Post Rock n’ Play Recall, Parents Need Solutions
It’s been almost a week since Fisher-Price announced they were recalling all 4.7 million products in their popular Rock n’ Play line of infant rockers.
Consumer Reports found in an investigation that there were 32 confirmed infant fatalities associated with the products relating to oxygen deprivation. In some cases, babies were rolling over onto their stomachs with the use of the products. In other cases, the deaths appear to be related to positional asphyxia, a phenomenon that can be caused by a young baby sleeping at an incline.
Pediatricians suggest babies sleep on their backs on a firm, flat surfaces.
The problem is, that a freshly born baby belongs to an exhausted postpartum mother and typically has no desire to sleep on a firm, flat surface.
So what are parents supposed to do?
We chatted with sleep expert Joanna Martindale at The Baby Sleep Concierge about the problem, and she gave us three options for parents who are trying to come up with a safe alternative to the Rock n’ Play:
Safe Sleep Alternatives to the Fisher-Price Rock n’ Play
#1 – Go Cold Turkey
Joanna’s first suggestion is probably the safest, but might be the most challenging – removing the Rock n’ Play right away.
“Jump into the transition and ditch the Rock ‘n Play right away. Continue with your usual bedtime routine, but this time place baby in the crib instead. If you’re baby is normally asleep when you place them down, do that. If they’re normally awake, do that.”
Though those first few nights can be really rough, after the third night, things typically start to get easier. Hang in there.
#2 – Swap In a Sleep Suit or Swaddle
If your baby is like most, the Rock n’ Play’s snuggly cocoon effect was probably what worked its magic for him. Joanna suggests mimicking that effect in a safer way.
“Sometimes a transition swaddle can help, such as the Magic Merlin Sleep Suit or the Zipadeezip as it will add some of that resistance and push back that your baby is used to.
The Merlin Suit will be time-limited because there will come a time when a baby develops enough core strength to roll over in it, at which point they need to transition out. The Zipadeezip can be used indefinitely as baby can safely crawl, roll, and walk in it.”
#3 – Start a Gradual Transition
If you don’t have it in you to go cold turkey on the Rock n’ Play, Joanna has a gradual routine you can start with to make the transition a little less challenging.
“Always start at bedtime. This is when the sleep drive is at its highest and your little one will have the easiest time falling asleep. Starting with naps is not recommended as they don’t have as much sleep pressure built up and have more difficulty falling asleep.
When you finish your bedtime routine and are putting baby down in the crib, keep them swaddled if they’re not rolling, and remain next to them, hovering over them as you place them down.
Keep your arms around them, pat their chest, pet their hair, whatever is going to be soothing to your little one as they fall asleep. Each night you can let up on that assistance but your baby will be falling asleep flat on their back.”
Need more help with the transition? Schedule a private phone consultation with Joanna.
What to Use Instead of the Rock n’ Play
Giving newborn babies a safe place to sleep doesn’t mean you have to put them in a big, empty crib, but it does mean you have to give them a safe surface to sleep on.
For newborns and young babies in particular who wake up a LOT during the night to nurse and eat, many parents opt for an in-room bassinet.
Fewer steps to baby = more sleep for parents
Convertible bassinets like Joovy’s Coo are what you’re looking for:
- Firm, flat surface
- Breathable sidewalls
- Small enough to sit next to the bed
- Converts into a playpen when the baby gets too old
Shop Joovy’s Coo Bassinet
