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Is Sleeping In Bouncers For A 1 Month Old Infant Safe?

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Posted on Thu, 12 May 2016
Question: My son will not sleep in his cradle, but will sleep in his bouncer. I've read some recent reports saying that it isn't a good idea due to one baby's death in the UK. However, I'd like to hear from a doctor on the subject matter. Pictures of said bouncer included for reference (one from the side to show incline and other two from more front angles). Is my one-month-old okay sleeping (for 2-4 hours at a time) in that until we can get him used to his cradle?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Archana Verma (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Avoid it for sleeping

Detailed Answer:
Hi

I understand your concerns. Infants in bouncers, strollers, and swings may be able to maneuver into positions that could compromise their airway; straps on these devices may not prevent infants from getting into hazardous situations. So, we always advise to avoid these especially for unsupervised sleeping. There are episodes of sudden infant deaths on record due to unsupervised sleep for as short as few minutes.

Also, your baby needs to be accustomed to proper sleeping habits. It's hard to induce proper sleeping habits once the baby grows up.

Hopefully it will be of help. I would be happy to help you in any further questions.
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Archana Verma (2 minutes later)
What do you suggest I do instead? He won't sleep on his back for longer than 5-10 minutes at a time.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Archana Verma (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Try to follow these measures

Detailed Answer:
Hi

The sleep cycles in early infancy are shorter than adults. But a definitive sleep pattern starts to develop from 4-6 weeks onwards. During your baby's first three months, learn the signs that he's sleepy, such as:

rubbing his eyes
flicking his ear with his hand
faint, dark circles under his eyes
whining and crying
staring blankly into space
yawning and stretching a lot
losing interest in people and his toys
becoming quiet and still

He may also turn his face away from moving objects or people, or bury his face in your chest.

If you spot these or any other signs of sleepiness, try putting your baby down in his cot. Don’t worry, you'll soon come to recognise your baby's daily rhythms and patterns, and spot the cues that mean he's ready for a nap.

Now you can begin to teach him the difference between night and day.

In the daytime, when he's alert:

Change his clothes when he wakes, to show him that it’s the start of a new day.
Play, talk and interact with him as much as you can.
Make daytime feeds social. Chat and sing as you feed him.
Keep the house and his room light and bright.
Let him hear everyday noises, such as the radio or the washing machine.
Wake him gently if he nods off during a feed.

At night-time:

Change him into his pyjamas to show him that it’s the end of the day.
Try not to speak to him when you feed him.
Keep lights and noises low.

All this should help your baby to start to understand that night-time is for sleeping.

Give your baby a chance to fall asleep on his own
When your baby is four weeks old, you can teach him how to fall asleep on his own. This is the age at which he’ll begin to recognise the difference between day and night. Put your baby down when he's sleepy, but still awake. This will encourage your baby to learn how to settle himself without needing to be fed or rocked to sleep. If you prefer, you can stay with him until he drifts off to sleep, but be prepared to do the same every time he wakes at night.

How you settle your baby to sleep is important. If you rock your baby to sleep every night for the first eight weeks, he will expect the same later on. If you leave him alone to sleep, he will expect that, too.

Some experts advise against rocking or feeding your baby to sleep. It's up to you to decide what sort of routine best suits you and your baby.

If you want to establish a predictable pattern, you'll need to adopt the same strategy every night.

Hopefully it will be of help.
Take care
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Archana Verma

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 1129 Questions

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Is Sleeping In Bouncers For A 1 Month Old Infant Safe?

Brief Answer: Avoid it for sleeping Detailed Answer: Hi I understand your concerns. Infants in bouncers, strollers, and swings may be able to maneuver into positions that could compromise their airway; straps on these devices may not prevent infants from getting into hazardous situations. So, we always advise to avoid these especially for unsupervised sleeping. There are episodes of sudden infant deaths on record due to unsupervised sleep for as short as few minutes. Also, your baby needs to be accustomed to proper sleeping habits. It's hard to induce proper sleeping habits once the baby grows up. Hopefully it will be of help. I would be happy to help you in any further questions. Take care