Kanoe Frequently Asked Questions

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 (item KS-002) is most responsive for children weighing between 10 and 30 pounds. Once the child is too heavy for the spring, we recommend that the spring be removed and the straps be adjusted so that the Kanoe is just a few inches from the floor.  At this point, children are probably able to climb out of the hammock on their own and can 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 measures 36 inches long by 16 inches wide.  For freedom of movement it needs to be positioned at least 28 inches from any nearby wall or object.

Can my child sleep in the Kanoe?

Yes.  Children tend to fall asleep as fast as if they were being rocked in your arms.  Children who 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 inches 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, easy, and allow for maximum flexibility.  Eye lags can be placed in several locations around the house or outdoors (i.e., in the nursery, 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.  Most should work fine -  make sure you choose a stand with a high anchor point for best results.

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.

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 100% organic cotton Kanoe is extremely durable and colorfast and is completely machine washable.

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.  There is an extension strap, available upon request, for looping over a beam or tree limb, or for use with high ceilings.