Let Mommy Sleep | Blog

Blog

The role of the Registered Nurse or Newborn Care Provider is to feed, soothe, bathe, change & provide all other gentle care to baby through the night.

Home » Page 4

Postpartum Fashion: Style and Self-Care

Comfort is crucial when you’re caring for a newborn, so wearing the right clothes can protect healing areas, reduce discomfort and help promote a positive mindset. This blog, Postpartum Fashion, Style and Self Care will help you get ready with versatile postpartum outfits can help you feel comfortable and confident, giving a little boost to physical and mental health after your baby arrives.

Postpartum Fashion: Style is Self-Care

Postpartum Wardrobe Essentials

For a versatile postpartum wardrobe, prioritize pieces that are comfortable, stretch with your body and can adapt to different occasions. Choose stretchy, breathable fabrics, nursing friendly styles and invest in multi-functional pieces like wrap dresses, leggings, and flowy tops. And of course keep quality sleepwear and adaptable home wear on hand.

  • Invest in high-quality, multi-functional pieces that can stand up to lots of washes.
  • Prioritize stretchy fabrics like jersey or cotton blends and breathable fabrics like bamboo or organic cotton.
  • Maternity wear will still be functional postpartum. Look for adaptable pieces like the maternity jeans with elastic side panels that can expand/contract as needed.

An example of an essential is a wrap dress like this; it provides comfort, style and easy nursing access if you’re breastfeeding.

Postpartum C-Section Fashion Tips

If you’re recovering from a c-section, prioritize comfort and gentle support. While c-section sutures usually come out after 6 weeks, it can take months for the sensitivity to go away. Here are some options:

  • High-waisted, soft fabrics: Choose leggings, pants, or skirts that sit above your incision to avoid pressure.
  • Loose or wrap-style tops and dresses: Allow room for your healing abdomen and easy nursing access.
  • Breathable materials: Cotton, bamboo, or soft blends reduce irritation and keep you comfortable.
  • Avoid tight waistbands: Steer clear of anything that presses on or rubs the incision.
  • Layering for comfort: Cardigans, lightweight wraps, or adjustable layers make it easy to stay cozy and feed your baby.

Comfortable Clothes at Home

Being comfortable at home is essential, especially in the early weeks home with your newborn when you’re spending most of your time around the house bonding and recovering. Continuing to wear maternity clothes during this time is an easy and great option, but there’s also nothing wrong with being a little stylish while you’re at it.

  • Button-down shirts and wrap tops for quick feeding access.
  • Nursing tanks layered under regular tops for coverage.
  • Dresses with hidden zippers or overlapping panels for discreet feeding.

What about postpartum undergarments? Q&A

The right undergarments provide gentle support while helping your body heal. A soft nursing bra or seamless camisole keeps you comfortable on top, while high-waisted underwear offers coverage without irritating incisions.

Q. Why do I need a Nursing Bra?

Nursing bras are different than regular bras as they have drop-down cups or front panels that allow for feeding without removing the bra. They’re made with stretchy, breathable fabrics that adapt without constricting so they adjust to fit as needed throughout postpartum. Nursing bras also provide support while avoiding the kind of pressure that can restrict milk flow.

Q. What Should I Wear if I Choose Not to Breastfeed?

A. If you choose not to breastfeed or are in the process of weaning, supportive undergarments can help minimize discomfort. Avoid underwire styles and choose a snug, but not overly tight, sports bra or compression-style bra. These provide support and help reduce engorgement because there is less localized pressure on the breast tissue. When breasts are engorged, changing, or still producing milk (even if you’re not breastfeeding) that pressure can restrict milk flow in the ducts and be painful.

Q. Do I need a belly binder?

A. Yes. As Night Nurse (NP) Brigett says: “In addition to helping with pain -particularly after cesarean birth- abdominal binders help with internal and external healing by adding compression to the abdomen while improving blood circulation and oxygen levels.”

Examples of Stylish and Comfortable Postpartum Looks

  • High-waisted dark wash jeans + flowy top + structured jacket.
  • Maxi dress + denim jacket for comfort and nursing access.
  • Stretchy maternity leggings + long-line sports bra + oversized sweater for casual or errands.

Sleep and Nutrition During Postpartum

If you’re planning for postpartum, don’t forget the basics of sleep and good nutrition. Being able to have blocks of time when you are “off” is essential for recovery, maintaining a healthy immune system and mental health. You can even consider a night nanny registry for sleep. Food and drink options that contain lots of healthy protein, vitamins and iron also aide in recovery and are great options if you’re breastfeeding.

And when it Comes to Postpartum Fashion, Remember…

You should wear whatever the heck you want! If a tight dress makes you feel great- wear it! If your 10 year old pajama pants feel good, wash and wear them every single day and night. And of course, your partner’s hoodie might have that extra-comforting vibe that helps you feel supported and you should totally steal it. There are no rules of postpartum fashion except for you to feel good.

Meme of how to get a bikini body. 1. have body, 2 put on bikini

Cradle Cap, Eczema, and Infant Acne Explained

updated July 22, 2025 – After spending 9 months in the womb, it makes sense that newborns might experience skin conditions in their new environment! This blog Cradle Cap, Eczema, and Infant Acne Explained shares common reasons newborns experience skin irritation and how you can help.

Key Takeaways

  • Cradle cap usually affects the scalp and can be gently managed with gentle baby shampoo and brushing.
  • Eczema presents as red, itchy patches and may be triggered by dryness, allergens, or even saliva. Managing it often means moisturizing, avoiding triggers, and using prescription creams if needed.
  • Infant acne is harmless, related to maternal hormones, and doesn’t require treatment beyond gentle cleansing.
  • Other harmless baby skin conditions include milia, heat rash, dry skin, and diaper rash. These usually resolve with good hygiene and minor adjustments.
  • Call your pediatrician if your newborn has hives with swelling or breathing issues, sores, white patches in the mouth or red spots in the diaper area or has a fever/is acting unwell along with these skin conditions.
  • Skin conditions in babies are not a sign of poor care! They’re usually the result of an immature immune system and delicate skin adjusting to life outside the womb.
Cradle Cap, Eczema, and Infant Acne Explained plus common newborn skin conditions

Cradle Cap, Eczema, and Infant Acne Explained

What is Cradle Cap?        

Cradle cap is scales and redness on a baby’s scalp.  When this rash occurs on the scalp alone, it’s known as cradle cap.  It may start as scaling and redness of the scalp and can also extend to the face and diaper area, too.   When it does, pediatricians call it seborrheic dermatitis (because it occurs where there are the greatest number of oil producing sebaceous glands).

newborn or infant cradle cap is not harmful and will go away on its own

Seborrheic dermatitis is a noninfectious skin condition that’s very common in infants, usually beginning in the first weeks of life and slowly disappearing over a period of weeks or months. It is rarely uncomfortable or itchy.

Treatment:        

Cradle cap is not harmful and will typically go away on its own by baby’s first birthday. It can be treated, by washing hair frequently with a mild baby shampoo and using a soft brush to remove the scales. Some doctors recommend a stronger, medicated shampoo or cortisone cream. These may remove the scales quickly but can be irritating to baby’s sensitive skin. Only use them after consulting a pediatrician.

It is not recommended to use baby oil or mineral oil on cradle cap. Doing so allows the scales to build up on the scalp, particularly over the fontanelle, or soft spot on baby’s head. Sometimes a yeast infection may form on the crease areas of the skin (rarely on the scalp.) If this happens, the area will be red and itchy. Seek the care of a pediatrician who may prescribe an anti-yeast cream.

What is infant eczema?        

Infant eczema known as atopic dermatitis (AD), is a chronic skin problem that causes red, dry, and itchy rashes. In babies, the rashes usually occur on the face or scalp or folds of skin. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is the most common skin problem treated by pediatric dermatologists. Eczema can be hereditary and occur in conjunction with allergies or asthma. Also baby’s saliva from drooling can provoke irritation. Eczema in babies tends to be worse in the drier, winter months.

infant eczema can be hereditary

Eczema. See more examples of eczema via the Mayo Clinic 

Treatment:

Infant eczema usually clears up before 4 years of age. Before then however, different triggers cause eczema so treatment can vary.

Parents should contact their pediatrician for specific direction but common non-medical treatments include:

  • eliminating certain foods from baby’s diet – we should note that eliminating certain foods to see if baby’s eczema clears up is appropriate for children on solid food, there is conflicting advice on elimination diets for exclusively breastfed babies.
    • The AAP suggests that “lactating mothers with infants at high risk of developing AD should avoid peanuts and tree nuts, and should consider eliminating eggs, cow’s milk, and fish from their diets.”
    • However, La Leche League states that mother’s almost never need to limit their diets. So, parents can try an elimination diet while breastfeeding or use the other tips below.
  • using mild soaps, moisturizers and detergents specially made for sensitive baby skin
  • dressing baby in lightweight, loose fabrics or try skin -soothing fabrics
  • putting a cool-mist humidifier in baby’s bedroom
  • In some cases, a prescription cream or oral medicine may be prescribed.

It’s important to note that eczema doesn’t usually require urgent care, but tending to it early with over-the-counter treatments like moisturizers or mild hydrocortisone (with your doctor’s okay) can keep it from escalating. Call the doctor if your newborn’s eczema is getting worse or spreading despite gentle care at home or if your baby seems very itchy or uncomfortable.

What is infant acne?        

Infant acne is harmless acne that is often caused by exposure to maternal hormones in utero. Many babies develop infant acne around a few weeks of age, and in most cases, the acne is gone before baby reaches six months. While we think of acne appearing most often on the face, it can also occur on baby’s chest or back.

newborn and infant acne is harmless
Infant Acne

Treatment:

Unlike acne in adolescents and adults, infant acne requires no special treatment or medication. Clean the area daily with warm water, mild soap, and pat gently dry. Since baby acne is not caused by dirt, do not over wash the area. This can cause irritation and parents should mention the acne to their pediatrician to rule out other skin conditions.

Other Harmless Skin Conditions: Milia, Heat Rash and Diaper Rash

In addition to cradle cap, eczema, and infant acne, there are several other common and generally harmless skin conditions that can appear in newborns and infants. Common conditions include:

  • Milia – tiny white bumps that often show up on the nose, chin, or cheeks. These occur when dead skin gets trapped in small pockets near the skin’s surface and usually clear on their own within a few weeks.
  • Heat rash, also known as prickly heat – presents as small pink or red bumps in areas where sweat gets trapped, like skin folds, especially in warm weather or when a baby is overdressed. It’s not serious but is a sign that baby is too hot and should be made cooler.
  • Diaper rash – is another nearly universal issue and has its own category for treatment. It happens because of prolonged exposure to moisture, friction, or in some cases, yeast or bacterial overgrowth. This makes sense since your baby is wearing a diaper and while most cases improve with barrier creams and frequent diaper changes, persistent or severe rashes should be seen by a pediatrician.
  • Dry and peeling skin in the first few days or weeks of life, especially if your baby was born past their due date. This is totally normal and often resolves without treatment.

When to Call the Doctor

Before we talk specifics, just a reminder that it’s never wrong to contact your pediatrician if you need explanation or just feel something isn’t right. That said, there are a few skin conditions that may require medical attention:

Hives (aka “urticaria”) appear as sudden raised welts that are often itchy and can come and go. Hives are usually caused by allergies, illness and occasionally for no clear reason. If hives appear with swelling, trouble breathing, or feeding issues, immediate care is needed.

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that shows up as red sores or blisters that develop a honey-colored crust. It’s contagious and typically needs antibiotic treatment. Impetigo can happen if baby is exposed to someone who has strep throat or a staph infection.

Yeast infection, (aka “Thrush“) can present in 2 ways:

  • White patches on the tongue, cheeks, or roof of the mouth that don’t wipe away easily. This can be uncomfortable for your newborn, so they might act fussy while feeding.
  • Bright red patches with well-defined edges and small red spots close by in the diaper area.

Yeast infections thrive in a moist environment so they’re not uncommonly in babies. It can also happen after use of antibiotics.

Viral Infection – Viral infections are not common but are serious. Rashes caused by viral infections can begin as blisters or sores and are considered a medical emergency, especially if the baby also has a fever or seems unwell. Once again, trust your instincts if a rash is spreading quickly, accompanied by other symptoms, or just doesn’t seem right.

Why do Infant Skin Conditions Happen?

The thing to remember about these three skin conditions is that they…just happen because baby’s skin is still maturing. Parents aren’t doing anything wrong when these conditions present, and there is usually no reason for nursing mothers to change their own diets.

Skin issues are usually simply due to baby’s little body adjusting to the world outside the womb. The skin barrier is still developing and is thinner than adult skin. Additionally a newborn’s skin doesn’t hold moisture as well and is more prone to dryness and irritation, and sweat and oil gland function is still developing.

If you’d like more tips about early newborn care, read Your First Week Home with Baby: Ultimate Q&A.

How to Ease Toddlers Into Big-Kid Beds

Even with all the sleep advice out there, it can be hard to know how to transition your little one from the crib into their big-kid bed. Looking out for signs of readiness, safety and the set-up of your home are all considerations when making the switch. This blog, How to Ease Toddlers Into Big-Kid Beds will help you identify when and how to make this milestone a healthy and happy one.

How to Ease Toddlers Into Big-Kid Beds by Let Mommy Sleep

Key Takeaways of How to Ease Toddlers Into Big-Kid Beds

  • There are clear signs, such as climbing out of the crib, that your older baby or toddler is ready to leave the crib.
  • The “stay in bed” instruction can be too abstract for children under age 3 so there’s no need to rush.
  • When they’re ready follow the 5 Steps of Sleep for a smooth transition.
  • Sleep training and big bed transition can happen at the same time.
  • Every child is different and there are many options for how to ease toddlers into big-kid beds

When is the Right Time?

While creating a “big kid” room can be exciting, research like this study in the NIH consistently shows that waiting until close to age 3 to transition to a toddler bed leads to better sleep outcomes. That’s because in the late 2’s and early 3’s, most toddlers are physically outgrowing the crib, while at the same time, are developmentally able to understand the expectation of staying in their own bed for the night.  Therefore, timing the switch around your child’s readiness means fewer bedtime battles, fewer night wakings and longer stretches of consolidated sleep.  

There are a few clear signs that your older baby or toddler is ready to leave the crib:

  • They’re climbing out of the crib consistently: This simply becomes a safety issue. Before transitioning, try lowering the mattress, using a sleep sack, or placing the crib in a corner to prevent climbing.
  • They’re asking for a big kid bed: Some kids express this readiness themselves, usually after age 3.
  • Your toddler is able to comprehend instructions such as “stay here” or “stay in your room while the light is red” if you’re using visual cues.
  • And of course, if baby is too big to fit in the crib, it’s time to move them to a more appropriate space.

If none of these signs are present, there’s no need to rush the transition.  Most 2-year-olds are still learning impulse control and rule-following, so the “stay in bed” instruction can be too abstract for children under age 3. On that note, if you’re expecting a new baby soon, don’t add stress by forcing an early transition just to free up the crib. Consider using an infant safe sleep space like a bassinet or play yard for the newborn instead.

On the other hand, even if your child is exhibiting all the signs of readiness, it’s important to remember that the actual transition time may take several nights or even a few weeks. Your child may need to practice staying in the bed or getting comfortable and that is perfectly fine!

How to Ease Toddlers Into Big-Kid Beds: 5 Steps of Sleep

If your toddler is ready, here are 5 steps of sleep to ensure a smooth. peaceful transition:

  1. Make the room safe: Anchor furniture, remove hazards, and think from your toddler’s perspective.
  2. Involve your child: Let them pick sheets, try out a single size mattress or choose a stuffed animal to bring to bed.
  3. Set expectations: Practice staying in bed and use visual cues like OK-to-wake clocks.
  4. Stick to routines: Keep the bedtime routine familiar and calm.
  5. Have a plan for boundary-testing: What will you do if they get out of bed? If you prefer them to stay in their own bed for the entire night, you can gently but consistently return them to bed if they get out.
  6. Talk about the expectation before it happens and remind your toddler that this is an exciting milestone; You’re such a big kid, you get to have your own bed now!

Should You Combine Sleep-Training and the Crib-to-Bed Transition?

For toddlers who have never slept through the night without waking, some parents choose to sleep train at the same time as the crib-to-bed transition. Here’s what to know if you’re considering both at the same time:

Step 1: Understand What’s Changing

Both sleep-training and moving from a crib to a bed represent major developmental shifts. Understand that sleep-training teaches self-soothing and sleep independence while a crib-to-bed transition introduces new freedom and less physical containment. Doing both at once means your toddler must learn two new skills simultaneously.

Step 2: Ask Yourself These 5 Questions

If you can answer “yes” to most of these, sleep training while transitioning to the big bed will likely work for your family (some of these are the same from above):

  1. Has your toddler started climbing out of the crib?
  2. Are there no other major changes happening (new sibling, potty training, moving homes)?
  3. Do you have 2–3 weeks to focus on a consistent bedtime and naptime routine?
  4. Are you confident your toddler can follow simple bedtime boundaries (“stay in bed until the light turns green,” etc.)?
  5. Are you emotionally ready to be consistent even if nights and naps are rough at first?

If you answered “no” to several, it’s often smoother to separate the two; either sleep train first in the crib or move to a bed and tackle sleeping independently once the bed is firmly established.

Best Practices If You Combine Both

1. Keep the bedtime routine identical – Keep it all in the same order, same tone. The familiarity reduces any anxiety and as the American Academy of Sleep Medicine has shown, “the positive impact on sleep increases with the consistency of the nightly routine.”

2. Use visual cues – A toddler clock or light can signal when it’s okay to get up. Remember to reinforce that even if the light hasn’t changed to the “wake up” color, your toddler can still be awake in their room playing and or reading, they don’t have to be in their bed or asleep. Which brings us to…

3. Child-proof everything – New freedom means exploration. Anchor furniture, block off stairs and remove any heavy objects that might fall. A tip our night doulas like to share is to consider floating shelves instead standing bookshelves that can become a toddler’s ladder.

4. Expect a 1–2 week regression – Even well-prepared toddlers may resist bedtime or test boundaries during the transition. Our job as parents is to stay calm and consistent.

5. Celebrate small wins – A sticker chart or simple praise (“You stayed in bed all night, I’m so proud!”) builds motivation and ownership. Remember to talk about nighttime expectations in a positive way during the day as well.

When to Separate Sleep Training and Big Bed Transition

If your toddler: still wakes multiple times a night, has high anxiety about the new bed or is undergoing another big life change, then focus first on sleep-training in the crib. An example of a life change might include: starting daycare, a new sibling, a long vacation or a time change is coming up.

Once sleep is consistent (2–3 weeks), introduce the new bed. Communicating the expectation is key and you can find more guidance from our team in Sleep Coach Your Toddler: A Parents Guide

There are Plenty of Options

There’s no rush to transition into the big kid bed. You can also skip a toddler bed altogether and move straight to a twin bed. A larger bed can grow with your child for years to come, making it a worthwhile investment and one less transition down the line. To make the twin bed extra safe, you can include a guardrail or keep the mattress low to the floor without a boxspring.

As you move through this milestone, remember that every child is unique, and there is no one ‘right’ timeline for making the switch from a crib to a bed. And while there are many night nannies, doulas and toddler experts out there, you’re the expert in your child. What matters most is creating an environment that is safe and inviting for your little one.  Whether the transition happens in 1 night or over the course of a week or 2, the change from crib-to-bed isn’t just about a bed. It’s about nurturing your child’s growing independence and setting the stage for restful, happy sleep.

How to Ease Toddlers Into Big-Kid Beds a quick guide

Infant Pulse Oximetry: Owlet and More

Updated, July 2, 2025 – Wearable devices for newborns notify parents and caregivers if babies’ heart rates or oxygen levels are out of the normal range. While many parents report the devices give peace of mind, some were pulled from the shelves in 2021 and many are still for sale. So should you use one for your newborn? We break down Infant Pulse Oximetry below.

Infant Pulse Oximetry: What is it?

A pulse oximeter is a small device that measures how much oxygen is in the blood and how fast the heart is beating. Parents of NICU babies might use a pulse oximeter at home because a premature baby’s lungs are often underdeveloped in the early weeks. Here’s what parents of newborns and infants should know about infant pulse oximetry and wearable monitoring systems for newborns:

  • What do Pulse Oximeter’s do? They monitor a baby’s breathing and overall oxygenation, which is especially important for: premature infants, those with respiratory issues, or baby’s recovering from illness.
  • Prescription Based– Many are available by prescription only. Prescriptions are for babies who may benefit from additional monitoring at home with a medical grade device.
  • Physician Supervised – A physician sets the range of normal for pulse rate and oxygen saturation level. An alert sounds when your baby’s reading falls outside of these levels.

A pulse oximeter for a newborn is usually a wearable “sock” style device that wraps around baby’s foot and remains on while baby is asleep.

Proud To Be A Cribs For Kids Safe Sleep Partner!

What About Safe Sleep Recommendations?

In the past doctor’s have cautioned against using wearable devices to monitor our babies’ vital signs. Medical grade devices are used in hospital NICU’s of course, but home monitors were not recommended because of little regulation and false alarms. In 2022 the American Academy of Pediatrics also amended Safe Sleep recommendations stating that parents should avoid commercial devices that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS or other sleep-related deaths. AAP further states that the use of products claiming to increase sleep safety may provide a false sense of security and complacency for caregivers.

For these reasons, infant pulse oximeters should be medical grade and used under a physician’s direction.

Popular brand Owlet explains:

The AAP recommends avoiding the use of commercial devices that claim to reduce the risk of SIDS or other sleep-related deaths. BabySat is a prescription-only, medical pulse-oximeter device that is intended for babies that a healthcare provider determines could benefit from at-home monitoring while under the supervision of a physician. It is not intended to reduce the risk of SIDS or other sleep-related deaths, but will notify parents in real-time if their baby needs assistance and their pulse rate or oxygen saturation level falls too low or too high based on ranges set by their physician.

Infant Pulse Oximetry are wearable monitoring systems
courtesy of CMI Health

Remember to Use These Items Correctly

Pulse oximeters are essential for tracking your baby’s oxygen levels, but using them on a restless infant can be tricky and exhausting. Challenges like keeping the sensor in place and avoiding false alarms are common, especially when sleep-deprived. Safe, accurate pulse oximeter readings are just as important as the devices themselves and it’s important to know how to place them.

As always, decisions about your infant’s health should be made by you and your child’s primary care doctor.

Infant Pulse Oximetry- But What About Other Sleep Items?

Parents as well as postpartum doulas, night nannies and nurses want facts when it comes to safe sleep. So you should know that any product intended or marketed for infant sleep must meet a federal safety standard. While some have this standard, it’s important to note that rockers, pillows, nappers and inclined sleepers have not. These items have been banned for sale and recalled. This is because the product’s incline enables infants’ heads to slump forward. This compresses the trachea and blocks airflow. This leads to lack of oxygen.

Whether parents choose to use monitors or not, the safest way for your baby to sleep is alone, on a firm flat mattress without anything else in the crib. If you are hiring a postpartum doula, night nurse or newborn caregiver, ensure that they understand safe sleep practices.

{ “@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@graph”: [ { “@type”: “BreadcrumbList”, “itemListElement”: [ { “@type”: “ListItem”, “position”: 1, “name”: “Home”, “item”: “https://letmommysleep.com” }, { “@type”: “ListItem”, “position”: 2, “name”: “Newborn Care Resources”, “item”: “https://letmommysleep.com/blog/category/safety-and-gear/” }, { “@type”: “ListItem”, “position”: 3, “name”: “Infant Pulse Oximetry”, “item”: “https://letmommysleep.com/blog/2025/07/01/infant-pulse-oximetry/” ] }, { “@type”: [“MedicalWebPage”, “Article”], “@id”: “https://letmommysleep.com/blog/2025/07/01/infant-pulse-oximetry/”, “mainEntityOfPage”: “https://letmommysleep.com/infant-pulse-oximetry”, “headline”: “Infant Pulse Oximetry: What Parents Should Know”, “alternativeHeadline”: “Should You Use a Wearable Pulse Oximeter for Your Newborn?”, “description”: “Updated July 2, 2025 — Wearable devices for newborns can track heart rate and oxygen saturation, but not all are medically approved. Learn about medical-grade pulse oximeters, safe use, and updated AAP guidance on infant sleep monitors.”, “datePublished”: “2025-07-02”, “dateModified”: “2025-07-02”, “author”: { “@type”: “Person”, “name”: “Let Mommy Sleep Nursing Team”, “jobTitle”: “Registered Nurses and Certified Newborn Care Providers”, “url”: “https://letmommysleep.com/lms/our-story” }, “publisher”: { “@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “Let Mommy Sleep”, “url”: “https://letmommysleep.com”, “logo”: { “@type”: “ImageObject”, “url”: “https://letmommysleep.com/logo.png” } }, “about”: [ “infant pulse oximetry”, “newborn monitoring devices”, “safe sleep guidelines”, “American Academy of Pediatrics”, “NICU home monitoring”, “medical-grade wearable baby monitors” ], “articleSection”: [ “What Is Infant Pulse Oximetry”, “Prescription-Based Devices”, “Safe Sleep Recommendations”, “Proper Use of Pulse Oximeters”, “Other Sleep Products and Recalls” ], “keywords”: [ “infant pulse oximeter”, “wearable baby monitor safety”, “AAP safe sleep guidelines”, “premature infant oxygen monitoring”, “medical-grade baby devices” ], “speakable”: { “@type”: “SpeakableSpecification”, “xpath”: [ “/html/head/title”, “/html/body//h1”, “/html/body//h2” ] } }, { “@type”: “FAQPage”, “mainEntity”: [ { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “What is an infant pulse oximeter?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “A pulse oximeter is a small device that measures how much oxygen is in the blood and how fast the heart is beating. For infants, especially premature babies or those with respiratory issues, a pulse oximeter can help ensure safe oxygenation levels while under medical supervision.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Should parents use wearable baby monitors for oxygen or heart rate?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “While commercial baby monitors may offer peace of mind, they are not regulated medical devices. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against using consumer products that claim to reduce SIDS risk. Only medical-grade, prescription-based pulse oximeters used under a physician’s supervision should be used for infant monitoring.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “What are the AAP safe sleep recommendations about baby monitors?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “The AAP’s 2022 Safe Sleep recommendations caution parents to avoid using commercial devices marketed to prevent SIDS or sleep-related deaths. These devices may create a false sense of security. The safest sleep practice remains placing baby on their back on a firm, flat surface, free of pillows, bumpers, or sleep positioners.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “How should infant pulse oximeters be used safely?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Pulse oximeters should only be used under a doctor’s direction. The device should fit securely around baby’s foot, and caregivers should ensure accurate placement to prevent false alarms. For accurate results, follow the physician’s instructions and monitor for comfort and temperature.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Are inclined sleepers and rockers safe for babies?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “No. Inclined sleepers, rockers, nappers, and similar products have been recalled and banned because their incline can cause babies’ heads to fall forward, blocking airflow. All products marketed for infant sleep must meet federal safety standards.” } } ] } ] }
The BabySat and corresponding app measuring pulse and oxygen saturation.

CPSC Ban and Recall of Inclined Sleepers


Last updated May 1, 2025– The CPSC Ban and Recall of Inclined Sleepers began in 2022 but many unsafe sleep surfaces are still sold for newborns and infants are still for sale. Here is a breakdown of what products are unsafe and why.

Key Takeaways:

  • Inclined Infant Sleepers which do not meet federal safety standards are still sold. Products made outside the US willingly sell unsafe products until the US steps in. Even then the order to stop selling infant sleepers is ignored.
  • Many products are still sold on secondary markets such as Facebook Marketplace, TJ Maxx or via consignment shops.
  • Infant deaths from CPSC data were not caused by parent misuse of the products.
  • With the Trump Administration gutting health and safety agencies, new safety data will not be available.
CPSC Ban and Recall of Inclined Sleepers

Beginning in mid 2022, any product intended or marketed for infant sleep must meet a federal safety standard.  This sweeping change was the culmination of years of recalls, complaints, and government investigations into unsafe infant products such as inclined sleepers, rockers, nappers, and pillows.

CPSC Ban on Inclined Sleepers – A Quick History

In January 2023, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Fisher-Price re-announced the Recall of Rock ‘n Play Sleepers. The announcement originally happened in 2019 and soon extended to other brands of newborn and infant items.

Since the 2019 recall, approximately 70 more fatalities have been reported. How could this happen?

  1. It’s almost impossible to enforce recalls at secondary retailers like TJ Maxx, Amazon resellers or Facebook Marketplace. Seeing these items for sale, it’s fair that parents would assume the problem was fixed, or for a different product.
  2. People who didn’t have babies in 2019, were unaware of sleepers being pulled from stores.
  3. Some products re-branded. In one instance, the manufacturer Baby Delight continued to sell its Nestle Nook. They simply changed the name.

Whatever the reason, it is crucial to know that while the CPSC cannot confirm the circumstances of every single fatality, the recalls happened because products marketed as “infant sleepers” are inherently unsafe.

CPSC Ban and Recall of Inclined Sleepers
recall of infant sleepers initially happened in 2019
infant safe sleep means babies sleep on their backs

On June 7, 2021, Fisher-Price was finally made to answer for keeping the RocknPlay on the market. A bi-partisan House Oversight Committee asked company officials how the products could remain on the market, after not only ignoring safety warnings, but also knowing that infant deaths occurred as a direct result of using their product. Additionally, Rep. Michael Cloud (R-Tex.) pointed out, Fisher-Price only consulted with “one doctor with a checkered past before marketing the Rock ’n Play.”

These findings resulted in the ban on products being marketed as infant sleepers.

CPSC Ban and Recall of Inclined Sleepers – Now What?

  • Incline sleepers like the RocknPlay are banned for sale as sleep devices. They have been since 2019. 
  • There are options to get more sleep without these devices though.
  • Consumer Reports explains why it’s okay for baby to fall asleep in a car seat but not a sleeper, below:

To learn how these products came to market and stayed there for 10 years, see the continuing must-read Consumer Reports research. 

Rachel Rabkin Peachman, Deputy of Special Projects at Consumer Reports answers your questions.

Why are sleepers being banned now, specifically? Did parents not follow product directions?

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has warned against using infant inclined sleepers, and the agency has voted in favor of banning the entire category because the products increase the risk of infant suffocation and death- -NOT because the sleepers were misused by caregivers. Infant inclined sleepers have been linked to deaths even when the products were used according to the company’s instructions—and even in cases where the baby was buckled into the restraint system and did not roll over.

The products are inherently unsafe for infants due to their design:

  1. First, the products go against the safe sleep recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which state that babies should be put to bed alone, unrestrained, on their backs, on a firm flat surface that is free of soft padding. Inclined sleepers like the Rock ‘n Play Sleeper are not flat, they have restraints, and they have padded sidewalls.
  2. Second, babies heads are heavy in proportion to their body size and neck strength, and the product’s incline enables their heads to slump forward—often chin to chest or chin to shoulder—which compresses the trachea and blocks airflow. The lack of oxygen can lead to suffocation.
  3. Third, the shape of many inclined sleepers enables babies to roll over earlier than they would typically on a flat surface (see below). And once they roll over in an inclined sleeper, they typically end up with their faces pressed against the soft sidewalls of the sleeper or pressed against the padded headrest of the sleeper, both of which can block airflow to the nose and mouth. Infants don’t have the strength or coordination to turn themselves around and move into a safe position that allows them to breathe.

We will continue to share and update infant health and safety evidence via our website. To learn more about safe sleep for babies, please visit 10 Steps to Safe Sleep for Baby.