It is more a question of how long your child lies on its back, and the impact it has on your child's head. Therefore, it is important that the baby does not always lie on the same side of the head - regardless which bed or cradle your little baby sleeps in. Variation is crucial when it comes to preventing and avoiding a flat or crooked head.
1. What is the difference between a baby hammock and a bed or a cradle that stands?
When a baby is born, it encounter a world of new impressions to handle. It can be an overwhelming experience, and surely feels very different from life inside mommy's safe womb.
This is why it is a great idea to create a frame that imitates the womb when your baby needs to fall asleep. In the womb, your baby is surrounded by the amniotic membrane and calms when mommy moves around.
A baby hammock gives a feeling of being lovingly embraced and calmly lulled, unlike a cradle or a bed that stands on the floor. Here, some babies sometimes wake up after a short period of time. That is why many parents are happy about the baby hammock and the motor that can be mounted, as these two help their baby find peace, fall asleep and stay asleep for a longer period of time.
2. Is it true that babies can sleep several hours in a motorized baby hammock?
Yes, many parents experience that their baby sleeps for a longer time in a baby hammock. Babies sleep approximately 40-55 minutes at a time. This corresponds to one sleep cycle. After that, they usually start to open their eyes little by little, and it is very different how easily babies find themselves settling into the next sleep cycle. Some babies need help. Others manage it themselves. Both scenaries are completely normal
The lulling movements of the baby hammock can help your baby progress from one sleep cycle to the next. Therefore, parents will experience that their baby might sleep better and more. At the same time, the parents are relieved and have more time for practical chores, themselves or each other. This is important when you are parents.
3. Is it great for babies to sleep a lot in a baby hammock?
There is no clear and precise answer to how much babies can sleep in a baby hammock. At Moonboon, we always guide in accordance with the Danish Health Authority, which for the present, has not formulated specific recommendations regarding the use of baby hammocks. However, as a rule of thumb, as long as the baby can move freely and appears to be sleeping well and safe in the hammock, there are usually no time limits. A hammock stiffener in the baby hammock helps you ensure that your baby can move its head from side to side.
As parents, you have to evaluate what is best for your baby. A cozy little nap in mother's or father's arms, sleep in the pram or in a stretchy wrap is also great sleep. Sleep variations for your baby are important, and it should not only sleep in a baby hammock. Listen to your gut - it's usually right.
Remember that in the case of colic or other discomfort, other conditions may apply. You can read more about that in the next point.
4. Colic and reflux - is the baby hammock any help?
A baby hammock is often a great advantage and a great help for babies who have reflux or colic - or experience other types of discomfort. Here, the baby hammock can help them calm down and hopefully feel more comfortable.
However, some babies with reflux may find it difficult to find peace in the baby hammock, as the curvature of the body pushes a little against the stomach and can worsen the reflux. In these cases, a hammock stiffener can make it more comfortable, as it creates more space and ensures that the baby lies flat. For babies with severe reflux, it is recommended to keep them upright for half an hour to a full hour after feeding before putting them down.
5. Can babies get addicted with the baby hammock?
In principle, yes. But don't you worry, there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, you create a secure and safe habit where the baby falls asleep with the help of the lulling and calm movements.
Just like mommy's womb. And research shows, that when you let your baby fall asleep in the same way every time, your baby falls asleep more easily. Because you consciously create a habit - and thus a positive, recognizable and safe routine at night time.
Of course, it is different from baby to baby what works the best. But most parents find that the baby hammock creates peace, better sleep and relieves them in everyday life.
6. Is there any risk that my baby won't be able to safely get rid of his fly?
When your baby is lying in its baby hammock, it is important that the head can move freely from side to side. Then the risk of being scratched is the same as if the baby sleeps in an ordinary bed or a standing cradle.
Maybe you fear that your baby can suffocate in its swaddle. That concern resulted, that for many years babies were placed on their stomachs while sleeping. But since the trachea lies above the esophagus when lying on the back, you should not be afraid to put the baby on the back. Then gurgling and reflux will have to 'run upwards' to end up in the trachea.
The guidance on back sleeping is global, and care has been taken to ensure that the baby is not suffocated in its sleep.
7. Baby hammock - a very helping hand
The baby hammock is a great relief for parents with babies that have some small difficulties, because all of a sudden your baby finally falls asleep and sleep. Unfortunately, some parents are met with prejudices about 'taking the easy way out' using a baby hammock to help their baby sleep.
Many parents are actually hurt, because you try to do your very best comforting your child, and actually experience the baby hammock as a great and necessary help and relief. It is important to remember, that the baby hammock is a helping hand that can create a safe and comforting environment for your baby, and maybe give you much-needed break. At the same time, the baby hammock can be a great help for babies with colic, reflux or other problems.
8. Can you put a newborn baby safely in the baby hammock?
You can be completely safe, putting your newborn baby in the baby hammock - just remember to follow the recommendations for how your baby should lie in the hammock. Also make sure, that your newborn baby (or if your baby is very small) is stable in the baby hammock and does not roll to the side. If you use a hammock stiffener, it will create more space for your baby in the hammock. Therefore, you must pay extra attention, so that your newborn does not roll over on its side or stomach.
A small tip:
If the baby hammock seems a bit large for your newborn, you can place a baby duvet across the hammock and place your baby on top of the duvet, so your baby is embraced by the duvet on both sides. It is not only newborns who can enjoy lying on top of the duvet. Many babies, and older children, sleep just as well with the duvet under them as over them, because the duvet snuggles around them.
9. Is there any risk of a flat head when babies sleep in a baby hammock?
The fear of a flat the head is not only linked to a baby hammock. The concern also applies to a bed, a pram, a play mat or other places where you lie your baby. If your baby is newborn or very small, we refer to the tip above, where you are laying a duvet across, so that you baby does not roll over on its side.
Another way to relieve the pressure on the head during sleep, is a so-called 'contact nap', this means that baby sleeps tummy-to-tummy with mum or dad. Remember to stay awake during the contact nap. Otherwise, another adult must keep an eye.
When your baby is awake:
To relieve the pressure on your baby's head the best as possible, it is important to switch sides while your baby is sleeping. When your baby is awake, it should not lie on his back for long periods of time. Your baby can also lie on its stomach as long as it feels good and comfortable. You can also use a stretch wrap, which gives variety and you will get your hands free. When your baby needs to be fed, you must not use the same side every time - whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. It is absolutely the same, if your baby sleeps with you in bed or in a bed next to you. Remember to switch sides, as many babies often turn to the safe scents of their parents.
Attention! If your baby always turns its head to the same side, there is a possibility for a bald spot on one side of the head, or the shape of the head starts to become crooked or flat in the back - here it is recommended that you seek help or advice. Contact your doctor or health nurse, who can help you find the right professionals near you.
10. Can my baby's head be relieved when it sleeps in the baby hammock?
When your baby is sleeping: It is recommended to put a hammock stiffener in the baby hammock so that your baby can move its neck better. And when your baby is more mobile, it prevents a flat or crooked head. The extra space from the hammock stiffener also makes it possible for your baby to turn its head from side to side, which is great when it has to yip. Most parents automatically pick up their babies and gently lul them to sleep in their arms. The lulling movements calm the nervous system, so thet calm down more easily.
It is exactly the calm and lulling movements, that a baby hammock imitates. Therefore, the hammock is a helping hand when your baby needs to fall asleep. It gives you more quiet moments, and spares your arms and your back.
Everything you need to know about the baby hammock – a short summary
Babies love the safe and lulling feel of the baby hammock because it reminds them of the time in the mother's womb. Babies fall asleep faster in a motorized baby hammock, because it reminds them of being lulled in their mother's or father's arms. Babies senses get stimulated by the movements because they know them, and need them when going to sleep. Also, they are helping them from one sleep cycle to the next. It optimizes and stimulates longer and better naps. Remember that it is important that your baby can its head from side to side when sleeping in a baby hammock. It is recommended to use a hammock stiffener in the baby hammock and maybe support it with a duvet if your baby is small or newborn, so your baby does not roll around in the baby hammock.
Written by Moonboon - 2023
