Q: How do I put down a baby that has fallen asleep in the hammock?

A: Without removing the hammock, lay the baby down. Once the baby has been put down, you may slide the hammock over your head. Carefully remove the sling from around the sleeping infant. Do not allow the sling to remain on the infant: it is loose material and could pose a suffocation hazard (as could any soft bedding). Now you can go and take a nap yourself!

Q: My baby seems to HATE the hammock! She cries everytime I put her in it.

A: Babies do not adapt well to change. It may take a while for you both to feel comfortable with the hammock. Wearing the hammock takes some practice for both you and for your baby. Before placing your baby in the hammock, you might want to practice with a stuffed animal or doll until you are very comfortable. If you are comfortable, your baby is more likely to be as well. An older infant is more prone to crying than a younger one; a toddler can be especially resistant to a new mode of being carried. My son cried because he ALWAYS fell asleep in the hammock and he hated to be asleep! Give it some time and patience. NOTE: A baby who is placed in the hammock in the first few weeks of life often uses the hammock as a security object.

Q: My baby seems horribly scrunched up in the hammock. Is he OK?

A: Probably. Think about how scrunched he was for nine months! Babies actually enjoy being scrunched and swaddled. You should be aware, however, that very young babies (first few weeks of life) are at risk when the chin falls too far forward, preventing proper breathing. An infant may be made more comfortable with a travel pillow (often made so a child’s head does not fall forward in a car seat); a rolled-up washcloth or burp cloth makes a good alternative.

Q: OK. This may be an odd question. I was out by myself the other day and needed to use the restroom. Can I wear my baby and use the toilet? I just hated leaving her carrier on the floor of the bathroom . . . it seemed so unsanitary.

A: Believe it or not, the answer is "Yes!" You can use the restroom while wearing your baby. This is easiest (and cleanest) with the front cradle or "baby in a bag" holds. I never even took the infant carrier out of the car at most places. I have also used the restroom (at Disneyland!) wearing my toddler—it seemed a little more sanitary than allowing him to run around touching everything in the bathroom. A bit awkward perhaps (he had to sit in the hammock facing me), but it can be done.

Q: What are some other uses for my hammock?

A: I have used the hammock as a play mat (I just unfolded it, lay my baby down, and attached some toys to the loops around the hammock). You are never without an extra blanket, sunshade, or diaper changing mat. I have folded it over the supermarket cart handle and used it to cover restaurant highchairs. If anyone has found other creative uses for their hammocks, I’d love to hear them!