Is a Wedge Necessary for Newborn?

Hi B.! We used breathable bumpers, which basically does the same thing. I think they are by First Years. We loved them because our son was a roller from the beginning and we were worried he'd roll onto his stomach and suffocate.

Also, he had reflux in the beginning, so we could angle him slightly on his side. Not only did this prevent him from choking on his spit up, but it also prevented him from getting the flat head that is so common these days. He used the bumpers until he was big enough and strong enough to roll over them.

Hope this helps! Take care!
M.

1 mom found this helpful

We didn't use one either. The way I saw it was that once she could roll over onto her belly, she was able to pick up her head so she wouldn't be face down in the mattress. Plus rolling one way usually means rolling back is coming soon anyway. I think it's really just a matter of preference. If you want a professional opinion, pediatricians are really great to ask - mine is always really helpful.

I got a wedge and thought it was really dumb until the past week. My now 5 month old rolls over and would bury her face into a position that was uncomfortable and difficult to breath. I now am using the wedge. I think it is one of those things that depends on your baby. Mine is a mover. She can't hold still. The wedge keeps her on her back so she can sleep safely.

NO! No reason to spend a little extra money for that. I've never heard of anyone ever using one of those. My son is almost 22 months and he's slept on a flat matress all his life. And all is good. But that is just me.

I don't think it is necessary, but personally, I really liked using it. I used it for my son and for my newborn (that is only 5 days old) I think it helps them to not throw up after eating but also the triangle supports keep them in place and on their side (which is my preferred position for sleeping). My first son barely threw up at all, so far my daughter has been doing good as well. I think it helps them breath better too, but I don't know if that is a fact or not, just my own observation. If you want me to send you some pictures of them sleeping with one I can, just e-mail me direct.

Hi! I never used one, actully the information I was given on them said they were more of a hazard than a help. Then again they always change their minds!!!!!!! Anyway I never used on because once they can roll from back to belly they can usually go from belly to back. Good luck!

K.

Hi B..
I have two boys ages 7 and 8 years old now ( 15 months apart) ( my how time flies!!!) With response to your question on the wedge, it isnt "necessary" but it is a great idea for preventing an infant from rolloing over on his/her stomach or side and possibly suffocating(sp) itself with a blanket or whatever you might have in the crib/bassinet. I used the wedge with both my sons from the moment they came home to the age of 5 months. The reasoning behind the use of it immedietly was so they would be used to it from the start...... I stopped using it at about 5-6 months of age b/c at this point they are actually strong enough to lift their head up if they cant breathe and also at this point they are very mobile, (turning and such) and then it (the wedge) poses a threat as a foreign object, Hope this helps!!!!! PS. Love those moments with the little dudes as "babies", as before you know it, they are big boys, still our babies in our hearts......... but truly not babies anymore!!!! :o) PS/ The older they get the "fun" changes and you'll see how they will be each others best friends at times and other times worst enemies!!!! Mostly best friends b/c of how close in age they are....... And yes, it will always be like "having twins!!!!! Just wait the older they get , they start becoming the same weight almost and same height and the question every where you go , will be....."Are they twins?" It becomes comical after awhile!!!!!

Sleep wedge--no you don't need one, BUT a sleep positioner, the one that elevates baby is a MUST (in my opinion) if the child has acid reflux as did my son. He choked up three times in the middle of the night--until I found out he had acid reflux and the doctor recommended one. It is probably something you can wait on until you know for sure. Good luck...

I was given one with my 2nd daughter and never used it. I actually put mine on their stomachs. I know they say not to, but I felt more nervous laying them on their backs than their stomachs.

I have the same response as many others. I didn't use one for my son(who is almost 4 yrs old now), but did use one for my daughter because she had reflex and would choke and gag on her spit up, so the postioner helped keep her on her side so she wouldn't choke. I would not have used one if my dd didn't have that problem.

Someone had a good response, its cheap enough to buy if she needs one, but I wouldn't go out and buy one for her.

however in the next 3 months I'm sure they will come up with something 'new' we need to do for our babies or something that is harmful to our babies....just joking....

Hi B.

I agree with most of the ladies that it isn't a real good idea to use the wedge. my son needed to be swaddled constantly and he slept fine on his back. The only times he slept on his side was when he was a little congested and I simply rolled up a recieving blanket. it is so much cheaper, she is going to have those any way :)

J.

You really answered your own question, you didn't need one for your kids, so why should she? I haven't used one for any of my three and they are awesome sleepers. Also, every pediatrician has told me they are more of a hazard than a help. If she really needs to prop her baby on its side, then roll up a receiving blanket, it works just as well, you have plenty of them and they are much cheaper.

Are you talking about the triangle shaped piece that makes the baby not lie compoletley flat on his back, or the flat one that has something on either side of the baby that stops him from rolling over? The one about the baby not lying flat is a wedge, but the other one is called a sleep positioner or something like that. I do beleive they are two different things, unless they combined them.

I did not use one from the beginning, but around 7 weeks I bought a sleep positioner so I could lay her on her side. Miraculously...that was the first night she slept through the night! So, needless to say, we kept her on her side until she about 6 months old and crawled/wiggled herself out of it. It also helps with keeping the baby from getting a flat spot (my daughter would only lay FLAT on her back and head unless we had her on her side.) Just be sure to lay the baby on opposites sides each time you put him/her down. I swear it was what made her comfy enough to sleep through the night!

I'm not sure if it's "necessary", but I found that my son slept better with it. It kind of craddled him like he was being held. He started sleeping through the night around 6 or 8 weeks with the use of it.
A.

I think it all depends on the baby. My son had acid reflx and I found the wedge very helpful, but for some babies it just is not necessary. Have your sister-in-law wait until the baby comes, then if she decides she wants it I am sure she can use one of her many giftcards that she's going to get to buy one.

For all 3 of my kids, I rolled up a towel to use as a wedge to help them sleep on their side