Safety & Warning Guidelines
Nothing is more important to The LoLueMade Company® than the safety of your little ones, and below we list some of our most important Frequently Asked Questions, and we provide copies of our on-product Care and Use labels (sewn on the back of every CuddleNest). As always, we recommend you check with your pediatrician about the best practices for your specific child.
Here are some of our most important Frequently Asked Questions and discussion topics concerning safety:
A) A MESSAGE ABOUT CO-SLEEPING:
The American Academy of Pediatrics has determined that the safest place for a baby to sleep during the first year of life is in a crib, bassinet or play yard in the parents' bedroom.
The LoLueMade Company recognizes that many people believe strongly that infants and young children should never sleep with adults in their bed, while others believe that such co-sleeping provides benefits. Many who choose to co-sleep with our CuddleNest find that the comforting design help establish a separate space for the baby that is close by to the parent(s). We do not recommend co-sleeping with our CuddleNest. It is up to your own discretion and your doctor/pediatrician.
If you choose to use a CuddleNest while co-sleeping, in addition to consulting with your pediatrician, be sure to follow these seven precautions:
- Place the CuddlNest on a firm mattress only. Be sure it lays flat and remains flat with adult(s) in the bed.
- Position the CuddleNest in center of bed, near headboard. Each side of the CuddleNest should be at least 12 inches from edge of bed.
- Make sure there are no extra pillows on the bed that can go over the baby while in the CuddleNest. Pillows and covers present a suffocation risk to your baby. Each parent should use only the pillow under their heads.
- Make sure there are no covers (including blankets, sheets, pillowcases, shams, comforters, and other bedding) over the CuddleNest. Covers placed over the CuddleNest can end up over the baby’s face. Covers can also cause overheating which is associated with increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Parents should use separate covers to reduce risk of blankets being pulled up over the baby.
7. Never use components of the CuddleNest separately. Only use when fully assembled and zipped. Loose fabric and parts may present a suffocation hazard.
B) CAN I USE THE CUDDLENEST WITH MY BABY ON THEIR TUMMY?:
The CuddleNest Mini is meant for babies 0-8 months. It should only be used while babies are on their back, as the best evidence suggests that babies should be placed on their backs until one year of age. However, once a baby is capable of rolling over from back to stomach, and from stomach to back, the infant can be allowed to remain in the sleep position he or she assumes.
The CuddleNest Mighty is meant for little ones 9-36 months. Once a child is one-year old, and also capable of rolling from their back to their stomach, and also from their stomach to their back, the child can be allowed to sleep on their side or tummy if that is their preference. However, to reduce the risk of SIDS, you should only place the baby on his/her back in the CuddleNest for every sleep until your baby reaches 1 year of age.
C) NOTHING IN THE CUDDLENEST BUT YOUR LITTLE ONE:
For the first year, we recommend not using blankets, pillows, or other objects in the resting space of the CuddleNest.
D) SUPERVISION SHOULD ALWAYS BE REQUIRED:
Stay near or at your baby's side when in the CuddleNest.
E) ALWAYS FIRM:
The CuddleNest should always be on a firm, flat, and solid surface. While the CuddleNest is portable and easy to bring anywhere, be sure to always use it on solid, firm surfaces.
F) TRANSITIONING TODDLER:
When your toddler is in the midst of a crib-to-bed transition, the CuddleNest Mighty can be used in the toddler bed/big kid bed.
G) ALWAYS USE FULLY ASSEMBLED:
Only use the CuddleNest when it is fully assembled and with no loose parts. Do not modify the CuddleNest in any way. Loose parts or a modified Nest can present a suffocation or safety hazard.
H) CAN I USE MY CUDDLENEST IN A CRIB, BASSINET, AND/OR PLAY YARD?:
No. The CuddleNest Mini should not be used in a crib, bassinet or play yard. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has cautioned that babies should be placed in a bare crib without any additional bedding, blankets or pillows. Furthermore, there is a concern that a young infant who can scoot or crawl out of the CuddleNest might get entrapped between the side of the crib, bassinet or play yard and the CuddleNest.
There have been incidents involving other products where babies have suffocated after becoming entrapped between a soft product and the side of a crib, bassinet or play yard. There have also been incidents where babies have suffocated on soft bedding like blankets or soft toys. This is why we warn against using a CuddleNest in a contained area like a crib, bassinet or play yard, and we also warn that blankets and pillows should not be placed in the CuddleNest. When it comes to an infant's resting environment, bare is best.
The CuddleNest Mighty can be used in a toddler bed or big kid-sized bed, once the child is at least nine months old, and then only placed at a height that allows the child to safely descend on his own.
I) CAN I CARRY MY BABY IN THE CUDDLENEST?:
No. It is not safe to carry your baby in the CuddleNest. While CuddleNest's themselves are very portable, you must remove your baby before transporting the CuddleNest, even for short distances.
J: CAN I USE THE CUDDLENEST IF MY BABY IS ROLLING OVER?:
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that a baby should only be placed on their back to sleep or rest until they are one year of age in order to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and suffocation. Pediatricians advise that once a baby is capable of rolling over from back to stomach, the baby can be allowed to remain in the sleep position baby assumes.
A healthy tot of over one year of age may be placed in the sleep position they prefer.
As always, we recommend you also check with your pediatrician about the best way to put your baby to sleep.
K) CAN I USE INDIVIDUAL PARTS OF MY CUDDLENEST SEPARATELY?:
No. CuddleNest's should only be used when fully assembled and zipped. Loose fabric and parts may present a suffocation hazard.
Disclaimer by The LoLueMade Company:
Adult supervision is always required. Always read labels, warnings, directions and other information provided with the product before using it. As with all children's products, choking and/or suffocation hazards are always a risk. Please use discretion and care, and follow all warnings.