Natalie
Hi, my 5 week old baby is still quite ‘spitty’. She is kept upright after a feed but regardless of how long that is for, she still spits up once put down and it goes for a while. Is it ok to put something under the bassinet mattress to raise her head? Are there any safe products that do this?
Red Nose Education
Red Nose recommends that babies are placed for sleep on their back & flat.
Baby’s airway is protected more efficiently when placed for sleep on their back & flat.
https://rednose.org.au/article/will-baby-choke-if-he-she-vomits-while-sleeping-on-the-back
When baby’s head is elevated for sleep, there is a risk that baby’s neck being flexed to the “chin on chest” position, especially when sleeping in that position for extended periods & unobserved.
There have been accidents associated with bouncers, rockers and hammocks such as falls and entrapment, but the biggest hazard is the risk of a fatal sleeping accident.
When a baby is put to sleep in one of these devices, their head can roll forward, blocking their airway.
https://rednose.org.au/article/baby-products-you-dont-need
Red Nose has the following recommendations when baby has reflux or “spits up”
Red Nose recommend that all babies, including those with reflux (GOR), sleep on the back on a firm, clean and well-fitting mattress that is flat (not tilted or elevated) to reduce the risk of SUDI.
Regurgitation in infants is normal for up to 50% of babies less than three months of age and 70% of completely healthy infants under twelve months of age. Most of this regurgitation resolves spontaneously after 6 months, and completely by twelve months in 95% of babies.
Babies with GOR should be placed to sleep on their back from birth on a firm, flat mattress that is not elevated.
Elevating the sleeping surface for back sleeping babies does not reduce GOR and is not recommended
https://rednose.org.au/article/my-baby-has-reflux