Can Baby Sleep in Halo Bassinest if Rolling?
Is it safe to continue using the Halo BassiNest if the baby has started rolling? This is a common question among first-time parents because they cannot imagine discontinuing the use of the expensive Halo BassiNest after four months.
If you are in this dilemma, the answer to your question is no; you should not use the Halo BassiNest if your baby is rolling over unassisted because they can topple over. This is per the user guidelines on the Halo website.
However, you need to differentiate between rolling over and rolling from side to side, which many babies do before the actual rolling over. Rolling over is the act of turning from back to tummy position. If your baby has started rolling over, you will put them to sleep on their back only to find them sleeping on their tummy after a few hours.
Most babies start to roll over from 4 to 6 six months. At this stage, you should make plans to move the baby from the Halo BassiNest to a crib to prevent falling accidents.
Why you should stop using the Halo BassiNest if the baby is rolling
No matter how well your baby sleeps in the Halo BassiNest, it is no longer safe for them if they are rolling over for the reasons below:
Weight and Age limits
According to the manufacturer of the Halo BassiNest, it is recommended for babies up to 5 months and not weighing more than 20 lbs. Continuing the use of the Halo BassiNest past the age and weight limit puts the baby at the risk of toppling over, and the BassiNest might even break.
What’s more, at the age of 5 months, the baby is already rolling over, sitting up, or pushing up on their own. This puts them at the risk of falling because the BassiNest is not designed for active babies.
The New Halo BassiNest design is not level
The latest design of Halo BassiNest is not level and is a major point of safety concern for many parents, considering that all baby sleeping surfaces should be flat. Halo stated that the slight tilt is within the recommended standards for safe baby sleeping surfaces to assure parents of safety.
While this tilt is safe, it is risky for rolling babies because it increases the possibility of the baby rolling into an uncomfortable sleeping position.
Design and safety
The Halo Bassinest design features a wide sleeping surface, a sturdy four-point base, and high walls to ensure that the sleeping baby cannot fall over. However, this can only serve babies up to a certain weight.
The baby will not suffocate if they press their face against the walls because they are breathable, but they might fall if they try to support themselves with the walls.
Therefore, while the design offers maximum safety, it is not recommended for babies who are rolling over.
Can I use additional items to prevent the baby from rolling over?
No, you should never use any items like pillows, loungers, or extra mattresses to prevent the baby from rolling over because you will be putting the baby at the risk of SIDs.
The only recommended product is the Halo Bassinest Newborn Insert for babies who are rolling to the side and not rolling over.
See also Why baby hates halo bassinest
How to transition baby from the Halo Bassinest to the crib?
To prevent sleep hazards, parents should be keen to identify when it is time to move the baby from the BassiNest. The transition process might not be easy for the baby because they were used to the snuggly space close to mama, but now you are moving them to a large space on their own. For this, you should be prepared with tips on handling the transition challenges that might come up. Here are some tips to help you with the transition:
Come up with a bedtime routine
If you do not have a bedtime routine yet, it is time to establish one because babies do well in a routine. There are different routines on the internet to copy, but it is crucial to use what works for your baby. For the best results, start the bedtime routine from the bassinet so that the baby already knows what bedtime looks like before you move to the crib.
Make the baby room comfortable
The nursery should be comfortable and cozy for your baby to sleep well. Some of the things that make a nursery comfortable include dim lighting, white noise, and comfortable temperatures. Sometimes the baby is crying because the temperatures in their room are too hot or too cold and not because they hate the crib. Therefore, ensure that the room is comfortable for a smooth transition.
Transition gradually
Some babies do not have issues sleeping in the crib, but others will not like it. For the latter, be patient and make the transition gradual. You can start by putting them in the crib for a nap and later for the night when they get used to it.
For some babies, you might have to move the crib to your bedroom. If you do not have enough space in your bedroom, you might consider sleeping in the nursery for a few nights. Note that you cannot sleep in the crib for weight limit reasons. Instead, sleep on the couch, air mattress, or an extra bed in the nursery.
See also Why halo bassinest is not level
FAQ on Halo BassiNest baby rolling
Can a baby sleep in a Halo bassinet if rolling over?
The Halo BassiNest is not safe for babies who can roll over, sit up or pull up without assistance because they might fall. If the baby stays older enough to discover the swivel movement, they will start to move themselves, and while it is fun, it poses a risky hazard.
How do I stop my baby from rolling in the bassinet?
If your baby keeps rolling to the sides of the BassiNest, you can use the Halo BassiNest Newborn Insert. However, avoid the use of pillows, loungers, or blankets because they put the baby at risk of SIDs.
Can I stop the baby from rolling over?
When the baby learns how to roll over, you cannot stop them. If the current sleeping surface is no longer safe with the baby rolling over, it is time to move them to the crib.
