Last Updated on July 16, 2023
It can be difficult to decide the best way for your baby to sleep. Many parents wonder if it is safe for their baby to sleep in a Mamaroo swing overnight.
In this article, we will discuss the safety of allowing babies to sleep in a Mamaroo swing and what factors should be considered when deciding whether it is a safe option.
We will also look at alternatives for overnight sleep and provide tips for creating a comfortable sleeping environment for your baby. Let’s get started!
- Can baby sleep in mamaroo swing overnight?
- How long can you leave a baby in a MamaRoo?
- Is MamaRoo swing safe for sleeping?
- What are the risks of letting a baby sleep in a Mamaroo?
- Is the Mamaroo safe for supervised naps?
- Is the Mamaroo considered an inclined sleeper?
- Is it safe for baby to sleep in swing at night?
- How long can a baby sleep in a swing?
- My baby sleeps in a swing but not in a crib — what should I do?
- Wrapping Up
Can baby sleep in mamaroo swing overnight?
No, it is not recommended to allow your baby to sleep in a Mamaroo swing overnight.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies always be placed on their backs to sleep in a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and snug-fitting sheet.
The Mamaroo does not provide the same level of safety and security that a crib or bassinet does.
Even it comes with a slight recline seat, which is not the recommended sleeping surface by AAP due to the risk of suffocation or strangulation.
Additionally, a Mamaroo swing does not offer the same level of support for your baby’s head and neck as a crib or bassinet does.
As such, it is not recommended that you allow your baby to sleep in a Mamaroo swing overnight.
Also read: Best baby swing for big babies
How long can you leave a baby in a MamaRoo?
The AAP recommends that a baby should not be left in a Mamaroo swing or any other swing for more than 30 minutes at a time.
This ensures that your baby does not become over-tired or experience discomfort from being in the same position for too long.
Additionally, it is important to monitor your baby closely while in the Mamaroo and never leave them unattended.
The AAP also suggests that if the baby falls asleep in the Mamaroo, it is best to move them to a safe, approved sleeping surface like a crib, bassinet or playard.
Watch this video Is it safe for my baby to sleep in a swing?
Is MamaRoo swing safe for sleeping?
As stated above, the Mamaroo swing is not recommended for overnight sleep due to the lack of safety features and support.
When considering whether a Mamaroo swing is safe for sleeping, it is important to remember that you should always place babies on their backs to sleep in an approved crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and snug-fitting sheet.
“Babies should always sleep on a flat, firm surface. Swings are not safe for overnight sleeping, as they don’t provide the same support and stability needed to keep babies safe while sleeping,” says Dr. Michael Nwaneri, a board-certified pediatrician.
However, many parents put their children in the Mamaroo during nap time, as it can help lull babies to sleep with its rocking motion.
Dr. Michael emphasizes when a baby falls asleep in the Mamaroo. It is best to transfer them to a safe, approved sleeping surface.
He also says many parents don’t transfer their babies to a crib or bassinet when they fall asleep in the swing. He is strongly against this practice.
“A little bit of carelessness can put your baby in danger. It’s best to always follow the safe sleep guidelines from the AAP,” He added.
So, while the Mamaroo swing can be beneficial during naptime, it is not recommended for overnight sleep.
Also read: Swing for colic baby
What are the risks of letting a baby sleep in a Mamaroo?
The risks of letting your baby sleep in a Mamaroo overnight are numerous. The AAP warns against using any soft bedding, such as blankets and pillows, which can increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
There are other risks as well. These are the following:
1. Suffocation
The Mamaroo does not provide the same level of safety and security that a crib or bassinet does, increasing the risk of suffocation or strangulation.
2. Unsupportive
A Mamaroo swing does not offer the same level of support for your baby’s head and neck as a crib or bassinet does, which can result in a lack of proper spinal development.
3. Overheating
Babies are more likely to overheat in a Mamaroo due to the tight enclosure.
4. Rolling Out
Babies may also roll out of the Mamaroo if left unattended, leading to potential injury.
5. Positional Asphyxia
Children can suffer from positional asphyxia, a condition in which the baby cannot breathe due to an awkward positioning within the Mamaroo.
6. Rebreathing of C0₂
Infants who sleep in Mamaroo also face the risk of rebreathing of C0₂ from their own breaths, which can be harmful to their health.
7. Limited Mobility
The Mamaroo’s lack of mobility and adjustable features can restrict a baby’s natural movement, resulting in an uncomfortable sleep.
8. Unsafe Accessories
Many Mamaroo swings come with additional accessories such as toys, dangling mobiles, and plush animals, all of which can cause a choking hazard.
These are just some of the risks associated with sleeping in a Mamaroo. It is best always to follow the AAP’s safe sleep guidelines and avoid putting a baby in a Mamaroo overnight.
Is the Mamaroo safe for supervised naps?
No. Supervising your baby isn’t sufficient to ensure their safety when sleeping in the Mamaroo swing, and you should be aware of why: asphyxia.
This silent killer is something that can often go unnoticed before it’s too late – there are no signs or screams for help, which makes it all the more deadly.
Dr. Michael says it’s important to remember that even a few minutes of supervised sleep in the Mamaroo swing can be dangerous.
He suggests parents should avoid having their baby in the swing for any extended period of time – even for just a nap.
He recommends transferring the baby to a safe, approved sleeping surface as soon as they fall asleep in the Mamaroo.
Also read: Is a baby swing worth it
Is the Mamaroo considered an inclined sleeper?
According to the 4mom website, even when your baby swing is reclined as far back as it can go, there will always be a slight tilt present. So, you can classify the Mamaroo as an inclined sleeper.
However, the AAP does not recommend placing a baby in an inclined sleeper for overnight sleeping.
This is because it puts the baby at risk of positional asphyxia, which can occur when a baby is put in an awkward position that blocks the airway.
Is it safe for baby to sleep in swing at night?
As mentioned above, it is not recommended to put your baby in any kind of swing, including a Mamaroo, for overnight sleeping.
The risks of doing so are too significant and can include Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), suffocation, positional asphyxia, and other potential health risks.
If your baby needs a swing to help them sleep, it is best to do so for no longer than a few minutes at a time and always during supervised naps.
How long can a baby sleep in a swing?
To protect your baby’s physical and mental development, experts suggest limiting their time in a motorized swing to an hour or less daily.
It may be tempting to use the swing all day on those tough days as a parent, but it is best not to rely too heavily on it.
Of course, you should enjoy watching your little one have fun in the swing – just try not to let them stay there for overly long periods of time.
If you notice that your baby is getting fussy or tired, transferring them to a safe sleeping area is a good idea.
My baby sleeps in a swing but not in a crib — what should I do?
If you notice that your baby is starting to sleep exclusively in the swing and not on a safe sleeping surface like a crib, it’s best to start transitioning them out of the swing.
Start by gradually reducing their time in the swing and increasing the amount of supervised naps on a safe sleeping surface.
If your baby has grown accustomed to the motion of the swing, you can also try using a rocking chair or even an infant seat to help them transition to crib sleeping.
It is important that you take the time to ensure your baby’s safety and development by providing them with a safe sleeping environment.
The AAP’s safe sleep guidelines are a great way to ensure your little one is getting the rest they need in a safe and secure environment.
Wrapping Up
Thanks for reading! Creating a safe and secure sleeping environment for your baby is essential. To ensure their safety, you should not put your baby to sleep in a Mamaroo swing overnight.
Instead, you should follow the AAP’s recommendations and place your baby on his or her back to sleep in a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and tight-fitting sheet.
Be sure to avoid using soft bedding, such as blankets and pillows, as this can increase the risk of SIDS. Try to provide a comfortable sleeping environment for your baby and check on them regularly.
If you have any questions about your baby’s sleeping environment, consult your pediatrician for advice.
Sharing Is Caring!
Dr. Leah Alexander is a board-certified general pediatrician who has been in practice for over 20 years. She began working as a pediatrician at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey in 2000. Since 2005, she has been working as an independently contracted pediatrician with Medical Doctors Associates at Pediatricare Associates of New Jersey. Read more