10 Unexpected Bedside Baby Bed Tips
Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be set near the bed will allow parents to keep their child close during the night without risking security. They are designed specifically for newborns and can be used up to 6 to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed that has the ability to be lowered to let parents take their baby into the crib during feeding times at night. The base is not suitable under beds lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed allows parents to keep their babies close for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without leaving their own bed. This arrangement of sleep is perfect for new mothers recovering from childbirth or with limited mobility and may help parents stay relaxed throughout the night. It is crucial to think about the safety aspects when purchasing an infant crib.
The main safety issue for this type of sleep surface is that it's not a complete barrier between the bed of the parent and the infant's sleeping area which can lead to gaps that could cause dangers of suffocation to infants. In addition, sharing a bed with an infant increases the parent's body heat and raises the risk of overheating, which can lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers to be safer than cribs, they aren't covered by the CPSC safety standards. They could have slats that permit the baby's legs or head to be snagged and their attachment mechanisms may be unstable and lead to separation.
Additionally, many of these mattresses have loose bedding that can cause death. Babies lack the strength and coordination to untangle themselves from soft bedding. The gaps between the frame and the mattress can also create a suffocation risk. Some of these products have a tough base that could cause injury to a baby if they fall on it. One commenter suggested that the CPSC add pictograms as warnings for these products. This will lower the risk that caregivers are unaware of key components. Bedside sleepers need to have a smooth transition system that stops the baby from slipping off the parent's mattress.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a bassinet or co-sleeper) allows babies to sleep in their parents' beds, while maintaining a separate space. This safe form of co-sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping infants close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a sleeper at night could include crib sheets blankets, bumpers and toys. Make sure that any bedding you use is suitable for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges and pockets that might impede the baby's breathing. Also, make sure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and snugly fits without 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 during the night, choose something that is easy to clean and dry. Consider the possibility of a travel kit that will help you pack and take your bedside sleeper out of the bag when you're going to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.
When your child is no longer a bedside sleeper, it is possible to change them to a stand-alone toddler or a crib. When you transition, make sure to move the crib away from the bed of the parent for several months or even weeks so that your infant can become comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still being a part of their parents' presence. Choose a crib that can be folded for storage and transport. Certain models can be transformed into a play yard or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who frequently travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which connects to the side of the adult bed and has one side higher than the other which allows parents to reach over to take care of their child during the night. It could have tilt features that help reduce reflux in babies. Some parents have found that this feature can help their child sleep better. It is important to keep in mind that a slanted, or elevated, sleeping surface may stimulate your baby's chin into a the chest. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is a different aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib. It must be flat and firm and breathable. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the risk of SIDS which is why it is recommended to purchase an entirely new crib mattress. Certain retailers sell mattresses that are designed for specific bed frames, therefore it is recommended to choose these if possible.
Some bedside cribs, like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked away under your bed in order to save space while bringing your child closer. Some beds aren't tall enough to accommodate 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 rock or move out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets, like the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be set next to your mattress, but they cannot be slanted. CHOICE recommends parents to use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. A bassinet that is tilted or placed next to a crib could encourage your baby to slide into a risky position and increase the risk of the possibility of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a small crib that is attached to the edge of an adult's bed. It allows parents to reach their child with ease at night. The beds are typically larger than traditional bassinets or cots. Some have a lower edge, which creates an obstacle between the sleeping spaces. These beds are made from solid materials and come with wheels, making them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs for bedside use tilt features that can aid children with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It is important to utilize this feature with extreme care and at a very gentle angle to avoid the risk of being suffocated. Talk to your doctor or health professional if you aren't sure whether you should use the feature.
The mattress is another important safety consideration to make when choosing a crib for your child's bedside. The mattress should be solid, flat and breathable, to lower the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft could lead to a trapped airway, which can be dangerous for infants. A breathable mattress can also help your child remain cool at night, reducing the chance of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a secure sleeping space, such as such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. It may seem tempting to share a bed with your baby however this could result in SIDS. You should wait until your baby is able 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. cot bedside may offer assistance with a crib or bassinet for those with a low income.
Second-hand cribs
Frugal-minded parents may be tempted 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 most common causes of deaths involving nursery products, especially when older ones are damaged or missing parts or if they have larger spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Additionally, older mattresses could develop dips and other issues that could pose danger to your baby. And if a crib is old enough to predate the safety guidelines in place the crib could be contaminated by lead paint, and could contain other toxic chemicals.
Examine if the crib has been removed from the crib. Make sure the crib was painted with water-based, as this is safer for infants. Make sure the mattress is firm, and that it fits snugly. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to slip out and also pose a suffocation risk.
Pay particular attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles as well as play yards. All of them must be JPMA-certified and free from sharp edges that could hurt or poke your baby. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these items that could become dangerous entrapment risks.
Infants have been killed in cribs that had been tampered with or modified and most of the incidents were caused by caregivers and parents who attempted to make the cribs more functional or attractive by incorporating items or modifying them in a way. Since 1973 crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to create mandatory standards for safer cribs for infants. These standards dealt with things like side heights, spacing between slats, mattress fits, corner posts and cutouts for end panels. In the past few years, the number of crib-related deaths has dropped from 150 to 200 a year to just 50.