Safer Sleep for Baby and peace of mind for YOU

Since inventing the Safe T Sleep Sleepwrap, developing different models for different markets, plus the practical little HEADwedge. Safe T Sleep has now done it again and is launching a simple, yet effective addition to the Sleepwrap called the ‘Houdini Strip’. The little Houdini Strip will give extra closure-protection to the babywrap part of the Sleepwrap making it even safer for little Houdinis.
Significantly the product remains a comfortable ‘wrap’ with no harsh or potentially dangerous fixtures.
Practical, trialled, time-tested, quality designed Sleepwraps are offering parents and caregivers peace of mind in the face of recognised infant sleeptime dangers.
Preventable infant falls were the initial motivator for Miriam developing the Safe T Sleep® Sleepwrap®. Statistics in most ‘developed’ countries (in the 0-2 age group) show that nearly one in five hospital admissions due to falls, involve falls from cot/crib and beds in the 0-2 age group.

A mother of three, former positive-parenting educator with a nursing background, Miriam Rutherford-van Gisbergen, originally designed the Safe T Sleep Sleepwrap to be used in conjunction with loving, nurturing, positive, trust-building parenting skills to keep her own babies safer and more comfortable whilst sleeping; both at home and away.

Even when using sleeping bags many parents are still choosing to use the Sleepwrap as well for their babies for snug, more restful sleeping; extra protection and their own peace of mind.

Statistically almost a quarter of the world’s SIDS (or ‘cot/crib Death’) babies are found with their faces covered; others are found with heads jammed hard up against cot bars or underneath bedding or large soft toys.

The Safe T Sleep Sleepwrap product helps to keep babies face’s clear reducing the risk of suffocation. With young infants it can be used over traditional swaddling for extra safety by preventing the swaddle coming loose.

For older babies reducing the risk of falls and injuries, and also aiding in a safer transition from cot/crib to bed and providing a more practical, compact, lightweight method of travelling, visiting, camping and boating.

Made from 100% (scientifically tested) breathable cotton fabric, the Sleepwrap leaves arms and legs free to allow a wide range of natural, flexible movements according to individual babies ages and stages of development. Babies aged 0-2 years plus are able to do everything they are developmentally ready to do at their particular stage of development. The only things they cannot do are all the things which may pose a danger to them.

Since 1992, hundreds of thousands of babies worldwide have slept safely in the original, tested, Safe T Sleep Sleepwrap. This in spite of 0-2year age group statistics that show a continuing incidence of preventable falls, fatalities, injuries, clicky hips and ‘flat deformed’ heads.

“Prevention is nearly always better than cure” says Miriam. Fortunately the Safe T Sleep Sleepwrapin conjunction with the little Safe T Sleep HEADwedge have already been used successfully over many years to help ensure that baby’s head stays in alternate positions at each sleep. This helps to prevent flat spots developing.

A key international cranio-facial plastic surgeon, Dr Tristan de Chalain, undertook IndependentHospital clinical trials of the Safe T Sleep Sleepwrap and formally assessed its ability to effectively enable varied stable sleep positions to be selected and maintained, while still complying with current official safer sleeping advice.

The Sleepwrapcomes in a variety of bed sizes – fitting most standard mattresses from bassinet to king beds and everything in between, anywhere in the world!
“It is merely an aid to positive parenting practices. Just as a carseat has been designed for safety while travelling, the Safe T Sleep Sleepwrap has been designed for safer sleeping and those few moments before and after sleep” says Miriam.

Just as babies become attached to a familiar cuddly blanket or toy, when used with loving, nurturing parenting skills, the Safe T Sleep Sleepwrapcan become a familiar comforter associated with sleep, providing security and safety even in unfamiliar environments: “My own daughter loved her Sleepwrap so much that she used to lie on her bed at age three years, and do it up herself!” :)
“If baby sleeps safely, restfully and well everyone benefits. It certainly benefits caregivers and families and makes parenting more enjoyable,” says Miriam.

Baby you've got to move it, move it!

Cosy, safe, swaddling with all the flexibility of limb movement for ‘happy hips’ as baby grows.
Imagine one day, awaking from sleep to find your nice, comfortable, warm, meals-on-tap, fairly dark world had been swapped for clangy noises and a bright environment full of giants!

Basically, you have just been introduced to the world of a new baby. Some babies thrive on the new experience, whilst others may have some (minor) problems adapting to it. So how can you help them to adapt?

Most newborns love to be swaddled when going to sleep. In many ways this simulates baby’s womb experience. Swaddling a baby is the process by which you wrap them up, securely but never too tightly, in a cloth, wrap, muslin, cotton nappy or piece of sheet at night. Natural breathable fabrics like 100% cotton are the safest and most comfortable for swaddling baby.

Care should be taken that baby doesn’t get too warm nor that he is wrapped up so tight that breathing or hip and leg movements are restricted.

Experts now agree that babies should only be swaddled when sleeping as too much constriction of movement can cause issues with the development of the ball and socket hip joint. So babies who enjoy being swaddled should be allowed plenty of time in loose clothing during the day. There is also a school of thought that believes that babies over a month old shouldn’t be swaddled. But if your baby is as bad a sleeper as many mums suggest I would suggest that you give flexible swaddling a go for a lot longer than that. Many babies are successfully swaddled up to 6-12 months of age

Remembering NOT to swaddle too tightly around the chest and baby’s legs, you will need a largish fabric wrap. You fold down one corner, placing baby face up with the fold at his neck. Then fold the left corner of the blanket over his body and tuck it underneath him. Fold the bottom over his feet and tuck the right side in. Confused? Me too! But it works! There are some good diagrams in several excellent books including the Baby-gami by Andrea Sarvady, Swaddle Love by Raegan Moya-Jones, Baby Wisdom booklet by Miriam Rutherford van-Gisbergen http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2530076 and Pinky McKay’s books http://www.pinky-mychild.com/books-by-pinky

Importantly swaddling should not be able to loosen enough to risk covering baby’s face whilst he/she is asleep. As you have probably gathered there is a knack to swaddling correctly. Grab your mum, grandma, midwife, baby whisperer or a booklet to show you how it’s done properly and safely.

If you choose traditional swaddling the original Sleepwrap babywrap by Safe T Sleep helps to keep the swaddling cloth safely in place.

Then to make the transition from total mummifying to more flexibility is so easy. Usually around 3-4 months of age most babies like at least one if not both hands free. Any unique preference your baby may have can be made safer and easier together with the Safe T Sleep system of wrapping.

If you would prefer a totally more flexible approach to swaddling without the inherent risks, give the Safe T Sleep system on its own a try instead. Baby’s limbs remain free and baby is able to do everything developmentally possible at her particular stage of development, yet it still gives baby a feeling of security and helps reduce most of the risky things such as rolling, creeping, entanglement, hip problems, suffocation and older babies from the risk of falls.

Parents can sleep well too knowing baby is safe and sound. In fact baby looks so comfortable that it’s a pity there isn’t an adult version available!

WHAT OPTIONS DO I HAVE IF I HAVE A VERY WRIGGLY BABY?

Safe T Sleep's most Frequently Asked Question:

For downward creeping babies Simply position the Sleepwrap anywhere on the mattress. The clever little leg piece prevents downward creeping.
For forward creeping babies Many parents find it helpful to position the Sleepwrap towards the top end of the mattress allowing only a few centimeters between baby’s head and the cot/crib or bed frame.

Another helpful hint may be to elevate the top end of the baby’s bed, either by using large books or blocks underneath the feet of the bed. It is more difficult for a young baby during the high SIDS-risk period to creep upwards and almost impossible when in a Sleepwrap! :)

For the Amazing wriggly, ‘Olympic-Houdini type’ babies :)

Many parents find using a swaddling wrap or an approved sleeping bag together with the Sleepwrap is the best solution for their very wriggly baby. Simply tuck the leg piece away or cleverly thread through the seat belt openings on the ‘travel type’ sleeping bags.

See: http://www.safetsleep.com/testimonials/
Also see: http://www.safetsleep.com/frequently-asked-questions/

Additional Benefits of the Sleepwrap® part4

COMFORT, SECURITY AND ADDED SAFETY FOR BABIES OUT OF THE HIGH SIDS-RISK PERIOD

* While it is easier to introduce the Sleepwrap to young babies, it is our experience, since 1992, that it only takes six sleeps at the most for an older baby to enjoy the ‘wrap’ sensation.

* When travelling with toddlers introduce the Sleepwrap in a relaxed, fun way using ‘education through play’.

* An older child may have control over its use.

* A baby out of the high SIDS risk period, considered to be approx 8 -12 months, can be taught, to turn within the Safe T Sleep Sleepwrap. This is one of the great benefits of the Sleepwrap as older babies are then able to sleep in their desired sleep position.

* Many Pediatricians feel this is safe when babies have a strong neck, are able to turn by themselves from back to tummy and back again. And of course are out of the high SIDS-risk period.

An older child once out of the high SIDS- risk period, and able to turn from back to tummy and back again, may sleep in their desired sleep position.

More comfort and safety on a bed from newborn to 3 years plus!

Additional Benefits of the Sleepwrap® part3

HELPS PREVENT FLAT OR MISSHAPEN HEADS


The Safe T Sleep Sleepwrap together with the HEADwedge assists parents and caregivers to position baby’s head on alternate sides. This helps ensure a nicer head shape. According to International Studies there has been 300% increase in hospital admissions worldwide since 1996! Over 4% of these babies need surgery. Well over 15% of babies heads globally do not return to an acceptable shape. Most are entirely ‘preventable’.


The Safe T Sleep HEADwedge is especially suitable for newborn to nine months of age.
The Safe T Sleep HEADwedge helps assist parents and caregivers to position baby’s head on alternate sides to help prevent flat/deformed heads.

Use the HEADwedge on alternate sides at each sleep to help position baby’s head.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Use together with the Safe T Sleep Sleepwrap and tuck WELL underneath the Sleepwrap.

 
 
 
 
 
The younger the baby, the softer the head. The Sleepwrap and HEADwedge combination helps ensure a safe baby and a nice head shape

Additional Benefits of the Sleepwrap® part2

CONVENIENT FOR TRAVELLING AND VISITING:
Safe, compact, light and practical - BED IN A BAG

Can be rolled up and placed in a bag or backpack, glove box or briefcase providing a great, compact, practical alternative to bulky travel cots.

ON A BOAT OR PLANE

PRACTICAL, PEACE OF MIND AND PORTABLE SAFETY!

Boaties (including America’s Cup families) use the Sleepwrap with babies and children up to 6 or 7 years of age, visit: http://www.safetsleep.com/boating/

Illustrations by: Elise Hoogsteden-Roberts

Benefits of the Safe T Sleep Sleepwrap part1....

PEACE OF MIND FOR PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS AND CAREGIVERS:

• as the Sleepwrap gives a few extra moments to attend to a waking baby,
• helping prevent baby climbing and/or falling from a cot/crib or bed

WHILE ‘ASLEEP’ BABY IS SAFER FROM:

• the risks of tummy sleeping
• potentially dangerous creeping underneath blankets
•  forward creeping, jamming against a hard surface or into a corner
• limbs becoming jammed in cot bars
• the risk of rolling off a bed
• baby becoming too hot or too cold

VERSATILE:

• fits most bedding worldwide so it is not essential to buy, particularly, bassinets or portable cots. Baby sleeps more safely anywhere there is a bed or mattress. IT IS LITERALLY A BED IN A BAG!
• due to the rigorous product and fabric trials and testing, hospital clinical trials, hospital laundry testing, top quality fabric, industrial strength thread, manufacturing and quality control procedures the Sleepwrap’s are of exceptionally high quality which under usual conditions will last up to four years

LONGER, MORE RESTFUL SLEEP:

• by providing a cosy comfortable feeling of security for babies. There are hundreds of years of well documented evidence that most babies respond well to the secure feeling of boundaries just as in the womb.

IDEAL FOR REFLUX, COLDS, COLIC POSITIONING:

• as the bed may be tilted at the top end of the bed and the Sleepwrap will help ensure baby is safe,
• secure, comfortable and unable to slip underneath the blankets

YOU CANNOT PUT A PRICE ON A BABY’S SAFETY

see part2 next week :)