It's The Complete List Of Bedside Baby Bed Dos And Don'ts
Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be placed near the bed will allow parents to keep their child close during the night without any risk to the safety of their child. They are designed to be used by infants up until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed that has the ability to be pushed down so that parents can pick up their infant during feeding time at night. But, the base won't be able to fit under beds less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside crib lets parents keep their infants close for feedings at night, comforting and monitoring without leaving their own beds. This sleep arrangement is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth, or who are unable to move around. It can help parents remain more well-rested throughout the night. It is crucial to think about the safety aspects when purchasing the bedside crib.
The primary safety concern with this type of sleep surface is that it is not an entirely secure barrier between the parent's bed and the infant's sleeping area which can lead to gaps that could cause the risk of suffocation for infants. Additionally, sharing the bed with an infant can increase the body heat of the parents and raises the risk of overheating, which could lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they aren't required to meet the CPSC safety standards. They may feature slats that permit the baby's legs or head to be trapped and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable and lead to separation.
Many of these surfaces also contain loose bedding, which can lead to suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to remove themselves from bedding that is soft. There are gaps between the frame and mattress can also create an entrapment risk. Some of these products have a hard base that can cause injury to a baby if they fall upon it. One user suggested that CPSC include pictograms in its warnings about these products, which would decrease the chance of caregivers missing key elements. In addition, bedside cribs must have a smooth transition mechanism to stop the baby from sliding off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper lets babies sleep on their parents' beds while maintaining a separate sleeping space. This safe form of co-sleeping helps reduce the chance of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping babies close to their parents.
Baby bedding to sleep on the bed could include crib sheets and bumpers. They can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Make sure that the bedding you use is suitable for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges and pockets that might impede the baby's breathing. Make sure the mattress you purchase for your sleeping baby is firm and firmly fitted without gaps around the edges.
When choosing a bedding set, look for a set that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your child has accidents or spits up at night. You may also want to think about a travel kit for your sleeper at night, so you can easily carry it around when you travel with your family or visit the grandparents' homes.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, it is possible to change them to a stand-alone toddler or crib. When transitioning to a crib, take it away from the bed of your parents over the course of weeks or months to let your child get used to sleeping in his own space and remain connected to them. Also, make sure you choose a crib that is able to fold up easily for storage and transport. Some models can be converted into a play yard, or a more substantial bassinet. This makes them a great choice for new parents who love to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that is attached to the side of an adult bed and has one side lower than the other which allows parents to reach out to care for their child throughout the night. It could also have a tilt function that can aid in easing reflux in infants. Some parents find this feature helps their child sleep more comfortably. However it is important to keep in mind that a sloped or elevated sleeping surface may encourage your child to sleep in a risky chest-to-chin position. This could lead to the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.
A good mattress is a key factor in choosing a crib for your child's bed. It must be flat and firm as well as ventilated. The size should correspond to the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably within the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS, so it is recommended to purchase an entirely new crib mattress. If you can, it's best to buy mattresses that are designed for specific bedframes.
Some bedside cribs, like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be placed under your bed to maximize space while bringing your child closer. However, some beds are too low for this kind of crib. Additionally, the BassiNest's legs with splayed feet make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It is also difficult to slide it under a divan bed, which could cause it to rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use like the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be placed next to your mattress, but aren't capable of tilting. CHOICE recommends that parents only use these beds if they have a sturdy, breathable bed. A bassinet that is tilted or placed next to a crib could cause your child to roll into an unsafe position and increase the chance of being suffocated.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside baby bed also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a small crib that is attached to the edge of a bed for an adult. It allows parents to easily access their child during the night. They are usually larger than traditional cots or bassinets, and some have an upper side that creates an elongated barrier between the sleeping spaces. These beds are made from solid materials and have wheels to make them easier to move around the home.
Some cribs for bedside use a tilt function that can aid babies with digestive issues like reflux or colic. It is important to use this feature with great care and at a slight angle to avoid suffocation. If you're not sure whether or not to make use of this feature, talk to your physician or health professional for advice.
The mattress is a further safety consideration to make when choosing a crib for your child's bedside. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress needs to be flat, firm and breathable. A mattress that is too soft can result in a clogged airway, which is dangerous for infants. A breathable mattress will also help your baby stay cool throughout the night, which will lower the risk of overheating.
It's recommended that you put your baby to bed in a secure sleeping area - such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. It could be appealing to share a bed as your baby, but this can lead to SIDS. It's best to wait until your baby is old enough to be able to sleep independently before attempting to sleep with them. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to protect your child from second-hand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a bassinet or a crib in the event that you are a low-income parent.
Second-hand cribs
Frugal-minded parents may be tempted to buy or accept an old crib, bassinet or cradle as a hand-me-down from a friend or relative. But, cribs are among of the main causes of nursery-product related deaths particularly when older models have damaged or missing parts or if they have larger spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Mattresses that are older can also develop dips or other conditions that could be dangerous for your child. If a crib is not old enough to meet current safety standards, it may be contaminated with lead paint or have other harmful chemicals.
If you are considering purchasing a crib that is used, check to see whether it's been recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It's also a good idea to check whether the crib was painted with water-based paint, which is more safe for infants than oil or phthalic paint. Also, ensure that the mattress is firm and secure. Babies are prone to slip out of soft mattresses as well as pose suffocation risks.
In addition to cribs, pay close attention to any used bassinets, cradles or play yards. Cots For Tots must all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp elements that your baby can scratch or poke at. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these products, which can become dangerous entrapment risks.
Infants have been killed in cribs that were tampered with or modified and most of the incidents were caused by caregivers and parents who tried to make the cribs more useful or attractive by incorporating items or modifying them in some way. Since 1973 crib makers and the CPSC worked together to establish the standards that are mandatory for safe cribs for infants. These standards addressed issues like side heights, spacing between slats, corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts on the end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have dropped from around 150-200 per year to about 50.