

Make sure you can observe your baby at all times

For your child's safety, you can place a cushion under the hammock. If the baby falls out, the pain will be less

If you have to go to work, ask a loved one to watch the baby while you are away. Guide the loved one carefully so that the baby is safe.

Some parents worry that when lying in a hammock, their baby's spine may be bent. However, there is not enough evidence to support this theory. Babies should lie on their back on a flat surface to sleep, as a curved back can affect their breathing.

Where should children sleep safe?

Experts recommend that it is safest for your baby to sleep on a sturdy surface. Ideally, you put your baby in a separate crib, in the same room as you for the first 6 months.

Hope that the sharing from the article has answered to help you wonder whether or not babies should be hammocked or not. Please read the next content to update more useful information about parenting!