How Long Can My Baby Sleep in a Cradle?
Baby cradles are preferred over cribs by some parents because they are smaller and provide a cozier sleeping environment for infants. Some cradles are also equipped with rocking mechanisms, so the baby can be gently swayed to sleep.
Other People Are Reading
-
Guidelines
-
Pediatric sleep disorders expert, Deborah Lin-Dyken, recommends checking the manufacturer's guidelines for the best advice on when to discontinue cradle use. If you don't have the original information from the manufacturer, discontinue cradle use when your child weighs around 20 pounds. Most infants are only able to use cradles for the first four to six months, according to The New Parent's Guide.
Considerations
-
Baby cradles are not a necessity, according to The New Parents Guide website. Although cradles can provide a safe, comfortable sleeping environment for newborns, they are considered a luxury item since babies can sleep in cribs much longer. Babies can use cribs until they are two or three years old, according to the Newborn Channel website.
-
Warnings
-
If you choose to let your baby sleep in a cradle, make sure the cradle is sturdy, with a wide base to prevent tipping. The mattress should fit tightly into the cradle and additional bedding should not be used, according to The New Parents Guide. Soft materials like plush toys, blankets and pillows left with a sleeping baby increase the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), according to the National Institute of Child Health & Human Development website.
-
References
- Building Materials 365: Difference Between Bassinet and Cradle
- The New Parents Guide: Choosing a Baby Bassinet or Cradle
- Baby Center: Should My Newborn Sleep in a Bassinet or Cradle Before a Crib?
- Newborn Channel: Top 10 Questions About Sleep
- NICHD: Safe Sleep for Your Baby-- Reduce the Risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
