Baby loungers can seem helpful when you need a safe place to set your baby down for a few minutes while you stay nearby. They are soft, portable, and often marketed as cozy spots for supervised awake time.
But baby loungers are not safe for infant sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies sleep on their backs on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface, such as a crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard.
Here’s what parents should know about baby loungers, when they may be used, why they should never be used for sleep, and what safe sleep really means.
Key Takeaways
- Baby loungers are not safe for sleep, naps, or unsupervised rest.
- If your baby falls asleep in a lounger, move them to a crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard.
- Loungers should only be used while your baby is awake, alert, and closely supervised.
- Use loungers only on the floor and never on a bed, couch, crib, bassinet, or other raised or soft surface.
- Always check for recalls and current CPSC safety warnings before using a baby lounger.
What Is a Baby Lounger?
A baby lounger looks like a big cushion or “nest” that’s used to soothe and relax your baby hands-free. This means you can take care of a few chores while keeping a close eye on them as they play or watch you.
You can find baby loungers for sale in multiple places online, in most baby stores, and in many other big box stores. They’re available in many brands, such as Snuggle Me. These can be useful for supervised awake time, observation, and short periods of interaction with your baby.
Related: Safe Sleep Practices With Baby That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Are Baby Loungers Safe?
Baby loungers should be used only for supervised awake time and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Parents should use baby loungers only on a secure surface, such as the floor or another flat surface. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend loungers as safe for sleeping.1
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) hired an independent expert to test multiple sleep products and found that products with inclines of 10 degrees or fewer and flat, rigid surfaces are likely safe for infant sleep.2 Their expert also found that soft and plush-like sleep surfaces pose dangers to infants because the soft padding can make breathing difficult if their face presses against it.
Are Baby Loungers Safe for Sleep?
Only products specifically named bassinet, pack-n-play, or crib are considered safe for sleep. All other products, even those designated as “sleepers,” are not safe.3 As a result, experts and government officials do not recommend baby loungers for any sleep time. They also don’t recommend using them on a couch, in a crib, bassinet, or a bed. Hazards associated with sleeping in baby loungers stem from the risk of children rolling over and becoming obstructed. If your child falls asleep in a baby lounger, gently remove them and move them to a safe sleep space. This could be their bassinet or crib.
Related: SIDS Awareness: Why Safe Sleep Matters
Baby Lounger Pros and Cons
Here’s a look at some pros and cons of using a baby lounger and what to know about using it for sleep:
Cons
Some parents may believe it is okay for an infant to sleep in a baby lounger. However, there is a risk of suffocation when sleeping in one. Since a lounger is not flat, the uneven spaces and sides may cause breathing difficulties. It’s important to keep an eye on your baby while they’re in their lounger. Also, check for recalls and safety warnings before using any baby lounger. You can look for product recalls or warnings from the CPSC.
Pros
The pros of using a baby lounger include providing general convenience for parents as they multitask. Baby loungers are just that. They’re a great place for your child to lounge and relax as you tackle the day. You can freely exercise, wash the dishes, or catch up on laundry in your living room. They can be helpful for short periods of supervised awake time while you stay nearby. Especially with a newborn, a baby lounger can give you a convenient place to set your baby down for supervised awake time while keeping them nearby.
Baby loungers are versatile because you can set them up anywhere you go. Having a baby lounger is also exceptionally helpful when traveling to someone’s home or going out of town. It gives you a perfect little tool to allow your baby supervised awake time. At home, the portability gives you a safe space for your child to lie down wherever you are. You don’t even have to lug around a swing or a bouncer from room to room.
Baby Lounger Safety Tips
- Use only while your baby is awake and supervised.
- Place the lounger only on the floor.
- Never place a lounger on a bed, couch, counter, table, crib, bassinet, or other raised or soft surface.
- Never use a lounger for sleep or naps.
- Move your baby to a safe sleep space if they fall asleep.
- Check the CPSC recall database and product warnings before use.
Parents should also stay aware of product recalls and safety warnings. Before using any baby lounger, check the manufacturer’s instructions and review current safety information from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Bottom Line
Baby loungers may be convenient for short periods of supervised awake time, but they are not safe for sleep. If your baby falls asleep in a lounger, move them to a crib, bassinet, portable crib, or play yard.
The safest place for a baby to sleep is on their back, on a firm, flat, non-inclined surface with no pillows, blankets, loose bedding, or soft objects. A lounger may be useful while your baby is awake and you are watching closely, but it should never be used as a sleep space.
