When choosing furniture and play items to put in your child's nursery, you may consider a baby rocker. Two types of baby rockers exist that help to soothe and delight your baby. Knowing how to use these rockers safely ensures you and your child stay injury-free.
Types
Two types of baby rockers exist: rocking chairs that allow an adult and baby to rock together and rockers that secure the baby to the rocker, allowing him to rock manually. Rocking chairs are often used as a soothing mechanism for babies, according to "Consumer Reports." Baby rockers are used during active playtime, according to The Children's Hospital at Westmead in Australia.
Safety Considerations: Rocker
If you choose to utilize a rocker for your child, it is important to take a few considerations into account. These include restraining your baby while she is in the rocker --- this prevents your child from falling over the rocker should she make a forceful movement, according to The Children's Hospital at Westmead. Always supervise your child when she is utilizing a rocker. This helps to ensure she does not fall to the ground. Be sure that your child's rocker also features a crotch strap --- this prevents strangulation by ensuring your child cannot slip down the rocker.
Safety Considerations: Rocking Chair
When choosing a rocking chair for you and your baby, comfort is key, according to Consumer Reports. You want to choose a model that has a wide seat with wide-set arms. Look for a padded seat that has cushioned springs below the seat to provide the most support. Because rocking chairs come in many models --- including glider and reclining rocking chairs --- it's important to test the model in the store. Sit in the chair and practice rocking your child. If you can do so comfortably, it may be the chair for you. If you have young children, a glider rocker may not be for you as children's small feet and hands can get easily caught in the gliding mechanism.
Head Injury Prevention
If your baby's rocker features a head support, it's important to avoid excess time spent in the rocker, according to the National Institute of Child Health & Human Development. Because your child's skull is still forming, pressing your child's head up against a surface, such as a bed, car seats, carrier or rocker, for an excessive period of time can increase the risk for developing flat spots on the skull.
Location
Finding the right place for your baby's rocker or a rocking chair can help to minimize injury risk. Ensure the rocker is on a flat surface to prevent tipping over due to uneven rocking, according to the Raising Children Network. Make sure there is plenty of room to rock and move around with few obstructions your child could reach out and grab.
