They say that necessity is the mother of invention, but sometimes, mothering is the mother of invention. This particularly rings true when it comes to the RooLoop, Joovy’s newest product designed to support safer, more comfortable skin-to-skin with your newborn. When inventor Hayley Mullins’ daughter was born, her baby was placed skin-to-skin immediately after birth, and while Mullins didn’t quite understand the science behind the practice, she knew that it kept her baby quiet and content. “Two weeks to the day she was born, my daughter was snuggled on my chest, when I took my hands off of her for a split second. At that moment, she startled and hit the floor. My husband and I raced to the emergency room to be told, “this happens all the time”. Knowing that I never wanted to experience that again, I designed a product specifically for skin-to-skin” says Mullins.
Why does Skin-to-Skin Matter? Hospitals encourage doing skin-to-skin as often as possible for the entire fourth trimester (three months after baby is born). Here’s a few reasons why:
- Skin-to-skin helps to calm and relax both mom and baby – less crying, less stress!
- It helps regulate baby’s heart rate and breathing, which helps them adapt to life outside the womb
- Helps support successful breastfeeding, by stimulating digestion and an interest in feeding
- Supports temperature regulation
- Helps protect newborns against infection, through the transfer of mom’s good bacteria
- Stimulates the release of hormones that support bonding and breastfeeding
What are the Risks?
Skin-to-skin has so many undeniable benefits, but one of those benefits can also be a bit of a risk. The relaxation is real… and with that, babies can be at risk for a fall. A fall is not just defined as a drop to the floor, like Mullins experienced, but also falling into an unsafe position – such as chin to chest, or into soft cushions, clothing, or bedding – all scary scenarios which can impede a newborn’s ability to breathe.
How RooLoop Can Help:
The RooLoop, unlike a wrap, carrier, sling, or other babywearing product, is designed to support baby in proper skin-to-skin position, hands free – that is, chest-to-chest, upright, face above the breasts, with the head close enough to kiss. It simply wraps around the parent, securing the baby while skin-to-skin, with an adjustable Velcro closure. Also unlike other products on the market, the RooLoop features a patented design with 4-way stretch, that mimics the womb and delivers deep pressure touch… something that helps calm and soothe baby, almost instantly. With the RooLoop, if you take your hands and arms off of your baby, they will stay where they are supposed to – whether you’re reading, watching TV, having a snack, or just giving your body a break. Parents, grandparents and caregivers can still get that feeling of bonding, while any pressure or strain on your neck, back or shoulders that comes from maintaining a hold on your baby is eliminated.
Think of it as a secure, soft, stretchy hug for your newborn… and you.