7 Things You'd Never Know About Bedside Baby Bed
Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be placed next to the bed allow parents to keep their child close during the night without compromising the safety of their child. They are designed for newborns and are suitable for use up to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel that can be swivel over the bed of with the ability to be lowered so that parents can pick up their newborn during nighttime feedings. The base is not suitable under beds that are lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed lets parents keep their babies close to them for evening feedings, comforting and monitoring, without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those who have limitations in mobility. It can also assist parents sleep better at night. It is essential to think about the safety aspects when purchasing the bedside crib.
This kind of sleeping surface presents a safety hazard because it does not provide an adequate barrier between the sleeping area of the parent and the infant's sleeping area. This can lead to gaps that could pose dangers of suffocation to infants. Sharing a bed increases the body heat of the parent and could increase the chance of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they aren't subject to the CPSC safety standards. These cribs may include slats that allow the baby's head or legs to become trapped. The mechanisms for attachment could be unstable, resulting in separation.
Many of these surfaces also contain loose bedding that could cause the risk of suffocation. Babies don't have the muscle or coordination to remove themselves from the tangles of soft bedding, and gaps between the frame and the mattress can create a suffocation hazard. Some of these products have a hard base that could cause injury to a baby should they fall on it. One commenter suggested that the CPSC include pictograms in warnings to these products. This would decrease the likelihood that caregivers miss key elements. Bedside sleepers must have an easy transition system that prevents the baby from falling off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper or bassinet, allows babies to sleep beside their parents' beds and still have a separate sleeping space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arms' reach for feedings during the night or comforting.
Baby bedding for a bedside sleeper can include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers, and stuffed animals. Make sure the bedding you choose is suitable for the bedside sleeping baby properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Also, ensure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits snugly without gaps around the edges.
If you're in search of a bedding set to keep your baby clean in the event that they have accidents or spit up during the night, choose something that is easy to clean and dries. Consider a travel kit to help you pack and unpack your bedside sleeper when you're going to visit grandparents or on vacation.
When your child is no longer a bedside sleeper, it is possible to move them to a separate toddler or a crib. When transitioning, make sure to remove the crib from the bed of your parent over several weeks or months so that your child can get used to sleeping in their own space, while still feeling a sense of connection to their parents' presence. Also, make sure you select a crib that can fold easily for storage and transportation. Some models can be converted into a play area or a larger bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who are new and love to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that attaches to the side of an adult bed and has one side lower than the other which allows parents to reach over to care for their child during the night. It may also have tilt features that help ease reflux in infants. Some parents feel this feature can help their child sleep better. It is important to keep in mind that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface could stimulate your baby's chin into a the chest. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
A good mattress is an important factor when choosing a crib for your child's bed. It must be flat and firm and breathable. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and fit snugly into the frame. It is recommended to buy a new mattress for your crib, as a second-hand mattress could increase the risk of SIDS. If possible, it is recommended to purchase mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bed frames.
Some cribs designed for bedside are made to fit under your bed to conserve space and bring your child close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds are too low to accommodate this kind of crib. The feet that are splayed out of the BassiNest make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It is also difficult to slide it under a divan bed which can cause it to slide or sway out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs, such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be set up beside your mattress, but aren't in a position to tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds if they have a firm air-conditioned bed. Get More Information tilting of a bassinet may cause your child to slide into a dangerous position, increasing their risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper, or bassinet, is a small crib that attaches to the sides of a bed for an adult. It allows parents to reach their child easily during the night. They are usually larger than the traditional cots and bassinets, and some even have a an lower part that creates a short barrier between the sleeping spaces. These beds are made from sturdy materials, and many have wheels that make them easier to move around the home.
Some bedside cribs have tilt functions, which can help babies with digestive issues like reflux or colic. It's important to use the tilt feature with caution and at a very small angle to avoid suffocation. If you're not sure whether you should make use of this feature, talk to your physician or health care professional for advice.
The mattress is a further safety consideration to make when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress needs to be flat, firm and ventilated. A mattress that is too soft may result in a clogged airway, which is extremely dangerous for newborns. A mattress that is breathable can ensure that your baby stays cool throughout the night, which can decrease the chance of overheating.
It is recommended to put your baby to sleep in their own safe sleeping area - such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. While it might seem tempting to put your baby in a bed, this is a major risk of SIDS. It is best to wait until your baby is old enough to go to bed independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to protect your child from secondhand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a bassinet or a crib for those with a low income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who want to save money could be tempted by a secondhand bassinet, crib or cradle they acquire from a relative or friend. But, cribs are among of the leading causes of death due to nursery products especially if they have damaged or missing parts or have wider spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Older mattresses can also develop dips or other issues that can be risky for your baby. If your crib is too old to meet the safety standards of today, it may be contaminated by lead paint or other toxic chemicals.
Verify if the crib has been recalls on the crib. It's also a good idea to check whether the crib was painted with water-based paint, which is much safer for infants than phthalic or oil paint. Additionally, make sure the mattress is firm and secure. Babies can easily slip out of mattresses with soft surfaces and also present a risk of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay special attention to any secondhand bassinets, cradles, and play yards. All of them should be JPMA-certified and free from sharp edges that could hurt or poke your baby. Avoid adding toys, pillows or blankets with these products. They can become entrapment hazard.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered or played with. Most of these incidents were caused by caregivers or parents who tried to make the cribs functional or more attractive by incorporating or altering things. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to establish standards that are mandatory for safer cribs, including things like side height, slat spacing, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts in end panels. As the result, deaths attributed to cribs have dropped from around 150 to 200 per year to less than 50.