Today's baby products market offers a variety of gadgets that make it easier for parents to care for their newborn babies. One of the useful goods is a cocoon, in which the baby is laid or wrapped in the first months after birth.
Purpose
Most often, the cocoon is acquired for an underweight premature newborn. They are also used for moving around with a baby (carrying a baby in hands and transporting it in transport) and for feeding a baby.
People are interested in buying such baby cocoons in the first months of a baby's life, since they are designed for the age of 0-4 months.
Why is the nest cocoon called?
This name is associated with the special anatomical shape of the cocoon, which completely repeats the curves of the baby's body. Staying in such a "nest" gives the baby a feeling of calmness and safety. This helps the baby to adapt more easily to life outside the mother's belly.
Kinds
Cocoon for a young infant is represented by the following types:
- Mattress. The most common is Cocoonababy, which is produced in France. Such a cocoon mattress was created specifically for babies in the first four months of life and, depending on the weight of the child, is presented in 3 sizes. For its manufacture, polyamide and polyurethane are used, and the top is covered with a cotton white pillowcase. It weighs 1 kilogram, its length is 69 cm, the height of such a mattress is 19 cm, and its width is 40 cm.
- The envelope. This option is very convenient and warm, so it is often bought for the cool season. The kid can stay in it at home in cold weather, leave the hospital or walk in a stroller. Outwardly, this cocoon resembles an envelope. Wool, fur, fleece and other materials are used for its sewing. The product is fastened with a zipper or with buttons.
- Carrying. This option is used only for the purpose of carrying a newborn. Carriers are often sold as a complete set of strollers, can carry a child up to 8 kg and can be used up to 10 months of age. It is equipped with durable comfortable handles and a rigid base, PVC is used for its manufacture, the product itself weighs 1300 g.
- Diaper. It is a cotton Velcro product. Such diapers are designed for different ages and heights of babies.
Features and benefits
- Gently envelops the body of a newborn baby, repeating its shape.
- The baby inside such a device feels protection and comfort, so the baby's sleep will be longer and more calm.
- It is able to facilitate the feeding process for the newly-made mother, as the baby will stay nearby in a position that is comfortable for him.
- Staying in it has a positive effect on the formation of the correct shape of the baby's skeleton.
- Use prevents the development of painful intestinal colic in the infant during the first months of life.
- The use of a cocoon mattress allows you to conveniently and easily equip your child with a place to sleep in the parent's bed.
- As a result of being in the cocoon, the muscle tone of the child decreases.
- The cocoon mattress can be used while bathing the newborn.
- Thanks to the fixation of the child who is in it, the mother does not have to worry that the baby will accidentally roll over and fall out.
How to choose the best one?
- First of all, decide if you want to buy a cocoon or if you intend to make one yourself. Many expectant mothers, while waiting for the baby, knit or sew a baby cocoon, selecting the density of the materials depending on the season of the baby's birth. For example, if a baby is born in the fall, then wool or flannel is used for him.
- Next, decide how you will use it. If you are going to put your baby in a baby cocoon only at home, a mattress will be the best choice. Those who buy it for travel with a child need to take a closer look at the carrier or envelope. A good option would also be to buy several types of cocoons for your baby at once, since each of them is good in its own way and is used for different purposes.
- It is important to take into account the weight and height of the baby, since the cocoons are presented in several sizes - for premature babies, for low-birth-weight babies (for example, from multiple pregnancies) and for babies in the first months of life with a weight of 3-5 kg.
Maximum time for transportation
A baby cocoon is often used to transport an infant in the first months of life.
It is important for parents to know that the duration of the stay of the crumbs in it during transportation should not exceed 1.5 hours. These restrictions are associated with the risk of damage to the baby's spine, which has not yet matured, from vibrations of a moving vehicle.
Reviews of parents and doctors
Pediatricians speak of mattress cocoons only positively, considering their anatomical design to be their main advantage. They confirm that its use can facilitate the care of a premature or debilitated baby. In this case, the mattress will improve the shape of the skull and provide a safe position for the spine.
The effectiveness and benefits of such cocoons are confirmed by medical practice, therefore, modern perinatal centers are equipped with such devices.
As for the cocoon diaper, doctors note the practicality and ease of use, but they do not advise using it too often. Most pediatricians recommend using a diaper only during sleep, so that it does not interfere with the physical development of the baby.
Most parents respond positively to carrier cocoons. Many people are looking for a stroller for a child, which is equipped with such a device. Mothers emphasize that it is convenient to walk with the baby to the clinic or to the store with a carrier.
Many mothers recommend a cocoon mattress as a very convenient device for feeding a baby. They note that there are no difficulties with feeding the baby lying in it. Mothers of premature babies call it simply an irreplaceable device.
The cocoon diaper is also in high demand. According to mothers, it is much more comfortable than a regular diaper, since the baby does not unwind on its own. Plus, it's easy to do it yourself.
Mom's opinions differ regarding the cocoon envelope. Some confidently say that he helped them in the winter during walks and stay in the clinic, others note some difficulties in use. Many claim that it has practically no advantages over a regular blanket.
How to do it yourself?
If a mother wants to make a cocoon for a newborn on her own, she has several options:
- Knit the product.
- Sew from fabric.
- Crochet.
You can make a cocoon diaper or a cocoon envelope using any of these methods. In this case, the product will be exclusive and unique, and most importantly, mother's love will be invested in it.
To create a homemade cocoon, take measurements from the baby. To knit a product that is suitable for a newborn, you will need about 100 grams of yarn. It should be soft to the touch and contain a minimum of synthetic fibers. You can decorate it with ribbons, beads or other decor. For a contrasting cocoon, you can choose yarn in several shades.
If you want to sew a cocoon from flannel, fleece, thick knitwear and other soft fabrics, take the standard sizes - width 60 cm, length 85 cm.If you want to make a diaper with a lining, the pattern is duplicated, and then the fabrics are sewn. Velcro is sewn to the finished product for secure fixation on the baby's body.
