Simply Good Baby Recliner review

The American FDA (Food and Drug Administration) issued a recent report urging parents not to use these products as they may cause suffocation.

However, we at MadeForMums spoke to the Lullaby Trust, who clarified the issue by saying sleep positioners are different to baby nests/pods:

"It is our understanding that sleep positioners are straps or wedges that hold a baby in place. The evidence shows that the safest way to sleep a baby is on a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in a cot or moses basket and we would not recommend any sleep surface that does not conform to these guidelines.”

Still, we always recommend you follow manufacturer instructions and check out the safety tips on co-sleeping, or the The Lullaby Trust's guidelines for sleeping safely and the NHS guidelines on how to reduce SIDS.

We reviewed this product before the report came out, and tested while following the Lullaby Trust' safe sleeping guidelines. We did find some interesting things out about the Simply Good Baby Recliner.

What’s in the box?

The Baby Recliner comes on its own in a bag.

Do you need extra accessories?

You don’t need any accessories. The cover is machine washable, so you don’t need a spare.

Does the Simply Good Baby Recliner aid sleep?

No it does not, as it's not designed to be used when a baby is sleeping, only when awake and supervised by parents. That would have been useful to know before purchasing as there is a clear warning on the product but no mention of this online.

My son Rafferty is very comfortable on the recliner, but you have to remember not to keep your child on it when sleeping or leave him alone on it, or for too long.

Does it give your baby the support he needs?

It looks comfortable however I’m not sure how much back support it gives. like how it cradles him but I prefer to put him on firmer surfaces if it’s for a long period.

The design means the baby is cradled in the middle of the cushion but babies are only unable to move for such a short period of time. Rafferty has been working his way up his cot since he was two or three months old.

Straps would detract from how attractive the support is and might not make it as good for toddlers to go on to use but I would definitely prefer them.

It would be great to be able to place your baby in this and be able to leave the room for a minute but without straps I would be very reluctant to do this.

Does the recliner reduce reflux?

I’m lucky that Rafferty doesn’t suffer from reflux but I can see the fact it keeps baby more upright means it would reduce reflux.

But at the risk of sounding repetitious it wouldn’t help at night because you can’t use it while they are asleep.

Can it be used for tummy time?

Yes it can. Saying that, I prefer to do tummy time on a flat surface which is padded, but not too squishy.

For me, the angle of this means I wouldn’t use it for tummy time, and even if it was flat I personally would think it’s too soft.

Available to purchase at Baby Buggy.

Who would the support be most useful for?

This would be best for people with a new baby because it’s most useful before your baby can roll. It doesn’t have any straps or sides to keep your baby in, so once they are mobile you can’t really leave the room with them in it.

However, once your child is more sturdy on their feet it becomes useful again, more of a cushion for them to sit on. My toddler likes to sit on it and read books.

After a baby nest or pod? There are a whole range of baby nests and sleep pods, like the Sleepyhead Deluxe, Purflo breathable nest and Poddle Pod.

Can it be used for co-sleeping?

No, it's not recommended as a safe product to use for co-sleeping.

What do you think of the design?

The design is excellent, the fabric is an excellent quality.

Would you recommend this baby support?

I think it’s a stylish addition to your nursery or living room and it’s lovely to lay my son on it and play on it, but I wouldn’t say it’s a “must have”.

Is the product value for money?

It is expensive, particularly as they can’t sleep on it, but the one I have – grey with large black stars – is stylish and looks nice in our lounge. The fact it becomes useful again once your child is a toddler makes it more value for money.

How durable does it seem?

It is a good quality support and seems very sturdy.

MadeForMums verdict

A comfortable and stylish support to lay your baby on for them to play. I love the fact it keeps them upright and that it can be used into toddler-hood but it’s such a shame they can’t sleep on it.

Compare the Simply Good baby recliner with the Bloom Coco Bloom baby lounger

If you're looking for baby sleeping solutions check these out...

• Miracle Baby Sleep-Trainer mattress by Jacqui Nancey
• 10 of the best baby sleep time aids
• 7 of the best co-sleepers