Newborn and Infant Sleep Safety

I think one of the scariest things about being a parent, whether it's your first time or your fifth time, is the fear of the unknown and possibly losing your precious baby. I'm sure you've read horror stories about someone losing their baby to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), or maybe you know someone who has personally lost a child. It's devastating and terrifying and I'm willing to do anything I can to prevent it from happening to our family.

I take current American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations pretty seriously, so I'm a proponent of the "Back to Sleep" campaign. Although the main focus of the movement is to encourage placing your infant on his or her back for sleeping, in 2011 the AAP expanded the recommendations to address other causes of sleep-related deaths, including suffocation, asphyxia, and entrapment. Regarding SIDS, research from 2005 to 2008 has shown that of 3,136 infant deaths resulting from SIDS or SUIDs, only 25% of infants were sleeping in a crib or on their backs when found, and 70% were on a surface not intended for infant sleep (like an adult bed), and almost half of those infants were sleeping with an adult (Schnitzer et al., 2012). Statistics like these make me realize just how important providing a safe place for baby to sleep is. This is just one of the reasons I was thrilled to partner with BabyBjorn to review their Baby Cradle.

The newest recommendations by the AAP encourage parents and caretakers to room-share with their newborn infants, but without bed sharing, to decrease the risk of SIDS. Currently, they do not recommend co-sleeping, and they also discourage the use of in-bed co-sleeper devices. This is why a free standing cradle or crib is preferable, and the BabyBjorn Baby Cradle fits the bill perfectly.

The cradle is designed for newborns to infants approximately 6 months old, with a maximum weight of 18 pounds. It's ideal for the first few months when baby sleeps for short intervals very often. Weighing in at only 13 pounds, it's lightweight and compact so you can easily move it from room to room within your home. This will allow your sleeping baby to be nearby at all times.

As you can see, this cradle has a beautiful, modern design that facilitates proper supervision of your sleeping baby. Not only do the soft mesh sides ensure airflow, they also allow you to watch your baby from any angle. The cradle also features a low height so you can peer over from your bed or chair and see your sleeping little one. I love the fact that you don't need to worry about baby being too close to sides since they mesh sides allow baby to breathe freely. There are no bumpers that post unnecessary suffocation risks and there are no loose parts to trap those tiny hands and feet. Always remember, per healthykids.org you should, "Keep soft objects, loose bedding, or any objects that could increase the risk of suffocation or strangulation away from the baby’s sleep area."

I found the cradle to be incredibly stable thanks to the high quality components from which it's made and the protective anti-slip pads on the feet. Despite it being so stable, you can still gently rock your little one easily with your hands or even your feet. It has an innovative springy movement that's similar to that of a stroller, so it will also respond to your baby's own movement as well.

Current recommendations say to "place babies on a firm sleep surface that meets current safety standards" (healthychildren.org). The mattress that is included with the Baby Bjorn cradle is just right for newborns, providing a firm and safe sleep surface for them. I was also sent the BabyBjorn fitted sheet to use with the cradle and love the fact that it's made of organic cotton and it's nice and soft, since it will be right up against my newborn's tender skin. Unlike other ill-fitting cradle sheets, this one has elastic edges to ensure that the sheet lies flat. Just be careful when washing and drying as it will inevitably shrink since it's 100% cotton.

Another thing I love about this cradle is the optional canopy (purchased separately). The canopy is made from a lightweight fabric and makes the cradle feel even more cozy and snug, not to mention it's gorgeous and whimsical. It acts as a screen (to keep pesky insects away - which is much appreciated here in Florida when we want to keep our sliders open) and softens bright lights to allow baby to sleep better. The canopy is easy to attach, and subsequently remove for washing and storage.

As always, all of the fabrics used in these product are gentle against your baby’s skin and safe for them to sleep on, chew on, suck on - or whatever else baby may do! They've been tested and approved in accordance with Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Class I, which means they're free from health-hazardous substances and allergens. Only the best for your baby.

My little lady arrived a little early just last week and is quite tiny at this point (weighing less than 6 pounds). I foresee us using this cradle for months to come. I just love the beautiful and modern look and that it's lightweight enough for me to move throughout the house as needed.

You can purchase the Baby Bjorn Baby Cradle, Canopy, and Fitted Sheet on Amazon.com, and at other fine retailers.

Did you use a bassinet or cradle with your baby?
What features are most important to you?

Disclosure: I received the Baby Bjorn cradle, canopy, and fitted sheet at no cost to facilitate this post. All opinions are 100% my own. Amazon links are affiliate links.