It's midnight and I am enjoying the sweet sounds of silence, thanks to the Hushamok ($429) sleeping hammock for infants. My 8-week-old son was recently diagnosed with acid reflux and I am so thankful that I have a safe and sound place for him to sleep comfortably, despite this hurdle. Ever since we noticed how well he napped in the Hushamok, we've been splitting the night between a traditional flat bassinet, and the hammock.

Sleeping hammocks have been in use for centuries, and with good reason: Babies enjoy the sensation of movement. The gentle swaying of the hammock reminds them of the womb and naturally soothes them back to sleep when they stir. It is an invaluable tool for parents of colicky babies and those, like mine, with reflux. The slightly slanted angle keeps their heads elevated more than a flat bed, minimizing reflux and thus promoting a healthful rest for all. They are also useful in the prevention of SIDS as they promote restful back sleeping, the position recommended by physicians. Hushamoks are intended for infants from birth to 22 pounds.

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The Hushamok does double duty, standing in for both a stationary bassinet and portacrib -- and far more fashionably, at that! They come in a groovy rainbow of colors and organic cottons.  Hushamoks are extremely quick and easy to set up which makes them a pleasure to travel with and also makes me feel better about recommending them, despite the price.  They are not cheap, but ask any parent of a child with colic -- a good night's rest (or better yet, several!) is worth it. 

We recently took our hammock with us to a posh hotel and happily rejected the crib the hotel sent down for our son. We were so pleased to discover that the Hushamok took up less space than a traditional portacrib and fit more easily than the portacrib would have in the slightly cramped room.  Also, we did not have to worry about putting our baby in a borrowed crib. Hushamoks set up especially well right next to your bed and are a fabulous alternative and/or addition to co-sleeping. With all the silence I should be sleeping, myself...If only I had a Hushamok in my size!

For a list of retailers, see the Hushamok site.