5 Must-Know Practices For Bedside Baby Bed In 2024
Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that are placed close to the bed allows parents to keep their child close during the night without any risk to security. They are made to be used by infants up to 4-6 months old.
The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the bed of the parent and has a push-down side that lets parents take their newborn baby in for feedings in the middle of the night. The base is not suitable under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to monitor, comfort and feed their children throughout the night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering after childbirth or those who have limited mobility. It could also help parents sleep better at night. It is nevertheless important to consider safety features prior to purchasing a bedside baby bed.
The main safety issue with this type of sleep surface is that it is not a complete barrier between the bed of the parent and the baby's sleeping space which can lead to gaps that could pose suffocation risks to young infants. Sharing a bed increases the body heat of the parent and could increase the chance of overheating. This can lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim co-sleepers for bedside use to be safer than cribs, they're not subject to the CPSC safety standards. They may have slats which allow a baby's legs or head to become trapped. Their attachment mechanisms may be unstable, leading to separation.
Many of these surfaces also have loose bedding which could lead to the possibility of suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to untangle themselves from soft bedding. The gaps between the mattress and frame can also pose the risk of suffocation. Some of these products also have a hard bottom that could cause injury to a baby if they fall onto it. One user suggested that the CPSC include pictograms in warnings for these products. This could decrease the likelihood that caregivers are unaware of key components. Bedside sleepers must have a smooth transition system that stops the baby from falling off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper or bassinet lets babies sleep on their parents' beds, while having an individual sleeping space. This type of safe co-sleeping helps reduce the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping infants close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a sleeper on the bed could include crib sheets and bumpers. It can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Be sure that any bedding you use is suitable for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges or pockets that might impede the baby's breathing. Make sure that the mattress you choose for your baby's bed is firm and fits tightly without gaps around the edges.
When selecting bedding sets, look for a set that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your child is having accidents or spits up during the night. You might also want to think about a travel bag for your child's bedside sleeper to make it easy to take it out and back when you travel with your family or visit grandparents home.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, you are able to move them to a separate toddler or crib. When agree with this , make sure to remove the crib from the bed of your parent over several months or even weeks to allow your child to be comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still feeling connected to their parents. Select a crib which can be folded for storage and transportation. Some cribs can even be converted into an outdoor play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a perfect option for parents who are new and like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which connects to the side of an adult bed and has one side lower than the other and allows parents to reach over to care for their child during the night. It may have a tilt feature to help ease reflux in infants. Some parents feel this feature helps their baby sleep better. It is important to note that a slanted or elevated, mattress can cause your baby's chin to shift to the chest position. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
A suitable mattress is also a key factor in choosing the crib for your child's bed. It must be flat and firm, as well as airy. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably within the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the chance of SIDS which is why it is recommended to buy an entirely new crib mattress. If you can, it's best to buy mattresses designed for specific bedframes.
Some cribs for bedside use, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked under your bed to save space while bringing your baby closer. However certain beds are too low for this type of crib. The BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It may be difficult to secure the BassiNest underneath a divan, which could cause it to shift or move out of alignment with your mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use, 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 suggests parents use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilting of a bassinet could cause your child to roll into a dangerous position, increasing their danger of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also called co-sleeper or bassinet is a crib that is attached to the side of a bed designed for adults. This lets parents easily access their child during the night. They are usually larger than the traditional cots and bassinets, and some even have a an upper side that creates an unintentional separation between the sleeping spaces. They are usually made of sturdy materials, and a lot of them come with wheels that allow for easy transportation around the home.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilt functions which can assist children with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It's important to use the tilt function with care and only at a small angle to avoid from suffocation. Consult your physician or health care professional if are unsure about using the feature.
Another important safety consideration when choosing a crib for a bedside is the mattress. To minimize the risk of SIDS, the mattress must be firm, flat and airy. A mattress that is too firm can result in obstruction of the airway in newborns, which is dangerous. A mattress that is breathable will aid your child in staying cool during the night, which reduces the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in their own secure sleeping area - a crib, cot or Moses basket. While it could be tempting to put your child in a bed, this is a major risk of SIDS. It is best to wait until your baby is old enough to sleep independently before you attempt to co-sleep. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to ensure your child is safe from second-hand smoke. Plunket might be able to help with a crib or bassinet if you have a low-income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are frugal may be enticed to purchase or accept an old crib, bassinet or cradle as a hand-me-down from a family member or friend. But, cribs are among of the main causes of nursery-product related deaths particularly when older models have missing or damaged parts or wider spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Older mattresses can also develop dips or other conditions that are dangerous for your child. If a crib is old enough to be predated by current safety regulations the crib could be contaminated by lead paint, and could contain other harmful chemicals.
Verify whether the crib has been removed from the crib. Check if the crib was painted with water-based, because this is safer for babies. Ensure that the mattress is firm and that it is fitted snugly. Soft mattresses can cause babies to slip off and also present a risk of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay particular attention to any used bassinets, cradles or play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp parts that your child could poke or scratch themselves on. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these items that could become dangers for entrapment.
Children have died in cribs that were altered or interfered with. Most of these accidents occurred when parents or caregivers attempted to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by incorporating or modifying things. Since 1973, the crib manufacturers and the CPSC have teamed up to establish standards that are mandatory for cribs that are safer, and have addressed issues like side height, slat spacing, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts in the end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have decreased from 150 to 200 deaths per year to about 50.