You may have heard of the Rock and Play; it’s one of Amazon’s bestselling baby items. It works because the little cocoon-shaped seat rocks the baby, helping them fall asleep faster.
It’s a great concept, and millions of parents love using it, but due to recent news that circulated during the use of the sleeper, people have been wondering; is it safe for a baby to sleep in rock and play?
No, it is not safe for a baby to sleep in rock and play because The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has announced that it is not a safe sleep space for a baby. This decision was drawn due to many disturbing reports about the use of sleepers by the brand. Parents are therefore required to desist from patronizing the brand until further notice.
About Fisher-Price Rock ‘N Play Sleepers
Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play Sleepers are inclined baby sleepers that allowed babies to sleep on their backs at roughly a 30-degree angle. With an adjustable recline, soothing vibrations, and white noise sounds, their product helped infants sleep better and more soundly while keeping them comfortable and supported. Rock ‘n Play Sleeper by Fisher-Price was designed with babies’ comfort in mind.
Their unique sleeper allows your child to sleep on their back at an incline, which prevents them from rolling over onto their tummy while they sleep at night. But unfortunately, things went sideways for the popular brand.
Why It Is Not Safe to Sleep in Rock and Play
The Rock ‘n Play sleeper is meant to be a safe place for babies to sleep, but its numerous deaths have prompted Fisher-Price to recall all models of the product. On April 12, 2019, Fisher-Price, the Rock n’ Play manufacturer, recalled all models of the product due to infant deaths.
The company has received more than 30 reports of infant deaths in the product since it was introduced in 2009. The recall included all models of the product, which was marketed for “all-night” sleeping. However, it did not meet the safe sleep guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other experts.
Some parents use the hammock-like product as a solution for babies plagued with reflux. But babies can roll over in the inclined sleeper and end up smothered, or their heads can slump forward and obstruct their airways.
AAP Guidelines About Risks of Inclined Baby Sleepers
The AAP released new guidelines for SIDS prevention in 2016. One of their recommendations was that babies should always be placed on their backs to sleep, without any blankets or bumpers, and in an empty crib or bassinet with a firm mattress. These recommendations were based on research that showed how important positioning is when it comes to SIDS prevention.
The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends that babies sleep on their backs, on a firm, flat surface. It says inclined sleepers and other products that restrain babies, including car seats and strollers, are risky because a baby can roll into an unsafe position and suffocate or end up strangled.
Sleepers You Can Use Instead of the Rock and Play
Experts recommend these sleepers for baby safety.
1. Baby Joy Portable Baby Bedside Sleeper.
A doctor designed this sleeper, so it’s no surprise that it has everything you need to keep your baby safe. The side rails are low enough to allow parents to reach in and out easily but high enough to keep curious babies from rolling out of bed or climbing out of their cribs.
It also has a removable top rail for when your child is older so that they can sleep safely on their own. This is the only product we found that has both a five-point harness and a padded mattress; these features are crucial for keeping babies safe while they sleep.
The adjustable frame allows the bed to grow with your child, making it useful for years after they start sleeping on their own.
2. SNOO Smart Sleeper Baby Bassinet.
The SNOO Smart Sleeper is unlike any other baby bassinet because it’s designed by an engineer specializing in pediatric sleep research.
They realized that most babies don’t know how to fall asleep without help from their parents (especially if they’re having trouble sleeping), so she developed this product to help them learn how.
3. 4moms MamaRoo Sleep Bassinet
This is one of the best sleepers for baby safety, as it’s designed so that your baby can sleep safely and comfortably while you’re in the next room. You don’t have to worry about them rolling out of bed or crawling around while they’re sleeping because they’re in a safe place where they can’t get into any trouble.
It also has a rocking motion so that if your child wants something else besides being still, then they can just rock back and forth instead of getting up and walking around like some babies do when they’re restless at night.
This is perfect for those babies who are having trouble sleeping through the night or who just want something different than lying flat on their backs all night long, waiting for mommy or daddy to come back from wherever they were before going to sleep when it’s time for bedtime rituals with their babies.
4. Babybjorn Cradle
The Babybjorn Cradle is another excellent option if you’re looking for a bassinet with a sleek design. The cradle is made from quality fabric that’s soft and breathable, so it keeps your baby comfortable no matter what the temperature is outside.
The canopy helps block out light when necessary so your little one can sleep all night soundly long.
Tips for Choosing Baby Sleepers for Baby Safety
In the first few months, you’ll be putting your baby to sleep in a baby sleeper. You may be wondering how you should choose a baby sleeper for baby safety. Here are some tips to help you:
Look for a breathable fabric. Cotton is a good choice because it allows air to flow through easily. Some parents prefer organic cotton to avoid potentially harmful chemicals in conventional cotton production.
Choose loose-fitting sleepers that have an adjustable waistband and wrist cuffs to make it easier for you to change diapers in the middle of the night without disturbing your baby’s sleep.
Buy sleepers with easy-to-adjust snaps or buttons at the bottom for better airflow and fewer risks of overheating. If you’re unsure about how well your baby can regulate his body temperature, look for ones with higher necklines or ones that zip up high enough to be worn over a onesie or onesie with leggings underneath.
Avoid sleepers with long sleeves or pants; they could snag on something while your child is moving around in his crib or bassinet and cause him to harm by cutting off circulation (although this is more likely to happen if he rolls over during his sleep).
Bottom Line
Rock and play was a great invention to help your baby with its development. It allowed comfortable sleep which was very helpful in the first months of your baby’s life when problems with blood circulation might happen. However, it has been deemed unsafe for public use.
Hi, This is Emma Baster; As a mom, I spend my free time caring for my kids. I’ve read a lot on the Internet to improve my childcare skill and bring the best to my kids. Eruditemommy shares my knowledge and experience through helpful posts. I hope you enjoy them!
