Parenting Hack: Baby Hammocks
Juggling tasks is the name of the game when it comes to parenting. Whether you’re holding the baby in one hand and making dinner with the other, or driving with the left hand and tending to a crying baby in the backseat with the right, parenting is all about multitasking. Even though today’s parents have the advantage of living in the era of technology, sometimes what is really needed is an old-fashioned device with a modern twist. The hammock goes back over 1,000 years, but today they are more necessary than ever— especially when you need an extra set of hands.
Rocking hammock
Most babies love to be held, and what parent wouldn’t love to be able to hold their baby all day long? However, as parents, there are never-ending lists of things that must be done. A baby hammock rocker is a lifesaver for when you need to rock your baby to sleep, but still need to have your arms free to do other things. It also comes in handy when your baby is active and too young to sit up on their own. Since babies are too young to be amused by TV, iPads, and smartphones, these hammock rockers usually have hanging toys that rattle, make noise, and are meant to be pulled in order to keep your baby entertained, while leaving you with both hands free to do what you need.
Shopping hammock
The thought of taking a newborn baby to the grocery store might seem a bit scary. You may have questions like, “How do I manage to carry all of the bags and a baby?” or “How do I push a cart with my baby in the car seat?” Uncertainties such as these will give you unnecessary anxiety. With a shopping cart hammock, all you need to do is put your car seat in the shopping cart using your baby hammock. Now you can securely shop with your baby without having to worry about holding the car seat or having it take up all the cart space.
Bassinet hammock
If you’re shopping for a bassinet, it’s a good idea to find one that lets you attach a mesh insert (similar to a hammock) inside the bassinet, which will give you peace of mind during bedtime. SIDS is a very frightening risk and although holding your baby while they sleep sounds like an ideal way to keep your baby safe, it’s not realistic. This hammock-like insert allows your baby to sleep on their back on a flat surface as recommended by pediatricians, while restraining movement so your baby can’t roll over. The mesh design still allows for airflow so your baby can sleep comfortably on warmer days and can still breathe should they accidentally roll over on their stomach.
Bath hammock
Bath time can be a struggle if you find yourself trying to support your baby with one hand while bathing him with the other. Using a bath hammock or support sling will make it so that you can reach for shampoo and soap easily, while your baby lays or sits in an upright position above water without the worry of them slipping. These hammocks are best used when attached to infant tubs so parents can bathe their baby on the countertop making it more comfortable versus kneeling over a bathtub.
Before purchasing any hammock, always check the reviews and do your research to discover any recalls the brand may have.