10 Healthy Bedside Baby Bed Habits
Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be set near the bed will allow parents to keep their child close at night, without risking safety. They are designed specifically for newborns and are suitable for use up to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed that has an end that can be lowered so that parents can take their baby into the crib during feeding times at night. The base cannot be placed under beds that are lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed allows parents to keep their babies close to them for evening feedings, comforting and monitoring without leaving their bed. bedside sleeper cot of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering from birth or for those with limited mobility. It could also help parents to sleep better at night. It is, however, essential to look at safety features before purchasing a crib for your baby.
This kind of sleeping surface is a safety risk because it does not provide an entirely secure barrier between the parent's sleeping area and the infant's sleep area. This could lead to gaps which can pose the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent and can increase the risk of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers to be safer than cribs, they aren't subject to the CPSC safety standards. These products may have slats that permit the baby's legs or head to become trapped, and their attachment mechanisms may be unstable, and could cause separation.
Furthermore, a lot of sleep surfaces have loose bedding, which can cause suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to remove their bodies from the soft bedding. Gaps between the frame and the mattress can also create a suffocation risk. Some of these items have a hard base that could cause injury to a child if they fall upon it. One commenter suggested that the CPSC include pictograms in warnings for these products. This would decrease the likelihood that caregivers are unaware of key components. Sleepers at the bedside need a smooth transition system that prevents the baby from sliding off the parent's mattress.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a bassinet or co-sleeper) allows infants to sleep in their parents' beds, while maintaining a separate space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risks of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies close to their parents and within arm's reach for middle-of-the-night feedings or for comforting.
Baby bedding for a baby who sleeps at night could include crib sheets blankets, bumpers and toys. Make sure the bedding you choose fits the sleeping baby's bed in a proper way. This will prevent pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Also, ensure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits comfortably without gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for a bedding set to keep your baby clean in case they fall or spill up during the night, choose something that is simple to wash and dry. It is also a good idea to think about a travel bag for your child's bedside sleeper so that you can easily pack and unpack it when you go on family vacations or visit the grandparents' homes.
When your baby is no longer a bedside sleeper, you can move the child to a crib or toddler that is all on its own. When transitioning, be sure to remove the crib from the parent's bed over several months or weeks to allow your child to get used to sleeping in their own space, while still being a part of their parents. Choose a crib that can be folded away for storage and transport. Some models can be converted into a play yard, or a larger bassinet. This makes them an ideal option for parents who are new and are keen to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which is attached 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 during the night. It may also have a tilt function that can help alleviate reflux in infants. Some parents feel this feature helps their child sleep more comfortably. However it is crucial to keep in mind that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface could cause your child to roll into an unsafe chest-to-chin position. This could lead to the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is a further important factor to consider when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It should be firm, flat and ventilated. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and fit snugly into the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the risk of SIDS and it is recommended to buy a new crib mattress. If bedside cot wooden can, it is best to buy mattresses that are made specifically for specific bedframes.
Some bedside cribs, like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be placed under your bed in order to make space while bringing your child closer. However some beds are too low for this type of crib. The BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide under some beds. It can be difficult to place the BassiNest in a divan, and this could cause it to shift or rock out of alignment with your 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 firm, breathable bed. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to slide into a risky position, increasing the risk of being suffocated.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also referred to as co-sleeper or bassinet, is a small crib that is attached to a side of a bed designed for adults. This allows parents to be able to easily access their child throughout the night. These beds are usually larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge, which creates an obstacle between the sleeping areas. They are constructed of solid materials and have wheels that make them easier to move around the home.
Some bedside cribs come with 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 at a very small angle to prevent from suffocation. If you're unsure about whether to utilize this feature, speak to your physician or health visitor for advice.
Another crucial safety factor to consider when choosing a crib for a bedside is the mattress. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress needs to be firm, flat and breathable. A mattress that is too firm could cause an obstruction in the airway of infants, which can lead to danger. A mattress that is breathable will aid your baby in staying cool during the night, which will decrease the chance of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in their own safe sleeping space, such as such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. While it might seem tempting to sleep with your baby in a bed, this is a major risk of SIDS. It is recommended 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 smoke-free to ensure your child is safe from second-hand smoke. If you're on a lower income, you could be eligible for help with a bassinet or crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to buy or accept a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle as a hand-me-down from a relative or friend. But, cribs are among of the main causes of death due to nursery products especially if they have missing or damaged parts or if they have more space between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). Mattresses that are older can also develop dips or other issues that can be dangerous for your baby. If your crib is too old to meet the current safety standards, it may be contaminated with lead paint or contain other toxic chemicals.
If you're considering buying purchasing a used crib, check to see whether it's been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is also a good idea to check whether the crib was painted with water-based paint which is safer for babies than phthalic or oil-based paint. Additionally, make sure the mattress is firm and fits snugly. Babies can easily slip out of mattresses with soft surfaces and also pose suffocation risks.
In addition to cribs, pay special attention to any used bassinets, cradles, and play yards. All of them must be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges that could scratch or poke your baby. Avoid adding pillows, toys or blankets with these products. They can become dangers to entrapment.
Children have died in cribs that were altered or tampered with. Most of these incidents occurred when caregivers or parents attempted to make the cribs functional or more attractive by adding or modifying things. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have teamed up to establish standards that are mandatory for safer cribs, including things like side heights, slat spacing, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts in end panels. In the past few years the number of crib-related deaths has dropped from 150-200 per year to around 50.