Colin Snow
Baby rockers are designed as temporary holding devices to soothe fussy babies or keep them entertained while their parents are busy. While it is not uncommon for babies to fall asleep in rockers, they are not meant for long sleep stretches. The positioning of the baby in the rocker can lead to suffocation due to the c-shape, and the incline of the rocker can restrict their airway. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that the safest place for a baby to sleep is on their back, on a flat, firm surface, such as a crib or bassinet.
Can newborns sleep in rockers?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Rockers are deemed unsafe for newborns to sleep in due to the risk of suffocation and strangulation. |
| Angle | The angle of a rocker can restrict a newborn's airway, causing a risk of suffocation. |
| Restraining belt | The belt can slide up and restrict a newborn's airflow, leading to suffocation or strangulation. |
| Flat head | Overuse of rockers can cause a flat head in newborns. |
| Back injuries | Rockers can cause back injuries if used for long periods of time. |
| Usage | Rockers should be used as temporary holding devices and not as a substitute for a flat, firm sleeping surface. |
| Supervision | Rockers should never be used for long sleep stretches and newborns should never be left unsupervised in a rocker. |
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What You'll Learn
Rockers are not meant for long sleep stretches
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that the safest place for a baby to sleep is on their back, on a flat, firm surface, such as in a crib or bassinet. A rocker does not meet this recommendation as it places the baby in a semi-upright position, which can pose a risk of positional asphyxiation. Baby rockers are designed as temporary holding devices, not sleeping spots. They are meant to soothe a fussy baby or to keep the baby entertained while the parent grabs a quick shower or meal. They should not replace a crib or bassinet for longer, unsupervised sleep periods. If a baby dozes off in a rocker during the day, it is generally safe for them to take a short nap there, but only under constant supervision. Once the baby falls asleep in the rocker, the parent should move them to their crib or bassinet as soon as possible.
It is important to note that babies can get used to sleeping without the rocking motion. Each time, try to rock them less and less or at a slower speed. Once they fall asleep, stop the rocking motion, take them out, and allow them to rest in a stationary position. They will get used to the feeling of sleeping without constant movement. From here, parents can start placing them on a firm, flat surface such as in their crib. This process could take up to two weeks. When setting them down in the crib initially, lay them on their side and then gently flip them onto their back, which can help them stay asleep instead of waking immediately upon transfer.
There have been several reported deaths associated with infant rockers. Between 2009 and 2021, there were 13 reported deaths linked to infant rockers from a name-brand manufacturer, according to the CPSC. Unintentional suffocation is the leading cause of injury-related death among children less than 1 year of age. Nearly 30% of sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) are due to unsafe sleeping situations that lead to unintentional suffocation or strangulation, according to Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data.
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Rockers can cause flat heads if overused
Rockers can be a great way to soothe your baby and help them relax. However, they should not be used for long stretches of sleep. One reason for this is the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). When using a rocker, a baby's positioning can lead to suffocation due to the c-shape they are placed in, and they may also be at risk of rolling over.
Another risk of overusing a rocker is that it can cause flat head syndrome, or positional plagiocephaly. This is when a baby's head becomes flattened on one side or the back, causing an asymmetrical look. This can occur when a baby sleeps with their head turned to the same side for the first few months of life, and it is made worse by torticollis, a condition where tight neck muscles make it hard for babies to turn their heads.
To prevent flat head syndrome, it is important to vary your baby's positioning. Simple practices like changing their sleep position, holding your baby, and providing "tummy time" can help. Tummy time is any activity that keeps your baby off their back, such as carrying them facing out or using a sling or baby carrier. It is also recommended to limit the time your baby spends in "containers" like car seats, strollers, swings, and bouncy seats, as these can restrict their head movement and cause flattening.
If you are concerned about your baby's head shape or think they may have difficulty turning their head, speak to your health visitor or GP. They can examine your baby and suggest steps to improve the shape, such as special curved mattresses or, in some cases, a cranial remolding orthosis (a helmet or headband).
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Rockers can lead to choking or suffocation
Rockers can help soothe babies and provide tired parents with a few hours of much-needed sleep. However, they are not without their risks. The motion of a rocker can be relaxing for babies, but it can also pose a serious threat to their safety.
The positioning of a baby in a rocker can lead to choking or suffocation. When a baby is placed in a rocker, their body may curl into a C-shape, which can restrict their airway and cause them to stop breathing. This is known as suffocation, which occurs when something blocks the mouth or nose, or compresses the chest, preventing the person from breathing. In the case of babies, whose airways are not yet fully developed, this can be life-threatening.
Additionally, the angle of the rocker can also contribute to the risk of choking or suffocation. When a rocker props up a baby at an angle greater than ten degrees, their airway can become restricted, leading to a major risk of suffocation. This angle also makes it easier for the baby to roll out of the rocker, potentially causing them to fall and choke on a nearby object.
The dangers associated with rockers have been recognized by regulatory bodies, leading to recalls of certain products. For example, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalled 5-in-1 Rocker Bassinets due to the risks of suffocation, strangulation, and fall hazards.
To ensure the safety of newborns, it is recommended that they sleep on a firm, flat surface, such as a crib or bassinet, rather than in a rocker. While it may be tempting to use a rocker to soothe a fussy baby, it is important to prioritize their safety and opt for alternative solutions that provide a safe sleeping environment.
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Rockers are designed as temporary holding devices
The motion of an infant rocker can be relaxing to your baby. However, recent studies have revealed that this is not a safe option for your baby. There have been several deaths in the Fisher-Price Infant-to-Toddler or Newborn-to-Toddler Rockers, as well as in the Kids 2 Bright Starts Rocker and the Fisher-Price Rock ‘n Play. When you prop up your little one at an angle greater than ten degrees (which includes most infant rockers), you may restrict their airway, causing a major risk of suffocation. This same angle also makes it possible for the child to roll out of the device.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has recently finalized a rule requiring that infant sleep products have a sleep surface angle of 10 degrees or less, which further stresses that inclined baby rockers are never to be used for sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that the safest place for a baby to sleep is on their back, on a flat, firm surface, such as in a crib or bassinet. A rocker does not meet this recommendation as it places the baby in a semi-upright position, which can pose a risk of positional asphyxiation.
Baby rockers are deemed unsafe for sleep. When babies sleep at an incline, their heavy heads can easily flop forward, causing suffocation. Because babies' neck muscles are weak, they often don't have the strength to pick their heads up, which can also cause suffocation. Baby rockers also sometimes feature plush sides, which pose an additional suffocation risk if the baby leans their face into the soft surface. It is important to remember that the only safe place for an infant to sleep is on their back and on a firm, flat surface in a crib, bassinet or play yard with no soft, loose objects in their sleep space.
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Rockers are not safe for unsupervised sleep
The degree of incline in a rocker is also a safety concern. Anything with a 10% or greater degree of incline is unsafe for infant sleep. Dr Mutyala explains that "the incline tilts the baby's chin forward into their chest, which can narrow or close off their airway. They would also breathe in less oxygen and more of their own carbon dioxide. This makes them extra sleepy so their breathing reflexes slow down a lot, and they sometimes stop breathing. That's why it is not safe for babies to sleep in an inclined position."
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a warning about rising deaths linked to baby rockers. There have been 13 reported deaths between 2009 and 2021 associated with infant rockers from a name-brand manufacturer. The CPSC warning stated that "parents and caregivers should never use inclined products, such as rockers, gliders, soothers, and swings, for infant sleep and should not leave infants in these products unsupervised, unrestrained, or with bedding."
Unintentional suffocation is the leading cause of injury-related death among children less than 1 year of age. Rockers can also cause flat head syndrome if overused, so it is important for babies to spend plenty of time out of them.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not safe for newborns to sleep in a rocker. The motion of an infant rocker can be relaxing to your baby, but recent studies have revealed that this is not a safe option. The rocker's incline can restrict the baby's airway, causing a risk of suffocation.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that the safest place for a baby to sleep is on their back, on a flat, firm surface, such as in a crib or bassinet.
Unintentional suffocation is the leading cause of injury-related death among children less than 1 year old. Nearly 30% of sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID) are due to unsafe sleeping situations that lead to unintentional suffocation or strangulation.
It is still not safe. The baby's heavy head can easily flop forward, and because of their weak neck muscles, they may not be able to pick their head back up, leading to suffocation.
It can be challenging to get your baby used to a new sleep environment, but with consistency and time, they will adjust to their safe sleep space.
