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SweetPeaMomma
LIF Adolescent
Member since 7/07 806 total posts
Name:
jen
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not meant to be irresponsible or dramatic...
ETA: this post was not meant to be attacking a product; i am not a mother yet, and was unaware that flat head can happen so easily; it seems the reviews i read are by mothers who did not realize this, either. i posted this b/c i thought i was being helpful, and b/c i was frightened by it. sorry if i offended anyone or seem to be an irresponsible poster.  honestly, thought i was being helpful.
a lot of new moms, or other moms-to-be on here have been promoting the fisher price rock n' play sleeper...but please read this if you are planning to use it for long napping periods, or overnight for your baby.
my husband and i are review junkies, and since i've been hearing a lot of you ladies say you were going to register for the rock n' play, i checked it out on amazon. when i read the first few pages of reviews, i was shocked b/c there were quite a few moms who said that their babies have weak neck muscles and toricollis, which is a flat spot on baby's head, from sleeping for too long in this product!! there are a TON of 5 star reviews, but many of them are written within the first few days/weeks of use.
i'll post the link to the reviews on amazon below, but if you don't feel like reading them all, at least read this one:
"Sigh. This was the perfect little sleeper for my son. It was portable so I could keep him right by my side when he slept. The box stated that it was specifically for sleeping, so we used it as a sleeper for night time only. I trusted that this product would work as well as it looked, but I am so sorry that I ever bought this.
I have realized that most of the reviews on this product have come within the first few weeks of life, and not very many have posted about using this after the first three or four months.
As a result of the hard plastic seat insert that my son slept on for several months, his head was so flattened that his forehead pushed out and the flat part of his head has an inverted spot from where the seat curved out and into his head.
He received lots of tummy time, being held, and rarely wanted to be on his back during the day. He now has to spend the next three to six months of his life in a special helmet so that his head won't be malformed for the rest of his life. We have seen three specialists now and a physical therapist to correct the problems that were caused by this sleeper. The costs for these doctors is in the thousands..."
just be sure to check it out, and if you purchase it, consider only using it for short periods of time.
amazon reviews
Message edited 8/22/2011 9:58:50 AM.
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Posted 8/20/11 2:46 PM  |
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Alexandra17
Keep It Positive
Member since 4/09 6262 total posts
Name:
Alexandra (ali)
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Re: WARNING - FP rock n play could lead to flattening of baby's head!!
omg so many people have been getting that too!
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| Posted 8/20/11 3:08 PM |
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Alexandra17
Keep It Positive
Member since 4/09 6262 total posts
Name:
Alexandra (ali)
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Re: WARNING - FP rock n play could lead to flattening of baby's head!!
I read some of those reviews as well..I can't believe it hasn't been pulled off the market yet.
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| Posted 8/20/11 3:20 PM |
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Re: WARNING - FP rock n play could lead to flattening of baby's head!!
Honestly....anything can give the babies a flat head.
People have the kids in the infant carseat and yes even with a head insert leads to it too. The dr. told us not to have in the infant car seat too long....
Even our lamb swing were told not to use long either.
Honestly if they are on their backs they can get flat heads.
You just need to monitor how long they are on the back of their heads.
I was told by my ped to prop my DS on the side of the crib rail so he doesnt totally sleep on the back of his head.
We did it all and DS still had a small flat spot.
Our ped told us he wanted our DS on his tummy for 12 hours a day. Yea sure easy for him to say! DS HATED it
You can use whatever you want just moved their heads
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| Posted 8/20/11 3:28 PM |
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alli3131
Peanut is here!!!!!!
Member since 5/09 18388 total posts
Name:
Allison
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Re: WARNING - FP rock n play could lead to flattening of baby's head!!
This product isnt made for sleeping its for napping. Its sounds like people were using it in place of a bassinet or crib.
I think anything that you leave your baby in too long in one position can have the same effects as the reviews.
If it was really that bad of a product it would not be rated as high or it would be pulled off the market.
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| Posted 8/20/11 3:29 PM |
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Michelle913
LIF Adolescent
Member since 4/06 645 total posts
Name:
Michelle
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Re: WARNING - FP rock n play could lead to flattening of baby's head!!
There are many contributing factors to this and Its not from the sleeper alone. Most babies are born with Torticollis, which is a tight neck muscle. It isn't caused by the seat. As far as the flat head in the back, Yes its possible, but its also possible from a child sleeping on its back in a crib. No matter where the baby sleeps there will be some sort of flattening if the child's head isn't rotated into different positions. This isn't the product alone, it can happen with any product or place your child sleeps in. JMO of course.
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| Posted 8/20/11 3:31 PM |
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headoverheels
s'il vous plaît
Member since 6/07 42079 total posts
Name:
LB
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Re: WARNING - FP rock n play could lead to flattening of baby's head!!
ANYTHING the baby is in while on their back will cause a flat head. It's why we are encouraged to do tummy time. If you put the baby in the bassinet or the crib they will usually favor one side and get a flat head. Nearly ALL babies get a flat head.
I hate when people jump to conclusions like this and blame one product - it's not the product's fault, if the parent was using something else they would be blaming that. So aggravating. (Not saying you, the OP, but the people giving the reviews).
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| Posted 8/20/11 3:35 PM |
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Bearcat
Love my little girls!!! <3
Member since 6/10 10818 total posts
Name:
E
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Re: WARNING - FP rock n play could lead to flattening of baby's head!!
We will not be getting a rock n play for a number of reasons, but I agree with the sentiment that flattening of the head can happen with anything (crib, cradle, carseat, swing, bouncer). Gotta keep moving the babe.
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| Posted 8/20/11 3:52 PM |
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Shorty
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Member since 5/05 30390 total posts
Name:
really
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Re: WARNING - FP rock n play could lead to flattening of baby's head!!
not only that, but I believe it causes bad sleep habits. I have several friends with children that won't sleep in a crib, they'll ONLY sleep in the rocker. Get them sleeping on a flat surface ASAP and the transition to crib should be super easy.
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| Posted 8/20/11 5:48 PM |
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Re: WARNING - FP rock n play could lead to flattening of baby's head!!
Posted by alli3131
This product isnt made for sleeping its for napping. Its sounds like people were using it in place of a bassinet or crib.
I think anything that you leave your baby in too long in one position can have the same effects as the reviews.
If it was really that bad of a product it would not be rated as high or it would be pulled off the market.
I 100% AGREE with this and THIS is why I will not buy one! This is NOT a crib or abassinet, this is the same concept as a swing. ANY toy or soothing thing can cause flat head if baby is left for to long. Babies need repositioning, play, and tummy time. I also want to add it doesn't matter what you do some babies will get a flat head. My daughter did and she is fine. The is a BIG BIG BIG difference between a flat head and the ACTUAL medical condition requiring the use of a helmet! I plan to baby wear more this time and hope that helps keep this lil ones head good, but if you have a child like mine that ONLY was soothed in her swing, bouncer, or crib then you do the best you can.
I'm sorry OP but this post should not be limited to the R&P but should also include ALL baby toys that have them in a laying, or inclined position that doesn't require head control.
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| Posted 8/20/11 5:58 PM |
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MamaLeen
:)
Member since 10/09 4594 total posts
Name:
E
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Re: WARNING - FP rock n play could lead to flattening of baby's head!!
Posted by headoverheels
ANYTHING the baby is in while on their back will cause a flat head. It's why we are encouraged to do tummy time. If you put the baby in the bassinet or the crib they will usually favor one side and get a flat head. Nearly ALL babies get a flat head.
I hate when people jump to conclusions like this and blame one product - it's not the product's fault, if the parent was using something else they would be blaming that. So aggravating. (Not saying you, the OP, but the people giving the reviews).
ITA. When DS was very tiny we folded up a receiving blanket and layed it over the back so he has a bit of cushioning under his head. He used it every night for months and he does not have a flat head because we did tummy time every day and changed his positioning in the rocker (angled him slightly different ways)
ANYTHING can cause a flat head including a hard bassinet JUST LIKE ROCKER!!
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| Posted 8/20/11 7:24 PM |
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Erica
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 11767 total posts
Name:
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Re: WARNING - FP rock n play could lead to flattening of baby's head!!
I agree with the others...DS#1 started getting a little flat on his head from being in the bouncer and swing too much.
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| Posted 8/20/11 7:45 PM |
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Kidsnboxer
LIF Infant
Member since 9/10 232 total posts
Name:
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Re: WARNING - FP rock n play could lead to flattening of baby's head!!
Any time you leave your baby in any product on his/her back constantly will cause flat head syndrome. That's why peds always push for u to do tummy time even if baby doesn't like it. They won't take product off market for that bc that's caused by parent leaving baby in position too much.
Edit: just read others posted samething. Oops lol
Message edited 8/20/2011 8:32:49 PM.
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| Posted 8/20/11 8:31 PM |
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lynnd126
LIF Adult
Member since 3/11 2630 total posts
Name:
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Re: WARNING - FP rock n play could lead to flattening of baby's head!!
Posted by alli3131
This product isnt made for sleeping its for napping. Its sounds like people were using it in place of a bassinet or crib.
I never had one but I always assumed reading on here it was for sleeping since it is called "Rock n' Play Sleeper!
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| Posted 8/20/11 9:38 PM |
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NYchic
Girl & boy
Member since 6/09 2357 total posts
Name:
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Re: WARNING - FP rock n play could lead to flattening of baby's head!!
I had one for DD and she did get a little flat spot on her head. Ped told us to just watch it and hold her in our other arm, we changed the way we layed her on the changing table, and also turned her head to look the other way in this sleeper.
DD slept at night in this sleeper for 3 months and is now 14 mos and is fine. As long as you watch for the flat spot - their heads are so soft, you can correct it early.
No damage has been caused - as other posters said a baby can get a flat spot from laying in/on many other things - not just this sleeper.
I SWEAR by this product and have given it as a gift to anyone I know who had a baby after me...everyone loves it.
My DD napped in it, hung out in it, and slept in it all night long.
She is fine and has a beautiful and perfectly shaped head today!
Also the helmet wearing is actually pretty common for kids - I know 2 who had to wear one from GASP...sleeping in their cribs!!!
Maybe we should ban all cribs!
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| Posted 8/20/11 10:09 PM |
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NYchic
Girl & boy
Member since 6/09 2357 total posts
Name:
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Re: WARNING - FP rock n play could lead to flattening of baby's head!!
Posted by alli3131
This product isnt made for sleeping its for napping. Its sounds like people were using it in place of a bassinet or crib.
I think anything that you leave your baby in too long in one position can have the same effects as the reviews.
If it was really that bad of a product it would not be rated as high or it would be pulled off the market.
It's actually been ok'd for sleeping in...pulling a quote from product description:
Product Description: Fisher-Price Newborn Rock 'n Play SleeperSoothe, sleep or play night or day! The Newborn Rock 'n Play Sleeper is a nighttime sleeper and playtime seat all in one! And it's the only infant seat that meets industry safety standards for bassinets. So besides using it as a perfect place for baby to rock (with a gentle push from you!) and play during the day, you can also use it as a place for baby to sleep at night.
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| Posted 8/20/11 10:13 PM |
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EckoRed81504
We are complete <3
Member since 12/07 6299 total posts
Name:
April
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Re: WARNING - FP rock n play could lead to flattening of baby's head!!
Anything can give babies flat heads not specifically this rocker. I have 2 different fisher price rockers for my kids and thier heads are fine.
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| Posted 8/21/11 10:24 AM |
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Tiggeruth
I am a mom :-)
Member since 6/06 3433 total posts
Name:
Heidi
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Re: WARNING - FP rock n play could lead to flattening of baby's head!!
DD sleeps in this and she has reflux so its been so helpful for her to sleep on that angle and for middle of the night feedings its great to have her right by the bed. She's been in this and or her swing for the last 3 months and at her 3 month doctors visit on Friday the dr said her head was perfect so it doesn't happen to all babies in it and really you gotta decide for yourself what works for you and your baby. For us this has been a lifesaver.
Am I looking forward to transitioning her to the crib, no, but for now she sleeps well and we sleep well and that's whats important for us at this moment.
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| Posted 8/21/11 10:42 AM |
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kahlua716
3 Girls for Me!
Member since 8/07 12475 total posts
Name:
Keri
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Re: WARNING - FP rock n play could lead to flattening of baby's head!!
I got this when DD was about a month old- she hated the bassinet and wouldn't sleep in it.
She never had any flat-head issue from sleeping in it. She did have alot of tummy time and spent alot of time in the bumbo from a very early age.
As others have said- if you leave your baby laying in anything for long periods of time- there will be consequences.
JMO.
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| Posted 8/21/11 11:02 AM |
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SweetPeaMomma
LIF Adolescent
Member since 7/07 806 total posts
Name:
jen
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Re: WARNING - FP rock n play could lead to flattening of baby's head!!
ummm yes, you girls are all correct...my point in posting this was that people ARE leaving their babies in this for long periods of time. and that you SHOULDN'T do that. lol
i saw several LIF moms posting that they do in fact use this as an overnight sleeper. this was just a warning not to do that.
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| Posted 8/22/11 7:57 AM |
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Diana1215
Living on a prayer!!!
Member since 10/05 29450 total posts
Name:
Diana
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Re: WARNING - FP rock n play could lead to flattening of baby's head!!
Posted by Alexandra17
I read some of those reviews as well..I can't believe it hasn't been pulled off the market yet.
Everything that a baby lays on for a long amount of time at that age gives flathead. You have to be aware of this and constantly move the childs head from one side to another. A baby can get flathead for just laying in their crib. It is VERY common.
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| Posted 8/22/11 8:23 AM |
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MamaLeen
:)
Member since 10/09 4594 total posts
Name:
E
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Re: WARNING - FP rock n play could lead to flattening of baby's head!!
Posted by JeanetteAndSteve
ummm yes, you girls are all correct...my point in posting this was that people ARE leaving their babies in this for long periods of time. and that you SHOULDN'T do that. lol
i saw several LIF moms posting that they do in fact use this as an overnight sleeper. this was just a warning not to do that.
It CAN be used overnight!!! Honestly, I think the title of this thread is a bit irresponsible and dramatic. New moms have enough to worry about. Hopefully ALL moms would realize that they should reposition their baby often as to not cause a flat head.
As far as the reviews, every product will have some bad ones because people use things incorrectly. As you can see this rocker overall has outstanding reviews so hopefully this thread will not deter other moms. It was a lifesaver for me.
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| Posted 8/22/11 8:26 AM |
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Alexandra17
Keep It Positive
Member since 4/09 6262 total posts
Name:
Alexandra (ali)
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Re: WARNING - FP rock n play could lead to flattening of baby's head!!
Posted by Alexandra17
I read some of those reviews as well..I can't believe it hasn't been pulled off the market yet.
I didn't know all those other bouncers and swings etc could do that..
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| Posted 8/22/11 8:48 AM |
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LoveyQ
Stalkers, get a life.
Member since 11/07 12820 total posts
Name:
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Re: WARNING - FP rock n play could lead to flattening of baby's head!!
As a BTDT mom who DID use the Rock n Play Sleeper, and whose son DID get a flat head and spent 3 months in a cranial helmet to fix it, I have to say that I do NOT blame the rock and play sleeper!
My son was a preemie, slept in the rock n play sleeper or swing (that is, when he would actually sleep, lol) and spent time in them and also a bouncer during the day. Yes we carried him. Yes we tried tummy time, but he hated it so I didn't bother too much. THAT is my fault. All of this combined is why my son got flat head. And quite frankly, I don't think it would have been different if I had him in his crib from day 1 either. The fact is, a huge increased percentage of babies have flat head now and many need a cranial helmet to correct it because of the Back To Sleep Campaign. Ever since the AAP has recommended that babies only sleep on their back, this is happening more and more.
And it will happen no matter WHAT you put your child to sleep in, if you don't reposition often and do lots of tummy time (like it or not!).
My DS was a preemie so it turns out his skull was softer (and therefore more easily reshaped) than full term babies, so that was also a big contributing factor as well.
Whenever we are blessed with another baby, I fully intend on using the rock n play sleeper again. Only next time, I will really try tummy time many times throughout the day, first on a boppy pillow as that makes it easier for them, and later without it, once the baby has better head control and core strength.
I slept better at night knowing that I was following the back to sleep recommendation even if it meant he needed to wear a helmet for 3 months. Quite frankly, I thought he looked super cute with it 
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| Posted 8/22/11 9:40 AM |
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MrsPJB2007
MBA at your service!
Member since 7/06 12020 total posts
Name:
MJ
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Re: WARNING - FP rock n play could lead to flattening of baby's head!!
Posted by MamaLeen
It CAN be used overnight!!! Honestly, I think the title of this thread is a bit irresponsible and dramatic. New moms have enough to worry about. Hopefully ALL moms would realize that they should reposition their baby often as to not cause a flat head.
As far as the reviews, every product will have some bad ones because people use things incorrectly. As you can see this rocker overall has outstanding reviews so hopefully this thread will not deter other moms. It was a lifesaver for me.
ITA -- the thread title is all about blaming the Rock n Play for head flattening, when in reality it's not the PRODUCT that is causing this really. Some babies will just be destined to have a flat head and others develop it because they are left for long periods of time laying flat on their back and not enough tummy time.
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| Posted 8/22/11 9:51 AM |
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