Sleepy Head Query?

[FraggleRock77]

We have a sleepy head that we want to use but our new born is able to move quite a bit. Just wondering if he moved and pushed his mouth/head against the side bumper while sleeping how safe this would be?x

I don't think anyone can realistically answer this with any certainty. There is always going to be a risk and it is for you to decide how you manage that risk.

The sleepyhead is not the "firm, flat mattress" that SIDS recommendations advise for baby sleep. I also doubt it would adhere to the "Clear Cot" recommendation of no pillows.

However that does not make it inherently dangerous, just an increased risk. Take, for example, the fact that cosleeping carries an increased risk of SIDS death. However cosleeping is not considered dangerous, not even within official SIDS guidelines. It is about manage the risk as much as possible, not eliminating the risks to zero.

There will be a risk attached to using a sleepyhead, and an increased risk compared to flat mattress. There is a risk attached to everything to varying degrees. Some people are risk averse and will only consider ways to minimise risk. Other people will balance the benefits against the risks and make informed decision to manage the risk.

So let's not pretend there is no risk of suffocation and smothering. There will be similar risks as associated with using pillows I would imagine*. But that does not mean that it could not be a managed risk to an individual or that the sleepyhead is inherently dangerous to use.

• I am using my common sense in making that statement, rather than having it quantified by research

I would say as sides of sleepyhead are firm it would be pretty hard for them to squish face against it to the point that they stop breathing. I guess maybe they're breathing recycled air a tiny bit more. I say this as a sleepyhead user who used with both kids from newborn with no probs. I am a sample of two so limited help to say that I guess. If you look it up I think the makers will have some blurb about how safe they are & why. Maybe you could call customer service for reassurance?

We used a sleepyhead and I think they're breathable (that's not the right word for it as I'm not saying you could breath through it completely), but I think it's not the usual mattress/wadding stuff.

I believe the Sleepyhead is marketed as "breathable". I did try and find information to confirm that it's suitable for overnight and unsupervised sleeping, but I couldn't find anything, which suggests to me that it might not be properly tested in that regard. We have still taken the risk and used it

PS I do think it's safer than a pillow or rolled up towel alongside the baby, as there is no risk of the baby getting underneath the cushion - it's all firmly contained within the cover.

It says on their website it's safe for over night sleeping

www.sleepyheadofsweden.com/safety/

Thanks for that link Albus. All v reassuring although I can't see anything that specifically mentions overnight sleeping (although it's implied)... I might be missing it though!

There will be similar risks as associated with using pillows I would imagine

I wouldn't dream of using a pillow with a young baby but have been confident using a sleepyhead with both my DC - unlike a pillow the sides of the sleepyhead are very firm and retain their shape.

Firm flat mattress might be the safest choice but neither of my DC would tolerate sleeping on one!

I emailed them its been confirmed for overnight use

I did put the angel care alarm under it last night but panicked last minute and switched back to basic mattress and blanket. Will try to call the customer services. Thanks for all the feedback x

I've used a sleepyhead with Ds2. He was a large active baby and often turned his head to the side but never squashed his face against the side. I realize this is anecdotal.

He's been rolling since 3 months, but only rolled out of it for the first time this week (6months)

Thank you. I think we will just use it during the day under supervision and i will use it at night time once DS has more head control x

It's fine. If you are worried, go and put your face against it. It's definitely breathable, we tested!

I have a sleeping mat which is under cot matress and sleepyhead goes on top of that. It still works but tis not Angel care its a different one. My baby isnt a wriggle so found it v reassuring.

My daughter sleeps in one - it says the materials are breathable to a certain standard (cant remember what standard!). I would agree to monitor a few of her naps and go from there x