Can Baby Sleep in Grace Dreamglider Overnight?

If you wonder whether it is safe for your baby to sleep in the Graco dream glider, you are not alone. Many resources state that it is not safe for babies to sleep in swings, but google results on the sleeping safety of Graco dream glider state, otherwise leaving many new parents confused.

This guide will look into the Graco dream glider SIDS risk. By the end of the article, you will have answers about whether it is safe for babies to sleep or nap in the Graco dream glider.

What is the Graco dreamglider?

The Graco Dream glider, currently known as Graco DuoGlider, is a swing seat that also serves as a bouncer. The swing features up to 6 swinging speeds and rocks the baby in the motion of a glider chair. In addition, it has different sounds, music and vibrations to choose from.

What’s more, the dream glider has features three recline positions. According to the manufacturer, the lowest recline position lays almost flat and the highest reclines at around 130 degrees.

It is essential to point out that the product recently changed names from Graco dream glider Gliding Seat & Sleeper to Graco DuoGlider Gliding Swing for the reasons indicated below.

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Why has the product name changed?

The product was introduced as Graco dreamglider Gliding Seat & Sleeper in the market. Because of the “sleeper” on its name, many parents assumed that the swing was safe for baby to sleep in.

In 2019, 73 infant deaths were reported in relation to a reclined sleeper from Rock ‘N Play, which led to the discontinuation of all recline sleeper products, including Graco dream glider Gliding Seat & Sleeper. However, instead of recalling their product, Graco changed the name by scrapping off the word “sleeper”.

While all other related products were recalled from the market, this swing from Graco is still on the shelves. In an attempt to defend their move, Graco explained that they replaced the “sleeper” with “swing” to prevent misinterpretation on how the product should be used.

Graco explains this product as a “safe and comfortable place to rest” on their website. While there is no mention of the word sleep in this description, some parents are still using the swing as a sleeping device, as seen in their review section. As discussed in the next section, this puts the babies at high risk.

Is the Graco dreamglider safe for sleep?

The dreamglider swing is not safe to sleep on, because of the following reasons:

It is rocking 

According to federal safety standards, any product that rocks and does not lock to a stationary position is not safe for the baby to sleep in. As the swing rocks around, it might force the baby in a position that causes them breathing difficulties.

Padded

Products that resemble a soft pillow are also not safe sleeping devices because they increase the risk of suffocation. The babies’ neck and shoulder muscles are not developed at a young age. Therefore, if the baby rolls on the tummy, the product might block the nose because the baby cannot roll over to safety.

Inclined

Any product that puts the baby in an inclined position should never be used as a sleeping surface. If the baby inclines so that their head weight blocks the airways, the results will be fatal. This is why parents are always advised to lay their babies on flat and firm surfaces.

Buckles

All buckle products, including car seats, are not safe sleeping spaces for the baby. It is okay to strap the baby and walk around but never allow them to sleep while buckled because the straps are restraining the baby. A baby looks so peaceful and safe while strapped and sleeping in the swing; but they can easily take a fatal sleeping position only for you to realize when it is too late.

Because of all these features, the dreamglider swing does not meet the AAP safety standards. If your baby falls asleep in the swing, immediately transfer them to a safe sleeping space. For babies, safe sleeping spaces should have four walls with a flat and firm surface. These include reputable cribs, bassinets or play yards.

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What are the SIDS risks of letting your baby sleep in a DreamGlider?

With all the features above, allowing the baby to sleep in the DreamGlider exposes them to the following risks:

Rebreathing carbon dioxide

Babies rebreathe exhaled air if they turn their heads very close to the padded and bouncy wall. Rebreathing CO2 causes the oxygen levels to drop gradually, and if left in that position for a long time, the results are fatal.

Positional Asphyxia

When sleeping babies are positioned in an inclined position, the head slides to one side and might end up blocking the airways, and the final result is suffocation.

Reduced hypoxic arousal response

The motion and sounds of the swing soothe the baby to a deeper sleep which is a good thing when you want the baby to sleep longer. However, it can also be harmful because it reduces the hypoxic arousal response. This means that the baby will be in deep sleep such that they are not able to respond stressors. Experts say that this is one of the main reasons babies’ die of SIDS.

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FAQ on Graco dream glider SIDS risk

What if my baby accidentally falls asleep in the Duo Glider?

If the baby falls asleep in the dream glider, immediately move them to a safe sleeping position. Most parents do not want to move the baby because they might wake up, but it is better to spend another thirty minutes soothing the baby to sleep than having to wish that you moved them because they are dead.

Is the DuoGlider safe for supervised naps?

Supervision does not prevent SIDS because the baby will seem fine and comfortable only to realize that they are no more when their nap takes longer than it should. You see, because of the reduced arousal response discussed above, most babies dying from breathing troubles do not fight back. Therefore, you watching or supervising the baby will not save them because they will not show any signs of discomfort.

Can babies die while sleeping in swings?

Yes, hundreds of babies die every year while sleeping in swings, car seats, or any other reclined product. For this reason, reclined and rocking products have been declared unsafe for baby sleep.

Is the DuoGlider safe for sleep when fully reclined?

The Dream glider is not a safe sleeping space even when it is flat. The padded and contoured sides still put the baby ata the risk of suffocation and rebreathing carbon dioxide even when flattened. Also, the harness can still restrain the baby even in a flat position. The bottom line is, whether reclined or with supervision, the dreamglider swing is not a safe sleeping space.

My baby has reflux. Is it safe to let them sleep on an incline?

An elevated sleeping position does not reduce reflux. Also, it is not safe because it puts the baby at the risk of rebreathing CO2 or Positional Asphyxia, which means fatal breathing problems.

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