Positioner for newborns (other names - cocoon for a baby , nest for newborns ) - an accessory for placing and fixing the pose of a newborn baby from the first days of life to 3-4 months. In some cases, it can be used up to six months. Provides safe sleep for the baby, fixation in the correct position and protection from rolling off the large surface of the bed. It loses relevance after the child learns to confidently sit and roll over.
Content
- 1 Classification
- 2 Materials
- 3 History of creation
- 4 Manufacturers
- 5 Method of application
- 6 Positioner Functions
- 7 Notes
- 8 References
Classification
According to the method of execution, positioners for babies are divided:
- On the cocoons. Performed with a closing bottom and solid. Lockable nests for children are made on ties, buttons, Velcro.
- Orthopedic pillows.
- Diaper Positioners. Equipped with rollers for fixing the baby.
The cocoon mattress can be sewn into the structure or removed. It is made soft, hard or orthopedic. It can be inclined to repeat the natural position of the fetus in the womb. The surface of the mattress is often equipped with additional fasteners (inguinal and waist) with Velcro. They are designed to ensure the safety of a child who is already trying to roll over or shows high physical activity.
Materials
The main outer material of children's cocoons is cotton , linen or satin . The filler of the rollers is of two types.
Artificial:
- synthetic winterizer;
- holofiber;
- polyurethane foam (PUF);
- a memorial ;
- technogel;
- biococos.
Natural:
- coconut, cactus coir ;
- horsehair;
- wool (camel, sheep);
- latex;
- natural cotton fibers.
The degree of rigidity and hypoallergenicity of the mattress depends on the filler material. Fully hypoallergenic fillers - artificial holofiber, natural and biocos, PPU. Some artificial materials (memorial) have shape memory.
Creation History
The idea of creating a special accessory for newborns arose in the USA (Google Patent) [1] in the 2000s. Initially, positioners were intended for babies requiring special care (born prematurely, with underweight, suspected respiratory failure).
The first models of products were separate accessories - ready-made rollers, movement stops, orthopedic pillows. Their function was to control the safety of the baby and keep it in an anatomically correct position on the back and side [2] .
One of the authors of the idea of creating an ergonomic crib (nest for newborns) is considered a resident of Texas (USA), Yamil Jackson . In 2001, Yamil gave birth to a son, Zachariah, 12 weeks before the due date. The child weighed 0.9 kg and needed constant care. The young mother, spending all her free time at the baby’s crib, noticed that in her presence the baby is much less likely to have difficulty breathing and pressure readings.
Unable to be with her son 24 hours a day, Yamil decided to conduct an experiment: she sewed a large glove, filled it with seeds and kept it near her chest for an hour to “nourish” her smell. With the permission of the medical staff of the hospital where the boy was kept, the young mother wrapped the baby in the nest with her know-how, imitating hugs. According to the registration magazine, that night, Zachariah did not experience a single crisis related to respiratory or cardiac functions.
The idea of imitating a mother's embrace resonated with parents and manufacturers of accessories for babies. In the USA (National Center for Biotechnology Information) [3] , the American Academy of Pediatrics [4] and several European countries, studies were conducted and the opinions of experienced pediatricians were collected, which confirmed the effectiveness of this solution and its usefulness not only for children in need of special care but also the rest of the babies.
In its current form, ergonomic cots - cocoons for babies - appeared on the American and European markets in 2005-2010. Having supplemented the catalog of positioners, they nevertheless did not supplant classic products.
Manufacturers
The cocoon segment for babies is represented by major brands in France, Sweden, Taiwan, the USA and other countries. Most European markets work with their own accessory manufacturers. The top list of the most famous brands: Kanmed (Sweden) , Sleepyhead , Babynest (Sweden) , RedCastle (France) .
Method of use
The child is recommended to be placed in a positioner on his back or side. The device can be used for the joint sleep of mother and baby (on the same bed) or as a place to place the baby next to parents during their stay outside the children's room. According to the FDA experts [5] , it is not recommended to use a cocoon as a permanent place to sleep [6] . The exception is cases when twins are placed in one crib or the child is constantly sleeping with an adult parent (protection against accidental movements of mom, dad).
Positioner Functions
- Safe placement of the baby in a physiological pose [7] (according to the 1992 American Academy of Pediatrics).
- Protection against accidental damage by sleeping nearby adults.
- Ensuring a comfortable sleep for the baby [8] .
- Imitation of the intrauterine position (cocoons with an inclined mattress for premature babies).
- Prevention of rolling the child out of bed.
According to some manufacturers, the use of positioners for newborns due to the physiologically correct placement of children reduces the risk of colic in the baby. There were no official confirmations or denials of this fact from representatives of the scientific pediatric community.