Is it safe to use a cloth cradle for my baby?

Hi Rohini

Using a cloth cradle can come with its own benefits as well as disadvantages. These are as follows:

1. Benefits:

• It holds your baby snugly, as though your baby has been swaddled.
• It can create gentle rocking movements which can be soothing for the baby
• It helps to evenly distribute your baby's weight, causing less stress on muscles and joints, minimizing the risk of 'flat head'.

1. Risks:

• Your baby could get used to the rocking motion of the cloth cradle and may take longer to adjust to a stationary cot or bed.
• After the baby starts rolling over, the baby may find it difficult to roll back again, and it may lead to obstruction in breathing.
• Some fabrics may not allow enough circulation of air, and might overheat a baby.

It is not completely unsafe to opt for a cloth cradle. With necessary precautions, it can be an excellent option for a baby to sleep in. Some precautions to be followed are:

• Check if the cradle is strong enough to support the baby’s weight
• Do not put any pillows, blankets or soft toys in the cradle as they can pose a suffocation and overheating risk.
• Ensure that the fabric used is soft cotton or linen, and is easy to remove and wash.
• Ensure sufficient airflow
• Don’t hang any accessories as they may pose choking and strangulation risk.
• Do not swing the cradle too fast.
• As a security measure put a roll-out mattress or some form of firm bedding under the cloth cradle.