Are you putting together your baby registry and wondering which products to invest in for your precious newborn? Sleep-deprived superheroes and parents-to-be, this blog post is about to save you from investing in products that might empty your wallet without actually giving you more sleep. From baby monitors and sleep tracking apps to outdated sleep books and automated bassinets, we’ll explore the potential drawbacks and considerations when it comes to these 5 popular baby products to avoid.
As an infant mental health and sleep specialist here are five products that I wouldn’t buy for newborns. These recommendations stem from my knowledge of baby brain development, attachment science, and the overall well-being of our little ones. So let’s dive in and explore the reasons behind my choices!
Reconsider *how* you use Baby Monitors
Imagine a baby monitor or app that tracks your little one’s sleep, from duration to waking up throughout the night. And the worst ones are the ones that even analyze if your baby sleeps independently or if you help them.
As an infant and child mental health specialist, this concept troubles me deeply. It’s a topic that deserves its own dedicated discussion, but in a nutshell, relying on external trackers can hinder the precious bonding experience and trust-building journey that you and your baby embark on during this sensitive time in your lives. Sleep apps tend to compare your baby to the average of all babies and this creates an environment for constantly feeling like something is wrong with your baby’s sleep. Instead, focus on getting to know your baby and their sleep patterns organically, without comparing them to arbitrary averages.
Instead of relying on an objective measure you should set up to start trusting ourselves and tune into our instincts as parents, which is essential to our evolution as parents. In my opinion, you benefit in the long term from getting to know your baby and their sleep.
The Dangers of Baby Swings for Sleep: A Swing and a Miss!
Convenience is key for new parents, and baby swings often provide a practical place to put down your newborn. However, it’s crucial to note that these swings are not designed for sleep and are not recommended for newborns. They are actually dangerous for newborns to fall asleep in.
The absence of neck control in newborns makes sleeping in a swing unsafe and can potentially lead to breathing difficulties. While supervised use is fine for other purposes, it’s best to avoid using swings for sleep.
Written before 2020? Throw it away
When it comes to baby sleep books, it’s important to consider their publication date. Older books, even those from just a decade ago, may not reflect the current scientific understanding of newborns and infants.
There has been a lot of new developments in science that are not featured in older books. As a result, they might perpetuate outdated information and misunderstandings about babies’ sleep needs and patterns. Save yourself the headache and seek up-to-date resources that align with current knowledge.
Avoid Snuggle Me Pillows: Safety First, Cuddle Later!
The Snuggle Me Pillow might seem like a cozy addition to your bed for bed sharing, but safety guidelines advise against having anything in the bed, including pillows. It’s essential to follow safe bed sharing practices, which call for a clear sleeping surface without additional pillows or cushions. Using the Snuggle Me Pillow in bed goes against these guidelines and can potentially compromise your baby’s safety.
It’s actually safer to just put your baby in bed without the pillow and follow the safe sleep 7. If you cannot follow the safe sleep 7, opt for a separate surface sleep arrangement like bedside crib or a bedside bassinet.
Skip Automated Bassinets: Prioritize Bonding
Now, I will probably get alot of heat for this, but the number one product I would not recommend are automated bassinets. These high-tech inventions claim to respond to your baby’s cues, rocking them back to sleep while minimizing your involvement as a parent. However, let’s pause for a moment and consider the early days with your newborn. This precious time is all about connection, tuning in to your baby’s needs, and responding to their cues. An automated bassinet can hinder this vital bonding process and may restrict your baby’s natural movements, which are essential for their development.
As a breastfeeding mom you will most likely end up bedsharing anyways, so now you just wasted 1000s of dollars on this new high tech product that your baby might not actually sleep in. Additionally, these devices often promise extended sleep for newborns, which isn’t necessarily healthy or aligned with the protective nature of frequent nighttime waking in the early stages of life.
Do things your way.
These are my recommendations based on my expertise and experience. Every parent’s journey is unique, so it’s crucial to conduct your own research and make informed choices that resonate with your parenting philosophy and the well-being of your little one.
If you have any personal experiences or thoughts on these products, feel free to share them with me. And if you’re seeking more information on what’s considered normal in terms of your newborn’s sleep patterns, check out the Baby Sleep Guide. Follow me on Instagram or TikTok for more baby and toddler sleep recommendations.
