Why Use a Hammock?

Why should I buy a Hushamok Hammock when everyone else is buying a bassinet or crib?

The difference between a baby hammock and other nursery furniture, including a crib or baby bassinet, is the way the baby is held and supported. Before a baby is born, they are cozily squished in the womb and experience a lot of movement. Once born, flat and static surfaces such as cribs and baby bassinets are foreign to babies as they are accustomed to a warm womb-like environment. Hushamok’s baby hammock has been designed to mimic this womb-like environment for newborn sleep and to minimize symptoms of colic.

 

William Sears (M.D), Robert Sears (M.D.), James Sears (M.D.) and Martha Sears (R.N.) recommend the natural swinging, rocking and bouncing motion of a baby hammock will induce sleep and keep baby asleep longer.  Unlike adults, babies are triggered to sleep by motion; as many mothers notice during pregnancy when baby is asleep during the day and awake at night.

 

But Are They Safe?

Medical studies that have shown that baby hammocks have virtually no carbon dioxide build up which is what it believed to be one of the causes of SIDs.  Because of the natural motion of the hammock, carbon dioxide does not become trapped around the baby which when re-breathed is said to cause the deadly acidosis.  The 100% organic cotton contributes to a healthy sleeping environment for newborn sleep.  Hushamok recommends baby is swaddled to minimize baby’s movement. Hushamok use is in line with the recommendations in the prevention of SIDS that babies should ALWAYS be placed on their backs.

 

Need even more assurance about how safe we are?

The Hushamok baby hammock has been tested and passed the mechanical testing under the US Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) Certification Program. This program certifies that products bearing the JPMA Bassinet and Cradles Certification Seal comply with the requirements of the current American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F2194 Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Bassinet and Cradles.

 

The Hushamok baby hammock has passed the EU certification program for Safety Requirements and Test Methods for Cribs and Cradles for the relevant EN 1130 requirements.  The leafspring is unique to Hushamok produces provides a gentle rhythmic rocking motion that helps newborn babies sleep better and longer.

 

How is Hushamok different than other baby hammocks?

The unique design of our baby hammock reduces strain on baby’s spine and nerves by maintaining the natural primary curve of the spine.  Other baby hammocks have no form, which could compromise babies breathing, and spinal support. Hushamok’s design and the addition of the EVA foam insert conform to babies shape and prevent any dipping in the middle.

 

Should I be concerned about the bedding being treated with flame retardant chemicals?

Sad to report but most baby furniture in addition to a billion other things are treated with chemically derived flame retardants.  Not so with Hushamok.  Our Hushamok baby hammock and MySeat are NOT been treated with any fire retardant chemicals and never will be.

 

When should babies start using the hammock and how long should they sleep in it?

The Hushamok Baby Hammock is an early development product designed for newborn sleep up to approximately 6 months or 22 pounds. For best results Hushamok recommends using the product for newborn sleep.

 

Can the Hushamok Baby Hammock be used in the day and night?

Yes, our baby hammock is designed for both day and night sleeps. The more a baby uses the hammock, the more they learn to self-soothe and go to sleep unaided.

 

Do you recommend using a baby hammock if my baby suffers from colic or reflux?

To prevent acid reflux in infants, pediatricians recommend keeping baby’s head slightly elevated. Without the use of potentially harmful pillows or other objects Hushamok baby hammock designs provide an elevation that will reduce the symptoms of acid reflux.  The Hushamok baby hammock design has an upright, angled position assisting babies with natural newborn sleep, colic and reflux.

 

Help, I don't want my perfect baby to develop Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly).  Can Hushamok Hammocks prevent this from happening?

Yes, Hushamok baby hammocks distribute baby’s head weight more evenly to the rest of the body, reducing the problems of Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly). Hushamok baby hammock is designed to conform to baby’s heads, which helps prevent flat head syndrome.

 

Positional plagiocephaly or ‘flathead syndrome’ can occur when a baby’s head develops a flat spot. This occurs when babies spend a considerable amount of time with their head resting in the same position. In the early ’90s, parents have been told to put their babies to sleep on their back to reduce the risk of SIDs. Since then experts have also noted a fivefold increase in the incidence of misshapen heads.  Babies are born with soft, pliable skulls, so when they rest in the same position on a regular basis, their head can develop a flat spot where it presses against a mattress as found in nursery furniture such as cribs and baby bassinets.

 

How do I care for my Hushamok Baby Hammock?

All parts can are machine washable washed. There are care labels on the baby hammock and mattress.

 

Can my baby move in the hammock?

Given the gentle undulating motion of the leafspring it is natural for baby to experience some movement in Hushamok baby hammocks.  Hushamok does not recommend using any pillows, wedges or positioners in the baby hammock as these may pose a suffocation risk to baby.  Hushamok recommends baby be swaddled to minimize movement. Should move in the hammock reposition baby so that he/she lies in the center of the baby hammock. It is important that baby is positioned in the center position of the hammock.

 

How long will my baby be able to use the hammock?

Discontinue use when baby begins to roll over or has reached maximum weight of 22 pounds.