Q. Why do I need a wedge?

A. Positioning and inclining the upper body of your little one is the single most important thing when trying to manage reflux. By having the head raised gravity helps keep the stomach acids down and stops them elevating up to the throat.

Q. What size wedge do I need?

A. The chart below shows the different type of wedges available. It is important to match the wedge with the size of mattress you have.

The sizes relate to the width of the mattress and you should try and get a wedge that is a little smaller or the same size as the mattress width. The less space between the edge of the wedge and the side of the cot/crib the better.

Q. Should I go for a standard 15 degree incline or the Ultra 30 degree incline?

A. The standard 15 degree Lift Safely Wedge is bought by 1000's of parents a month and helps reduce the symptoms of reflux considerably. Some parents prefer a more extreme wedge and this may coincide with more acute reflux sickness.

The Lift Safely Ultra 30 Degree Wedge is used with a Snoozzz Sleep Wrap and gives the 30 degree angle that is suggested by many pediatricians. Using a 30 degree angle is the most effective way of controlling acute or severe reflux.

If you want to safely increase the incline of the cot further without using the Ultra then many parents use the standard 15 degree Lift Safely Wedge in conjunction with a set of Baby Bed Blocks. The incline is then increased from 15 degrees to 21 degrees.

Q. How do I position the wedge in the cot/crib?

A. The wedge is placed on top of the mattress but under the sheet (except for the Ultra wedge which is placed on top of the sheet due to its size).

As the wedge fits securely under the sheet it can be placed as far down the mattress as needed so you can place the babies feet at the base of the cot/crib. Don't forget that the baby is never suspended on the wedge itself; instead their bottom remains on the mattress and the wedge starts at the small of their back all the way up to the head.

Q. Do I need to use a sleep positioner with the wedge?

A. Many babies will stay where you put them but some will wriggle whilst sleeping. If they are quite wriggly then it may be wise to use a sleep positioner such as the Snoozzz Sleep Wrap or the Bebecal Sleep Positioner.

Around 20% of the wedges we sell are used with a sleep positioner but on the whole it is down to your personal preference. All babies are different and there's no manual!

Q. Why use a wedge when you can prop up the cot legs with books or bricks?

One of the most common questions we get asked is: “…can’t I just stick some books or bricks under the cot legs? Doesn’t this do the same job…?” The answer is definitely no!

See our amazing article on how you would need to raise the legs by 37.51cm (15 inches) to recreate the angle of a standard 15 degree Lift Safely Wedge.

Q. Why not just raise the mattress and make an incline with a pillow or blanket?

A. The great thing about a wedge is that the baby's spine is perfectly straight when sleeping. A device placed under the mattress can curve the mattress leading to problems with spinal development. It can also lead to slumping which can exacerbate the reflux symptoms.

Items such as blankets, towels and pillows placed in the cot/crib to achieve an incline can also lead to over heating and breathing difficulties. This should certainly be avoided.

The Lift Safely Wedge is the worlds biggest selling and safest cot wedge making a difference to tens of thousands of lives.