Safe Sleep Is Happy Sleep

A common fear among new parents, is the lack of sleep that they will soon face upon bringing their sweet babe home from the hospital. And because safe sleep is happy sleep, a parent does all they can to ensure the best for their child.

Having had horrible postpartum anxiety (PPA) with Theo, I was determined to do things differently this time around. One of my biggest triggers was safe sleep. Was he too hot/too cold? Was he in the right position? Would he somehow bust out of his swaddle and smother himself? Yes, horrifying – and yet, it was a thought that constantly haunted me, and kept me up at night.

One thing that eased my worrying mind, was learning about safe co-sleeping! I said it – SAFE! Like most things, with lack of knowledge comes fear. So some people worry that co-sleeping is unsafe, but it isn’t. Safe co-sleeping is like safe crib sleeping. It’s what? Safe.

On the other hand; unsafe co-sleeping, is like unsafe crib sleeping – you guessed it, it’s unsafe.

Unfortunately, you hear of co-sleeping horror stories due to people not properly informing themselves on safe co-sleeping guidelines. Most everybody knows what the safe sleep guidelines are for a crib sleeper: No blankets, no pillows, no bumpers, and back is best. But sadly if those practices are not followed, even crib sleeping can be dangerous.

Thanks to DockATot, a co-sleeping parent can worry even less. Sleep more. And be a more refreshed mama or daddy, with a happier baby in the morning! While I was personally aware of the safe co-sleeping guidelines, I was still in search of the next best thing to help ease my anxiety. I found it in the DockATot and The Ollie World Swaddle.

DockATot, a Swedish designed, European made product, is one that meets countless safe sleep standards set forth by Europe and the United States. With its micro-climate, it’s perfect for both babies and toddlers, as it comes in two sizes! The Deluxe+ for 0-8 months, and the Grand which holds littles from 9-36 months! There is a Dock for every tot. (Take note: there are a lot of fake and copycat products which are not safety tested, so be careful when purchasing.)

It is breathable and made from all natural, 100% cotton. It functions as a co-sleeper and playtime lounger. Which is great since it allows you to save space by using your DockATot for more than just safe sleep.

Think of that precious shower time! I stick this little lady in her lounger and can rest assured that she is safe and happy (it’s near me, not on the bed – common sense people). It’s lightweight design, allows for it to be easily taken along on trips; making your little ones sleep in a new environment comfortable and familiar. Have any of you tried to get your little one to sleep in a hotel crib…yeah good luck!

Now stemming from my PPA, y’all should probably know that swaddling is a huge fear of mine when it comes to safe sleep. I simply have never been able to get my babies snug like the nurses do in the hospital. So my peanuts would bust free giving their mama another thing to worry about. Suffocation. YEP!

Side note: postpartum anxiety is a total b word!

Then I found The Ollie World Swaddle!

Y’all! This swaddle squashed this mama’s fears and it is glorious! First off, it is made from a custom moisture wicking material which helps prevent overheating. Fear one…gone!

Second, it has a velcro closure that helps ensure no unraveling! Fear number two…gone! That same velcro closure allows for a custom fit for babies of all sizes. No need to buy a small, or medium, or large; The Ollie World swaddle simply grows with your child.

Evelyn is a wee thing, and it still fits her nice and snug. Keep in mind she wears newborn, and even some preemie sizes, so snug isn’t easy when you’re that little, but this swaddle truly is the Smarter Swaddle, and gets the job done! (Read the amazing story about how a foster mom’s love, lead to its creation!)

Now one of my favorite features is the mermaid tail – as I’m now calling it. Instead of being zipped up, or folded and tucked, The Ollie World swaddle is tied off with a tie similar to a hair tie. Why? Because the creator of The Ollie World swaddle was one smart mama, that realized that babies require a LOT of diaper changes. Swaddling and unswaddling, only to reswaddle, is a pain the ass. So she created a system that allows for easy access to that sweet, albeit stinky, baby bum in the middle of the night. Simply untie and you’re free to change your child without waking them. That my friends is gold!

Ps. How cute is Evelyn in that swaddle?!

When swaddled and sleeping in her DockATot, Evelyn will sleep between 4-6 hour stretches. Remember, sleeping through the night is considered sleeping 5-6 hours straight! Think about that!

I’m blown away by how such simple, yet brilliantly designed products, could change sleep for not only my baby, but me as a worrying mama. EM has been VERY thankful for that!

Sleep is such an important element to your babies growth and development, and it is a key element in your being able to be the best parent you can be. We want good mommies, not zombies!

And since I love to share! Here are some referral links you can use to get your own Dock and Ollie! Reclaim your own happy sleep! If you’re thinking – “man I wish I had these when my kids were this age”, consider gifting one to a friend who is living through this stage in life, she will love you forever!

Referral Codes: $10 off all Docks at DockATot & 10% off all products at The Ollie World. In the words of everyone’s favorite demigod, “You’re Welcome!!”

(Disclaimer: Parts of this post are sponsored. All images are my own or that of the company in which  I’m representing. All thoughts are my own and my honest review of the products. Thank you to DockATot and The Ollie World for sponsoring this post!)