Why All The Fuss Bedside Baby Bed
Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs in bed allow parents to keep their infant close at night without compromising on safety. They are designed for newborns and can be used until 4 to 6 months.
The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the parent's bed and has a push-down side that lets parents scoop up their newborn for middle-of-the-night feedings. But, Continue Reading won't fit under beds lower than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside crib lets parents keep their infants close for evening feedings, comforting and monitoring, without having to leave their beds. This type of arrangement is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or with limited mobility and may help parents remain more relaxed throughout the night. However, it is important to look at safety features before purchasing a bedside baby bed.
This type of mattress poses a safety concern since it doesn't offer an entirely secure barrier between the sleeping area of the parent as well as the infant's sleeping space. This can lead to gaps that can cause dangers of suffocation to infants. Sharing a bed increases the body heat of the parent and could increase the chance of overheating. This could result in SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, these devices are not subject to CPSC's safety guidelines. These products can include slats that allow a baby's legs or head to be trapped. The mechanisms for attachment could be unstable, resulting in separation.
Many of these surfaces contain loose bedding which could lead to the risk of suffocation. Babies don't have the strength or coordination to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding and the gaps between the mattress and the frame could create a suffocation hazard. Some of these products have a tough base that can cause injury to a child if they fall on it. One user suggested that CPSC include pictograms in its warnings on these products, which would decrease the chance of caregivers ignoring key elements. Bedside sleepers need to have an easy transition system that prevents the baby from sliding off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or co-sleeper allows infants to sleep beside their parents' beds while maintaining a separate sleeping space. This safe form of co-sleeping reduces the chance of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping children close to their parents.
Baby bedding for sleepers beside the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. It could also include stuffed animals and blankets. Be sure that any bedding you use is appropriate for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges or pockets which could hinder the baby's breathing. Make sure the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeping baby is sturdy and secure with no gaps around the edges.
If you're in search of a bedding set to keep your baby clean in the event that they fall or spill up in the night, choose something that is easy to wash and dry. It is also a good idea to think about a travel kit for your bedside sleeper, to make it easy to pack and unpack it when you go on family vacations or visit the grandparents at their homes.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, you can transition them to a standalone toddler or crib. When transitioning to a crib, take it away from the bed of your parents over a period of a few weeks or even months to allow your child to become comfortable sleeping in his own space but remain connected to them. Select a crib which can be folded away for storage and transport. Some cribs can be converted to play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who travel often.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that connects to the side of a bed for adults and has one side lower than the other and allows parents to reach over to care for their child at night. It could also have a tilt function to aid in easing reflux in infants. Some parents have found that this feature can help their child sleep more comfortably. However, it is important to note that a slanted or elevated sleeping surface could cause your child to roll into an unsafe chin-to-chest posture. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
A mattress that is suitable for your child is crucial in deciding on a crib for your child's bed. It should be firm and flat as well as breathable. The size should match the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably within the frame. A second-hand mattress could increase the risk of SIDS which is why it is recommended that you purchase a new crib mattress. Some retailers offer mattresses designed for specific bed frames, so it is best to stick with these if possible.
Some cribs for bedside use, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked under your bed in order to maximize space while bringing your child closer. Some beds are too narrow to be able to accommodate this type of crib. Additionally, the BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It isn't easy to secure the BassiNest underneath a divan, which could cause it to shift or rock out of line with your mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets such as the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be placed close to your mattress but they cannot be slanted. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds when they have a solid air-conditioned bed. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to slide into a risky position which increases the chance of the possibility of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside baby bed, also called a co-sleeper, or bassinet, is a tiny crib that is attached to the sides of an adult's bed. It allows parents to reach their child at any time at night. These beds are usually larger than traditional bassinets or cots. Some have a lower edge, which creates an enclosure between the sleeping spaces. These beds are constructed from solid materials and have wheels that make them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilt features that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues, such as reflux or colic. It is important to use the tilt feature with care and only 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 visitor for advice.
The mattress is an additional safety consideration to make when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. The mattress should be firm, flat and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft may cause a blocked airway, which is dangerous for newborns. A mattress that is breathable will aid your baby in staying cool throughout the night, which could decrease the chance of overheating.
It is recommended that you put your baby to bed in a secure sleeping space, such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. While it could be tempting to sleep with your child in a bed, it could be a risky way to get SIDS. It is recommended to wait until your baby is old enough to sleep independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to ensure your child is safe from second-hand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a crib or bassinet for those with a low income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents looking to save money could be enticed by a second-hand crib, bassinet, or cradle that they receive from a relative or friend. But, cribs are among of the leading causes of deaths involving nursery products particularly when older models are damaged or missing parts or more space between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). Older mattresses may also develop dips and other conditions that could be dangerous for your baby. If your crib is older than current safety regulations it may be contaminated by lead paint, and could contain other harmful chemicals.
If you are considering purchasing a used crib, look to see whether it's been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It's also a good idea to check whether the crib has been painted with water-based paint, which is much safer for infants than oil or phthalic paint. Ensure that the mattress is firm and that it is fitted snugly. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to slip off and present a risk of suffocation.
Pay special attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles, as well as play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp elements that your child could scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these items which could create dangers for entrapment.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered or tampered with. Most of these accidents occurred when parents or caregivers tried to make the cribs functional or more attractive by incorporating or modifying items. Since 1973 crib makers and CPSC collaborated to create the standards that are mandatory for safe infant cribs. These standards dealt with things like side heights, slat spacings mattress fits, corner posts, and cutouts on end panels. In the past few years the number of crib-related deaths has decreased from 150 to 200 a year to around 50.