From the Research
Allowing infants to sleep in swings is not recommended due to potential safety risks, and the most recent evidence from 2021 supports the recommendation that all infants should be placed to sleep in a safe environment, including a supine position, a firm surface, and no soft objects or loose bedding 1.
Key Points to Consider
- The American Academy of Pediatrics specifically advises against routine sleep in sitting devices like swings, car seats, and strollers.
- Evidence shows that inclined sleep positions can lead to several dangers, including the semi-reclined position in swings, which may cause a baby's head to fall forward, potentially restricting their airway and leading to suffocation.
- The straps in swings pose strangulation hazards if they become loose, and babies who can roll or move might shift into unsafe positions.
- Young babies lack neck strength and their airways are narrow, making proper sleep positioning crucial for their safety.
Recommendations for Safe Sleep
- Babies should always be placed on their backs on a firm, flat surface like a crib or bassinet for sleep.
- If your baby falls asleep in a swing, it's best to transfer them to a proper sleep surface.
- Parents should be advised against the use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs during gestation and after birth, as these can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) 1.
- Breastfeeding on demand and the use of pacifier during sleep time protect against SIDS and should be recommended 1.
Importance of Education
- Health care providers should understand the appropriate use of car seats, slings, and other sitting devices, to model appropriate behaviors, and to educate parents and caregivers on the potential dangers associated with the inappropriate use of sitting devices for routine sleep 2.