Looking for sleeping wedges for babies? Shop our selection of pregnancy pillows, body pillows and wedge pillows from popular brands like Milliard.
Pregnancy wedge pillow with memory foam top helps to relieve back pain, leg and hip discomfort while you sleep. Ideal for use during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Your baby will sleep so much better with this pregnancy wedge pillow. It helps lift your baby up in a safe and supportive way!
A must-have for new parents and caregivers, the wedge helps relieve back pain and promotes better sleep by elevating your little one’s head at an incline.
This is the perfect pillow for you and your baby. Give mom some support when sleeping, even during pregnancy. Also, it’s great to use after giving birth and breastfeeding so she can keep her back straight and comfortable.
Baby Wedge Pillow Anti Roll
Sleep positioners and sleep wedges are marketed to offer a baby comfort and support — and, despite a lack of scientific evidence, lessen the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
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But, says Lauren Helms, M.D., a general pediatrician at University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, parents of newborns shouldn’t believe the hype behind these products, which are widely available at retailers and online.
And they shouldn’t buy one, either.
That’s because the devices can cause the fatalities they’re supposedly designed to prevent.
Sleep positioners were responsible for 12 infant deaths during a 13-year span, according to a warning the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Food and Drug Administration issued in 2010.
Suffocation caused the deaths, all in babies between 1 and 4 months old. Fatalities usually occurred after a child rolled over in the positioner or became trapped between the positioner and the side of a crib or bassinet, the agencies warned.
They also noted “dozens” of reports of nonfatal instances where babies were found in potentially hazardous positions next to or within a sleep positioner.
“Ultimately, less is more in a baby’s sleep space.”
Lauren Helms, M.D.
A warning revisited
The products saw renewed scrutiny this month when the American Academy of Pediatrics released a policy statement on safe sleeping guidelines for babies. (See an infographic on the statement below.)
Among the recommendations: No sleep positioners or wedges.
This is why Helms continues to stress the importance of a setup she and countless other experts have long advocated: “A firm mattress, with a fitted sheet in a crib or bassinet free from toys, pillows, bumper pads or thick blankets.”
A thin blanket, when used to properly swaddle, is OK, she notes.
The AAP report also advised that babies should sleep in the same bedroom as their parents for the first six to 12 months of life.
“In the newborn period, we encourage having the infant within arm’s reach of parent or mom, to promote breastfeeding, but in an independent sleep space,” Helms says.
To help reduce the potential of SIDS — which remains the leading cause of death for infants younger than 1 — babies should always sleep on their backs.
With that in mind, “Flat-back sleeping is a skill that has to be practiced,” Helms says, “and we shouldn’t expect young infants to do it well all the time.”
Ensuring safe sleep
Because the cushions of some sleep positioners could be used to help babies doze off while placed on their side or “cradled in a snuggle position,” Helms says the devices not only raise suffocation risk but also can discourage independent sleep.
SEE ALSO: What Science Says About Letting Your Baby ‘Cry It Out’
Nor do they always have clear usage guidelines.
In the case of one product, meant to be placed next to a parent in the adult’s bed, Helms notes the instructions say the adjacent adult “should be able to easily awaken … which may be an unrealistic expectation for a sleep-deprived parent.”
Sleep wedges, meanwhile, are sold with the notion that propping up a baby at a slight incline can prevent acid reflux and flat head syndrome (also known as plagiocephaly) — the latter a “cosmetic issue” that most often corrects itself over time as babies develop stronger neck and shoulder muscles, Helms says. Incorporating supervised tummy time during the day when a baby is awake and alert also can help.
Given the mortality data tied to sleep aids without any evidence-based benefit, Helms and other clinicians strongly urge against the use of any such prop.
“Ultimately, less is more in a baby’s sleep space,” says Helms. “Your pediatrician or family practice doctor can help navigate sleep questions and challenges as they arise.”
Baby Sleep Wedge for Acid Reflux
When you put your baby in the bed, crib, or stroller, they may sometimes get out of their intended sleeping position. This can cause you to worry as you would like them to stay put in their place. Sleep positioners for babies are a great way to keep babies from sliding off and changing their position.
They are made from soft cushion-like materials that provide comfort and safety. We have compiled a list of the best sleep positioners for babies for you to choose from. So, take your pick and ensure your baby sleeps like a log.
What Is A Sleep Positioner?
Sleep positioners come in two forms. One has a flat mat with soft wedges on either side. The other looks similar but has a slight incline to keep your baby in an upright position. You can simply place these specialty products in your baby’s crib or your bed (if you are co-sleeping). Sleep positioners are also marketed as a safety measure against Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). SIDS kills thousands of infants worldwide every year (1).
Is It Safe To Use A Sleep Positioner For Babies?
Parents seem to have taken to sleep positioners with frenzy. But the US Consumer Product Safety Commission and FDA warns against its usage (2) (3). A statement released by the commission ‘urges parents to stop using sleep positioners’. According to reports, about 13 infant deaths have been linked to sleep positioners in the last 15 years. Contrary to claims, these devices may raise the risk of SIDS. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend the use of sleep positioners. But many parents still swear by it!
Should You Buy A Sleep Positioner?
If you listen to the experts, it makes sense to keep sleep positioners out of your infant’s crib. But many parents think otherwise. Here are some benefits of investing in a sleep positioner for baby:
- Prevents flat head syndrome
- Keeps infants on their back, as recommended by experts to prevent SIDS
- Provides a comfortable sleep position
- Prevents babies from falling down from their bed
- Prevents discomfort that comes with reflux
Now, there’s some good and some bad that comes with sleep positioners. Should you buy one? If you think you can be watchful and keep an eye on your baby, sleep positioners can make a great tool. But before you go ahead and buy one, talk to your pediatrician.
Best Baby Sleep Positioners For Babies:
So, you have decided to go ahead and invest in a sleep positioner. Now comes the fun part – shopping! Sleep positioners come in many varieties. Here are the best of them:
1. Boppy Noggin Nest Head Support, Brown Wheels:
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With a unique, patented design, the Bobby Noggin Nest Head Support helps relieve pressure from your infant’s head. It can be used in cribs, strollers, and bouncers too.
Price: $14.98
2. Sassy Cozy Vent Sleep System:
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With a head rest made of 100% mesh, this sleep positioner for babies ensures constant air flow. The Sassy Cozy Vent Sleep System comes with an adjustable design. You can easily change the settings to fit your growing baby. Easy to clean and machine washable, this is one product that would bring some peace of mind.
Price: $20.20
3. Munchkin Cool Flow Back Sleeper:
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Munchkin Cool Flow Back Sleeper comes with some expert recommendations! With the approval of the American Academy of Pediatrics, you can safely invest in this super-comfy sleeper. Its cross ventilation design helps prevent SIDS. You can also use it as your baby grows, thanks to its adjustable design.
Price: $19.99
4. Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Surround:
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It is a great buy for co-sleeping parents. You can also use it as a travel bed or a napping space. Its side panels come with vents and ensure baby sleep positioner safety from SIDS. It also comes with an incline wedge to offer your infant relief from reflux and spit ups.
Bonus: The Baby Delight Snuggle Nest Surround comes with a sound and light show, to provide your little one the perfect sleep time setting.
Price: $61.95
5. The First Years Close & Secure Sleeper:
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Investing in the First Years Close & Secure Sleeper makes a lot of sense. Its design ensures easy portability, making it perfect for traveling. You can use it on your bed or place it on your baby’s crib. It comes with a built-in night light too!
Price: $58.99
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should babies sleep on a wedge?
No. Using sleep positioners, wedges, or other such props is not advised by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) or any other reputed medical institution as it increases the risk of SIDS and other complications for the baby (4).
2. Should babies sleep flat or inclined?
As recommended by the AAP, babies should be put to sleep only on flat and firm surfaces, not inclined or soft ones (5).
3. How do I stop my baby from choking in his sleep?
Putting a baby to sleep on their backs helps reduce the chances of them choking even if they spit up during sleep (6).
Sleep positioners for babies are safety measures against SIDS and help prevent babies from slipping off and shifting their position while sleeping. The greatest sleep positioner is a flat mattress sleep positioner without anything in the crib or bassinet. However, as concerns about their safety grow, sleep positioners quickly lose favor. Even the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against the use of sleep positioners. So, do some research before deciding whether or not to get one for your baby. If you’re still not convinced, talk to some mothers who have tried it, and don’t forget to seek advice from a pediatrician.
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