Is MamaRoo Safe for Newborns to Sleep in?

When it comes to newborns, safety is always a top priority. And when it comes to babies sleeping, there are a few essential considerations to keep in mind. First, creating a safe sleep environment for your baby is important. This means ensuring that the crib or bassinet is free of pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals. The mattress should be firm, and the fitted sheet should be snug. You should also avoid using any sleep positioner, as these can pose a risk of suffocation.

Secondly, it’s important to practice safe sleep positioning in a safe sleeping space. This means placing your baby on their back for sleeping, not on the stomach or side. This also includes not having your baby sleep in a container like a swing, car seat, or bouncer. This consists of the popular MamaRoo Multi Motion Baby Swing. While they are a favorite for babies and new parents, they are not safe for sleeping.

The Mamaroo Baby Swing is designed to mimic the motions of a parent rocking or bouncing their baby. It has several different settings that allow parents to adjust the speed and intensity of the movements, and it also comes with built-in speakers so parents can play calming music for their babies. On the surface, it seems like the perfect solution for sleep-deprived parents. However, some experts have raised concerns about whether the Mamaroo Baby Swing is safe for use with newborns.

What’s a MamaRoo?

MamaRoo is a collection created by 4moms that uses unique rocking motions to soothe and comfort your baby. The natural bounce and sway motions move just like parents do. There are five rocking motions, including car ride, wave, kangaroo, tree swing, and rock-a-bye. There are also 5-speed options to adjust the combo to find the setting perfect for your baby.

The MamaRoo Baby Swing was the first of the collection to come out, and it became widely popular for parents to put their babies in it to fall asleep and then have them sleep in it. The swing of the MamaRoo collection is not intended for sleeping purposes. If your baby falls asleep in the MamaRoo swing, they should be removed from the swing and placed in a safe sleeping area.

This is where the MamaRoo Sleep Bassinet comes in. The MamaRoo Sleep Bassinet has a firm flat surface and follows the sleep guidelines for newborns as laid out by the AAP. In addition to the five rocking motions and five speeds, the bassinet also plays four white noise sounds, rain, ocean, fan, and shh. The 4moms app allows you to control the bassinet and even set a timer for the features to let your baby have the safest sleep possible.

Is the Mamaroo swing safe for infant sleep?

While the Mamaroo infant seat swing may be tempting to put your baby in for long periods of sleep, it’s not the best option. Babies who sleep in swings don’t go through the deep sleep cycles they need to get good sleep. This is because the baby’s head can slump forward, which cuts off oxygen flow to the brain.

In addition, swings can create a false sense of security for babies, as they are held in a stationary position and prevented from moving around. A baby’s legs need to be able to move freely during sleep to develop muscle strength and coordination. For these reasons, limiting the baby’s time in the Mamaroo swing to short periods rather than using it as a regular sleeping space is recommended.

What are the risks of sleeping in a MamaRoo swing?

The MamaRoo swing is not intended, designed, or marketed for sleep. In addition, it is recommended to use only under supervision. If the baby falls asleep, move the baby as soon as possible to a firm, flat sleep surfaces such as a crib or bassinet. The following are some risks for babies that sleep in a swing.

Risk of SIDS

Babies who sleep in a MamaRoo swing are at an increased risk for SIDS. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies sleep on a firm, flat surface in a crib on their back.

SIDS is the sudden and unexplained death of babies from 1 month to 1 year old. A baby’s sleeping position, and environmental factors have been known to increase the risk of SIDS.

Suffocation Hazard

Babies who sleep in a MamaRoo swing are also at an increased risk for suffocation. Swings, bouncers, and other infant seats can create a “pocket” of air around a baby’s nose and mouth. This air pocket can cause the baby to rebreathe their carbon dioxide, leading to suffocation.

Overheating Hazard

Babies who sleep in a MamaRoo swing are also at an increased risk for overheating. Swaddling a baby too tightly or using too many blankets can cause a baby to overheat. It can be hard to regulate a baby’s temperature while in a swing for long periods. You should check a baby’s temperature frequently and stop the swing if the baby seems hot or sweaty.

Flat Head Syndrome

Babies who sleep in a MamaRoo swing are also at an increased risk for Flat Head Syndrome. The AAP recommends that babies spend time on their tummies while awake to help prevent Flat Head Syndrome.

Babies that sleep in a swing are often in the swing for long periods throughout the day. Sleeping on the back is still the safest position for sleep, but your baby should spend awake time doing tummy time when possible.

Sleep Crutches

Babies who sleep in a MamaRoo swing may become dependent on the swing for sleep. This can make it challenging to transition the baby to sleep in a crib or bassinet. Having a regular bedtime routine that does not include using the MamaRoo swing is important.

Newborn Sleep Safety Standards

Many new parents worry about whether their baby is getting enough sleep. However, it is also vital to ensure that baby sleeps safely. Here are some tips for ensuring newborn sleep safety:

• Always place the baby on their back to sleep. This decreases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
• Put baby to sleep in a crib or bassinet that meets current safety standards. Make sure that the mattress is firm and that there are no pillows, blankets, or toys in the crib for a safe sleep environment.
• Keep baby’s bedroom at a comfortable temperature. They should also be dressed appropriately for the temperature.
• Use gentle sleep training by establishing a regular bedtime routine. This can help the baby to wind down and prepare for sleep.
• Keep the noise and light level in the baby’s bedroom low. A dark room will cue the baby’s brain that it is time to sleep.

Following these tips can help keep your baby safe and allow them to sleep soundly through the night.

FAQs for MamaRoo newborn safety

1. Can you put a newborn baby in a MamaRoo?

Yes! All mamaRoo products are safe for newborn babies. It has five recline positions and a deep seat with a newborn insert to keep your little one comfortable. The mamaRoo multi-motion baby swing includes five motions and speeds. It is an excellent tool for calming a fussy baby.

The 4moms MamaRoo Sleep Bassinet is made to soothe and comfort your baby with natural bounce and sway motions parents make. The features can shut off with a timer or at any time using the app. Gentle sleep training, like establishing a good bedtime routine combined with a MamaRoo sleep bassinet, is sure to improve your little one’s sleep.

2. Can my newborn sleep in the MamaRoo overnight sleep?

The MamaRoo baby swing is not recommended for overnight sleeping use. If your newborn baby falls asleep in the swing, move them to a suitable sleeping surface. The MamaRoo sleep bassinet is perfect for overnight sleep and provides a little extra soothing as they fall asleep.

3. Can baby fall asleep in MamaRoo?

Yes, it is common for babies to fall asleep in the mamaRoo baby swing. However, if your baby sleeps in the mamaRoo baby swing, it is essential to move them to a safe sleeping space with a firm surface like the MamaRoo sleep bassinet.

4. Can my newborn sleep in a swing?

According to the American Academy of Pediatricians, newborns should sleep supine on a firm surface to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Babies should not sleep in swings, car seats, strollers, or other devices that require them to be propped up at a slight recline.

However, it is okay for your baby to take short naps in a swing as long as they are supervised. You should always put your baby to sleep on their back in a crib or bassinet when they sleep for more extended periods.

While it is technically safe for your newborn to sleep in a swing for short periods, it is still not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

5. How long can a baby stay in the MamaRoo?

The baby can stay in the MamaRoo for as long as they are comfortable. According to the AAP, safety measures are that babies should not be left in bouncers or swings for more than 30 minutes at a time. They should also be supervised when they are in a swing.

6. How do you break the habit of a baby sleeping in an inclined swing or MamaRoo?

If your baby has a habit of only sleeping in an inclined swing, you can break this MamaRoo habit by using the MamaRoo Sleep bassinet. The MamaRoo Sleep bassinet still makes the soothing motions but is a firm flat sleep surface that your baby needs.

Conclusion

Bottom line MamaRoo products are safe for newborn babies. There are many reasons why babies shouldn’t sleep in the MamaRoo baby swing, but the MamaRoo sleep bassinet is safe for newborns to sleep in. Baby sleep experts recommend that an infant sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS, and the MamaRoo swing does not provide this support.

Additionally, the swinging motion of the MamaRoo baby swing can be too stimulating for some babies and make it difficult for them to fall asleep or stay asleep. The baby may also become accustomed to the swing and require it to fall asleep.

The MamaRoo sleep bassinet, on the other hand, is designed to provide a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for newborns. The bassinet includes a firm mattress and breathable mesh sides, and it is low to the ground so that baby can be easily placed in and out. Additionally, the gentle rocking motion of the MamaRoo sleep bassinet can help babies fall asleep and can be turned off, so they stay asleep through the night. For all these reasons, the MamaRoo sleep bassinet is a much better choice for a baby’s sleeping needs.