[We refer to babies of both sexes as "she" & "her" rather than "he/she" or "him/her"]
How old can a child be to use the Kanoe ?
How much weight can the Kanoe support ?
In general, we recommend the Kanoe for newborns and children up to 2 years of age. 
This will of course depend on the weight of the child. The spring included with the Kanoe is most responsive for children weighing between 4 and 13.5 kilograms. Once the child is too heavy for the spring, we recommend that the spring be removed and the straps be adjusted so that, when in use, the Kanoe swings just a few centimetres from the floor. At this point children are probably able to climb out of the hammock on their own and should be taught to do so safely.
How large is the Kanoe? How much space is needed to hang it?
The hammock portion of the Kanoe is 92 centimetres long by 41 centimetres wide. For freedom of movement it needs to be positioned at least 71 centimetres from nearby walls or objects.
Can my child sleep in the Kanoe?
Yes. Children tend to fall asleep as fast as if they were being rocked in your arms. Those that have a difficult time getting to sleep are often quickly soothed by the gentle 3-dimensional motion of the Kanoe. The adjustable lower straps on all four corners of the Kanoe allow it to be set at an incline to help comfort colicky babies. Close attention must be paid to children who are strong enough to climb out of the Kanoe by themselves; it is important to lower the Kanoe to within a few centimetres of the ground and teach the child to enter and exit safely.
How is the Kanoe installed? Is there a stand?
The setup of the Kanoe is designed to be quick and easy, and to allow for maximum flexibility. Eye lags can be placed in several locations around the house or outdoors (i.e., in the nursery or playroom, next to parents' bed, in the garden). The hammock can then be easily unhooked and quickly relocated elsewhere, eliminating the need for a cumbersome stand. Proper installation of the eye lags is essential for the safe use of the Kanoe. Complete installation instructions and two eye lags are included with the hammock; additional eye lags are sold separately or can be picked up at a hardware store (they must be stainless steel). We do realize that it is not always possible to hang the Kanoe from the ceiling. Stands that are sold to hold hanging chairs are available on the market. We have tested one with the Kanoe and you can find details by clicking here. Whichever stand you choose make sure it is one with a stable base and a high anchor point for stability and range of movement.
Does the Kanoe have a mattress?
No. The Kanoe does not need, and shouldn’t have, a mattress. One of the reasons the Kanoe works so well is because your baby feels like she is being held in your arms. The Kanoe was specifically designed to give support yet let the natural shape of your baby influence the surface she is lying on. This is an essential aspect of the Kanoe. It is a healthy, natural, breathable surface that your baby will love.
Does the risk of SIDS increase with the Kanoe?
No. The soft-to-the-touch floor and walls of the Kanoe are taut, so there is no more risk of SIDS than there is with a regular crib. The risk of SIDS actually decreases with the Kanoe because the hammock does not require a mattress or extra padding. The risk of SIDS increases with loose pillows, fabric and padding which are completely unnecessary as the Kanoe comfortably suspends a baby’s weight naturally.
Does the Kanoe meet Australian Standards?
There is, as yet, no Australian Standards classification for a baby hammock although this is now in the pipeline. The Kanoe has been certified for saftey by the internationally recognised Bureau Veritas certifying agency.
Will my child have trouble transitioning to a bed?
No. There is no evidence to suggest that children who have slept in a Kanoe since birth have any difficulty transitioning to a bed. In fact, this has been the focus of a study conducted in the USA over the past 10 years. The study concludes that transitioning from the Kanoe to a bed is a breeze.
What do I use for bedding in the Kanoe?
For the newborn, we highly recommend swaddling her and placing her directly in the Kanoe. Swaddling is soothing to a baby because it simulates the feeling of being in the womb. Swaddled in the Kanoe, she’ll feel warm, secure and comforted. We also recommend baby sleeping bags, especially after the first 3 to 4 months. They can be incredibly helpful getting babies (and even toddlers) to sleep through the night as there are no blankets and sheets to kick off or create a suffocation threat. If your baby spits up a lot, you can place a burping cloth in the Kanoe. For safety reasons, as in a regular cot, we do not recommend placing any loose padding around your baby. She won’t need it and it would create a suffocation hazard. Instead, swaddle with a cosy temperature-appropriate blanket (or sleeping bag) and place a little bonnet on her head.
Is the Kanoe washable?
Yes. An essential design element of the Kanoe is that the hammock is easily taken apart for washing. Simply unclip the four corners where the support straps meet the hammock, remove the two internal wooden support rods and wash the fabric on its own in the machine on a cool cycle.
Can I use the Kanoe outside?
Yes. The 100% organic cotton canvas is very durable and is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. As always, proper installation of the Kanoe, as outlined in the installation instructions, is essential for the safe use of the product.