Crib Wedge Safety: Everything Parents Need to Know About This Baby Sleeping Positioner

With all the buzz going on about crib wedges, it’s no wonder parents are expressing their concern over the safety.

In this blog, I’ll be discussing what a crib wedge is, whether they are safe, their benefits and risks, proper use, top brands as well as some general advice.

What Is a Crib Wedge?

Crib wedges are a type of pillow that is used to elevate a baby’s head and torso while they are sleeping. They are usually made of foam or other soft material and are used to prop up the mattress. The elevation provided by crib wedges can help reduce discomfort caused by lying flat on the back, and can also help to open up the airway in the event of suffocation. Crib wedges should only be used when necessary and should be discussed with a pediatrician beforehand.

Are Crib Wedges Safe?

Crib wedge safety is a common point of discussion among parents, pediatricians, and crib wedge retailers, and so far, there’s no definite answer to this question.

However, crib wedges are supposedly safe when used correctly. The FDA has approved crib wedges to treat medical conditions. To ensure safety, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use only FDA-approved wedges. In addition, you should never use a crib wedge for any other purpose than as intended by the manufacturer.

If you’re considering using a crib wedge, speak to your pediatrician first to see if it’s a good option for your baby.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Crib Wedge?

Here’s what retailers and pro-crib-wedge parents have listed as benefits from using a baby crib wedge:

1. Keeps baby sleeping safely in their crib: The non-skid base firmly grips the mattress to keep both the wedge and the sheets securely in place.
2. Reduces discomfort: This type of tilt can help reduce discomfort caused to your baby by lying at a flat angle.
3. May help with breathing difficulties and colic: May also help with breathing difficulties and colic in babies.

Are There Any Risks Associated With Using a Crib Wedge?

In spite of all benefits, crib wedges can also pose a risk to your baby. Crib wedges can position babies at an unsafe incline and make it easier for them to rollover, putting them in another dangerous sleeping position. Hence, parents need to use them properly in order to avoid suffocation or death.

How to Properly Use a Crib Wedge?

You should learn how to properly use a crib wedge to avoid any safety hazards that may arise from the crib wedge. Here are the steps you need to take to ensure maximum safety for your baby:

Step 1: Choose a Crib Wedge That Is the Right Size for Your Baby’s Crib

Making sure the crib wedge is the right size for your baby’s crib mattress. The width of the crib wedge should match the width of your baby’s crib mattress to be safe and secure.

Step 2: Place the Crib Wedge in the Crib so That It Is at the Head of the Crib, Near the Baby’s Head

To ensure the best results when using a crib wedge, it should be placed at the head of the crib, near the baby’s head. This will help to elevate any discomfort caused by lying flat in the crib and can also help with certain medical or sleeping situations.

Step 3: Adjust the Crib Wedge so That It Is at the Right Angle for Your Baby

A crib wedge should be placed under the mattress at a slight angle to help elevate any discomfort your baby may have from lying flat. You can adjust the angle of the crib wedge to achieve the desired effect.

Step 4: Place Your Baby in the Crib on Their Back and on the Wedge

A crib wedge can improve your baby’s sleep by propping up their head and shoulders at a 12 degree incline. This position is recommended by pediatricians and can help prevent spit-up, drooling, and diaper leaks. You should never put your baby to lie on the wedge on their belly. Instead, always put it on lying on their back directly on the wedge. Monitor your baby lying on the wedge awake to see if it will move or roll over. If your baby does that, the best is to avoid using baby wedge pillows to avoid the risk of SIDS.

Step 5: When Your Baby Is Not Sleeping on the Wedge, Remove It From the Crib

To remove the crib wedge, first check with your pediatrician to see if it is still needed. If your baby is no longer using the wedge, you can safely remove it from the crib. To do so, simply lift up on the wedge and slide it out from under the mattress.

How Do I Choose the Right Crib Wedge for My Baby?

When choosing a crib wedge, it is important to consider the child’s age, height, and weight. Crib wedges should be used before a baby is 2 years old and afterwards replace them with regular wedge if needed. The regular wedge should be the same width as the crib mattress. After the child turns 2, a regular wedge can be used if needed for a specific medical or sleeping situation.

What Are the Best Crib Wedges?

There are many products of this type available in shops and on the internet. However, you should only purchase baby items from reputable brands to keep your baby safe and sound.

Here are the top 3 crib wedge brands recommended by mothers.

1. L.A. Baby Safe Lift Universal Crib Wedge for Baby Mattress

This crib wedge is one of the best on the market. It has the following specifications:

1. Shape: Wedge
2. Dimensions: 27.25 inches (L), 13.25 inches (W), 2.75 inches thick
3. Weight: 1.4 pounds
4. Fill material: 100% foam
5. Textile material: 100% polyethylene
6. Industry or government certifications: meets CPSC standards
7. Care and cleaning: machine washable cover & drying instructions not provided
8. Warranty: 1 year limited warranty

It’s used to elevate the baby’s head and torso and its waterproof cover makes it extremely easy for washing.

2. OCCObaby Universal Crib Wedge Pillow

The OCCObaby Universal Crib Wedge Pillow is another popular baby sleep positioner praised by parents. It features:

1. Shape: wedge
2. Incline: 12-degree
3. Cover: waterproof layer & handcrafted cotton removable
4. Material: 100% cotton
5. Dimensions: 27.3 inches in length
6. Care and cleaning: wipe the waterproof cover with water and soap. Machine wash the cotton cover and air dry to prevent shrinkage.
7. Shipping: free

3. Carolilly Newborn Baby Sleep Pillow Anti Baby Spit Milk Crib Cot Sleep Positioning Wedge

The Carolilly Newborn Baby Sleep Pillow is the last one on our list of top-rated baby crib wedges. The specifications are:

1. Design: wedge
2. Cover: waterproof
3. Material: cotton
4. Color: white
5. Dimensions: 12 inches (L), 12 inches (W), 2.7 inches thick
6. Shipping: free

These 3 are the top baby wedge sleep positioners according to parents. They are made of organic, high-quality materials and wedge design meant to elevate the baby and ease off discomfort. However, as it is recommended that you read the instructions carefully before use to avoid health hazards.

General Baby Sleep Advice

Regardless of whether you choose to buy a wedge pillow or not, the following baby sleep advice may turn out practical.

1. Put Baby to Sleep on Their Back

SIDS is a serious concern for parents of young infants. The FDA recommends placing babies on their back to sleep in order to reduce the risk of SIDS. This position allows baby to sleep more soundly and decreases the chances of them experiencing reflux. Placing a baby on their back to sleep is the best way to keep them safe and comfortable.

2. Use a Firm, Flat Surface

A firm, flat surface is important for baby sleep because it helps prevent flat head. Flat head is caused by frequently lying in the same position and can lead to back and neck problems. A carrier is a good way to prevent flat head caused by regular bouncer and stroller use.

3. Don’t Use Gadgets in Baby’s Sleep Space

When it comes to gadgets and baby sleep, it is important to be cautious. Some gadgets can be harmful, while others may just be too close for comfort to a sleep-deprived parent. Cribs should only be for baby and nothing else should be placed in the crib. This includes toys and small objects that may suffocate a baby. Baby toys and blankets should not be placed in the baby’s sleep space until they are older. The risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome) decreases as the baby grows. Toy and object introduction in baby’s sleep space should be discussed with a pediatrician. Sleep positioners can be harmful because they discourage independent sleep. Some gadgets meant for use in baby’s sleep space have unclear usage guidelines. Parents should focus on keeping their baby’s sleep space minimalistic and consult with a doctor when there are any questions or challenges regarding sleep.

4. Keep Baby’s Sleep Space Smoke-Free

It is dangerous to smoke around babies because they can develop breathing irregularities if they are exposed to the smoke. The best way to create a smoke-free environment for a baby is to not smoke around them and to keep their sleep space free of anything that could be a hazard.

5. No Toys in the Bed

Toys and other objects in the bed can disrupt sleep. When babies are very young, they should not have any toys or objects in their bed. This is because they can’t safely handle them and they may cause suffocation hazards. As baby gets older, you can start to introduce a few safe objects into the bed, but it’s important to avoid putting too many in there. Otherwise, it will become a disruptive sleep space. Blankets, pillows, and sheets should also be kept away from baby to prevent strangulation hazards.

6. Don’t Put Pillows, Crib Bumpers or Loose Blankets in Baby’s Sleep Space

Babies should not sleep with pillows because they can suffocate. Pillows can also block airways and cause babies to choke. Additionally, babies should sleep on their backs to avoid strangulation hazards.

Crib bumpers are dangerous because they can lead to the death of a baby. Crib bumpers can also cause suffocation in babies if they get tangled in the fabric. It is advised to not put loose blankets or crib bumpers around your baby’s sleeping area.

Conclusion

Baby sleep positioners are among the hottest topics at the moment. Retailers, parents and pediatricians are divided on the question of crib wedge safety and risks. One one hand, as with all sleep positioners, crib wedges increase the risk of SIDS but they are also the recommended solution for reducing discomfort and even colics in babies. Therefore, the best way to for a parent to decide whether they are going to buy and use it is to look for a crib wedge that is FDA-approved and that comes with instructions for use.

FAQs

1. What are the main features of a crib wedge?

The main featured of a crib wedge are a non-skid base that firmly grips the mattress to keep both the wedge and the sheets securely in place. As a result, the bed remains flat and firm without any item in the sleep area to pose risk to baby. You should note that a crib wedge should not be confused with a pillow wedge which is a tilt-able sleep positioner usually used by adults.

The cover is machine washable and made without PBDEs, TDCPP or TCEP flame retardants, mercury, lead, heavy metals, formaldehyde, phthalates.

2. What are the risks of using a crib wedge?

Crib wedges can be dangerous for babies if they are not used properly. If a crib wedge is not used in accordance with manufacturer instructions, it can lead to suffocation or death. In order to avoid these risks, it is important to use the wedge properly and only in rare cases.

3. What are the dimensions of a crib wedge?

The usual dimensions of a crib wedge are 12″ x 2.5″ x 2.5″. The width of the crib wedge should match the width of the mattress to avoid safety hazards. Beware of other wedges that produce narrower wedges, as they are not as safe for your child.

4. What is the weight limit for a crib wedge?

The weight limit for a crib wedge is 30 pounds. This means that the crib wedge should not be used with infants who weigh more than 30 pounds. The width of the crib wedge should also match the width of your crib mattress to ensure a safe and secure installation.

5. How do you clean a crib wedge?

You can easily clean a crib wedge with soap and water. The bottom of the wedge is non-skid, so it stays in place and is safe for baby. The waterproof cover is easy to clean, and there is no need to wash it. The crib wedge can be used with or without the crib sheet, making it easy to clean up any accidents or spills.

6. How long can you use a crib wedge?

Crib wedges are only meant for short-term use and should be removed once your baby is 2 years old or no longer needs them for medical reasons. Additionally, the cover on a crib wedge should be replaced every 20 years.

7. How to properly use crib wedges?

Crib wedges are safe as long as they are used properly and according to the manufacturer’s crib wedge safety instructions. If you have any doubt, you should discuss crib wedge use with your pediatrician or reach out to the retailer’s customer support.