Can A Baby Sleep In A Bouncer Supervised?

A common question on the lips of most parents is, can a baby sleep in a bouncer supervised? The short answer is no.

Bouncers can help to calm a fussy baby, it’s no surprise if babies tend to fall asleep in them. This doesn’t make it safe, supervised or not.

A lot of parents online argue that as long as there’s adult supervision, it is fine. I strongly believe the best place for a baby to sleep is in their crib.

In this post, I’m going to explain why you shouldn’t let your baby sleep in a bouncer and the danger it poses. 

Is It Safe For A Baby To Sleep In A Bouncer? 

No, it isn’t safe for your baby to sleep in a bouncer. Baby products inclined at an angle greater than ten degrees could put your baby at risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). 

A bouncer is a cozy place for your baby to sit and play, giving you a much-needed break. They are not made for babies to sleep in them.

According to the American Association of Paediatrics (AAP), the safest place for a baby below twelve months of age to sleep is on a flat and firm surface. 

Even if you supervised their naps, it doesn’t make it safe. They’re so many health risks associated with letting a baby sleep in a bouncer or car seat.  

What Happens If A Baby Sleeps In A Bouncer?

It can be tempting to just let your baby sleep in the bouncer, especially if you have a lot to do. Allowing them to sleep in their bouncers poses the following risks: 

Positional Asphyxia 

Between the ages of 0 to 4 months, the baby’s neck muscles are not strong enough to keep their head up. Their head can easily slouch in the bouncer. 

Because of their position in the bouncer, they can slump their head forward, resulting in the blockage of oxygen glow. This is called Positional Asphyxia. 

Flathead Syndrome 

This is also known as Positional Plagiocephaly. A baby’s head is still very fragile. 

Constant pressure on the back of their skull could flatten it. This can happen when they spend too much on their bouncer. 

Accidental Suffocation 

Because of the position in which they are, the weight of their head causes the head to fall forward. When this happens, it cuts off their oxygen supply resulting in suffocation. 

Container Baby Syndrome

When your baby spends too long in containers such as a bouncer, stroller, or car seat, they may develop Container Baby Syndrome. 

Leaving them in these containers for too long has a negative impact on their development. They won’t learn to crawl around, sit on their own or play with their toys. 

Can A Baby Sleep In A Bouncer During The Day?

The safest place for your baby to sleep is on a firm and flat surface. If you let your baby sleep in a bouncer, they will get used to it and won’t want to sleep anywhere else. 

When they spend too much time in their bouncer during the day, it would be hard to make them sleep in their crib at night. They would want that rocking movement to go on as they sleep. 

Can A Baby Nap In A Bouncer During The Day?

Babies could nap for as short as ten minutes. You might present the argument, “can a baby sleep in a bouncer supervised throughout the ten-minute nap?”

Well, you could supervise them, making sure their head is in the right position as they sleep. But, this could become a habit because they wouldn’t want to nap anywhere else. 

The best option remains to make your baby sleep in their cot. Better safe than sorry. 

Can A Baby Sleep In A Bouncer Overnight? 

No, babies can’t sleep in a bouncer overnight. It is even riskier because you can’t keep an eye on your baby throughout the night. You also need to sleep at night. 

What If My Baby Falls Asleep In The Bouncer?

If your baby happens to fall asleep on the bouncer, gently take them out of it and place them slowly on their cot. They might wake up and become fussy, try shushing them back to sleep. You could also use a white noise machine to send them back to sleep. 

How Long Can A Baby Stay In A Bouncer?

It is not safe for your baby to be in the same position for more than one hour. So, your baby should not be in their bouncer for longer than one hour a day.  

Each session in the bouncer should be within the time range of 15-20 minutes, about three times a day. 

How Old Should A Baby Start Using A Bouncer? 

You can start using a bouncer for a newborn. However, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to safely set up a bouncer. 

Once your baby has learned to sit, stop using the bouncer. Since your baby has learned to sit independently, they can tilt the bouncer over when they sit up.  

Baby Will Only Sleep In A Bouncer, What Should I Do?

“So, what if my baby only likes to sleep in a bouncer?”  If they refuse to sleep anywhere else but the bouncer, reduce the amount of time they spend in it. 

If your baby only wants to sleep in a bouncer, you should wait till they are drowsy before you transfer them to the crib. Make sure the bouncer is at an angle not greater than ten degrees. 

If they wake up and become fussy while transferring them to a crib, try swaying them in your arms, or making a shushing sound with your voice or a white noise machine. 

Another tip is to put the bouncer close to the play area or a place with a lot of toys. This will help them understand that being in the bouncer means playtime and not sleep time. 

Safety Precautions 

These are some safety precautions to take while using a bouncer: 

• Always check the manufacturer’s instructions on weight, height, and age restrictions. 

• Always use the bouncer on a safe and flat surface, the best being the floor. Do not put the bouncer on an elevated surface. 

• Always keep an eye on your baby in the bouncer. 

• Make sure the foot of the bouncer is broad, strong, and steady.

• The bouncer should be comfy and breathable. 

• Make sure there’s no stiff back support. 

• A harness should be present in the bouncer to secure the baby. 

• Ensure that the straps are done properly.  

Conclusion 

A bouncer is a comfy place for your baby to play in and keep them entertained while you get some work done. Bouncers give your arms that much-needed break. 

You should never let your baby sleep in it, whether with adult supervision or not.  Also, make sure they don’t get used to sleeping in a bouncer.