Getting a newborn to sleep is among the many challenges of parenting. Most newborns have a hard time sleeping at night and napping during the day because they are in a new environment and they have not yet differentiated day and night. If you are struggling to get your little one to sleep, a baby lounger might be what you need. There are several baby loungers in the market, but in this post, we will look into Snuggle Me loungers and if you can use Snuggle Me in bassinet. 

Can you put Snuggle Me in the bassinet or crib?

No, you cannot put the Snuggle Me in the baby crib or bassinet because the baby can easily get trapped between the lounger and bassinet walls which increases the risk of suffocation, rebreathing carbon dioxide, positional asphyxia, and reduced hypoxic arousal discussed above.

Ensure to read and understand the user guidelines from the Snuggle Me website, as this is one of the safety measures pointed out. Note that, cribs, bassinets, and co-sleepers should only be used as intended by the manufacturer otherwise you will be endangering your baby.

Can my newborn sleep in Snuggle Me?

The Snuggle Me should not be used as a sleeping device. You should never leave the baby in it without supervision and it should not be used for co-sleeping. Just like any other soft bedding, the lounger puts the baby at the risk of suffocation if the baby rolls over and gets its head trapped under the lounger.

However, the risk reduces as the baby grows older and can control their movement or even cry to notify you when they land in an uncomfortable position.

Below is a summary of risks associated with Snuggle Me loungers:

• Suffocation- suffocation happens when the baby rolls over onto the stomach or sides and they are not able to roll back on their back. This puts them at the risk of getting trapped in the soft material and being unable to breathe.
• Positional asphyxia- because the sides of the pillow are raised, the baby can position their head in a way that blocks the airways hence difficulties in breathing and death.
• Rebreathing of CO2- if the baby positions their head very close to padded walls, they stand the risk of rebreathing exhaled carbon dioxide which is fatal because it lowers their oxygen levels.
• Reduced hypoxic arousal response- as already stated, the Snuggle me lounger holds the baby tight for comfort and to prevent startle reflex. While this is a good thing, it might turn out disastrous in the long run because it might dampen the baby’s natural response to danger. This means that the baby will not react when faced with a dangerous situation, for instance, if they cannot breathe. Reduced hypoxic arousal is one of the major causes of SIDS.

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Is the Snuggle Me safe for supervised naps?

From the discussion above, it is clear that the Snuggle Me lounger cannot be used for overnight sleep and you should not put it in the bassinet. This leaves many parents wondering whether it can be used for daytime naps.

Most parents expect a yes for this answer, but, it remains to be a NO. Supervision does not prevent suffocation or SIDS. In most cases, a baby experiencing breathing difficulties seems to be sleeping normally only to notice that they are not okay when it is too late.

SIDs is a silent killer and happen without noise or struggle for life. Unfortunately, your baby can die even under your watch. For this reason, it is recommended that babies be put in sleep on their back on a flat surface free from objects whether for a nap or nighttime sleep and a Snuggle Me lounger is not on the list of flat sleeping surfaces. The lounger is only safe used during the day when the baby is awake with maximum supervision.

What is Snuggle Me?

The Snuggle Me Organic lounger is an oval-shaped pad with plush sides. The pad is designed to hug the baby, giving them the feeling of being held or in the womb. It is also referred to as a pod or nest. 

The Snuggle Me lounger is a safe place to put the baby down during the day as you handle other duties around the house. if you want to let’s say do laundry, prepare dinner or fold clothes but your baby won’t let you because they want to be held all the time, purchase the Snuggle Me pad and this will be a problem of the past.

Below is a review of the Snuggle Me baby lounger to help you make an informed purchase.

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Snuggle Me Organic review

The Snuggle Me organic helps your baby stay calm and help the baby fall asleep during the day. Note that, babies are different, while some will love the Snuggle me, it will not make any change for others. Therefore, the lounger does not guarantee to solve all your child’s sleep issues. Here are features that make the Snuggle Me organic of the help:

Lounging pads

The Snuggle Me organic has padding on all sides which snuggles the baby to reduce the effects of the startle reflex. What is the startle reflex? Have you ever watched your baby suddenly get scared and look like they are falling in their asleep? That reaction is called startle reflex and most babies wake themselves up when experiencing it. 

The Snuggle Me reduces the effects of the startle reflex because they snuggle the baby on all sides using its padding. To reduce the possibilities of the Startle effect further, swaddle the baby before putting them in the lounger for a nap.

Unique design

The Snuggle Me lounger is designed to hug and hold the baby from all sides making them feel like they are being held or like they are in the womb. The padded nest calms the baby and therefore you do not have to hold them all the time. The lounger is what you need if you want to take care of some chores around the house but your baby cannot agree to be put down on their own.

Unpadded center Sling 

In addition to the unique design, the Snuggle Me lounger features a sling in the middle that helps to bring the sides of the lounger up, keeps the baby on their back to prevent turning and rolling and puts the spine in a neutral position.

The sling allows for a safe spine position because it takes up all the weight and pressure from the delicate baby spine. This makes it very comfortable and safe to sleep on.

It is organic

The Snuggle Me Organic lounger is made with natural, soft, and organic materials meaning that it is hypoallergenic, breathable, and non-toxic. The fiber used to fill it is fully machine washable making it is easy to clean and maintain.

Usable for several months

The Snuggle Me lounger is advertised for up to 9 months. However, how long you use it depends on the growth rate of your baby. As the baby grows taller, their legs will go off the edge.

While the manufacturer says that this position is safe, you might not feel safe continuing with it and that is okay. Also, you should stop using the lounger immediately after the baby learns how to turn on their own as it increases the risk of suffocation.

Features and specs summary

• Product Dimensions: 29 x 17 x 4 inches
• Weight: 3 pounds
• Lounger material: Organic cotton, hypoallergenic polyester fiberfill
• Recommended for: 0-9 months
• Safety: Never use the lounger as a sleeping device

Snuggle Me lounger pros

• Snuggles the baby for better and longer naps
• Made with high organic and non-toxic materials
• Perfect for diaper changes and supervised tummy time
• Great for travel

Snuggle Me cons

• Suffocation risk hence should only be used under supervision
• Baby outgrows it very quickly

Read also Why baby sleeps with head tilted back?

FAQ on Snuggle me in bassinet

Does Snuggle Me organic fit in bassinet?

The Snuggle Me lounger fits in most bassinets, but you should never use it inside the bassinet or crib because the baby can get trapped between the lounger and bassinet walls leading to breathing difficulties and if the baby is not rescued it results in death.

How long can a baby sleep in a Snuggle Me?

The Snuggle Me is advertised for use between 0-9 months. In other words, you can continue using the lounger as long as the baby can fit in it. However, if you feel like your baby is not safe for whatever reason,stop using the Snuggle Me immediately.

Does the Snuggle Me cause a flat head?

No. The ends are rounded and holds the baby’s head from both sides hence preventing the flat head syndrome. Most babies who use the Snuggle Me have perfect rounded heads.

Can baby suffocate in Snuggle Me?

Yes, the baby can suffocate in Snuggle me if they press their nose against the walls, or if the lounger is placed inside a bassinet and the baby’s head gets stuck between the walls. Therefore, the lounger should not be used as a sleeping device or as a co-sleeper, but only during the day with supervision

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