5. Bedside Baby Bed Projects For Any Budget
Bedside Baby Beds
Baby bedside cribs let parents keep their baby close at night without compromising safety. They are designed for use by babies up to 4-6 months old.
The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the parent's bed and features a push-down side that allows parents to take their newborn baby in for middle-of-the-night feedings. However, the base won't fit under beds lower than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to keep their babies close for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring, without having to leave their own beds. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those who have mobility issues. It may also help parents sleep better at night. It is essential to think about the safety aspects when purchasing a bedside crib.
This type of sleep surface presents a safety hazard because it doesn't provide a complete barrier to the parents' sleeping space and the infant's sleep area. This can lead to gaps which can pose dangers of suffocation to infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent, which can increase the risk of overheating. This could result in SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers have a higher safety rating than traditional cribs, they do not meet CPSC's safety standards. They could have slats that permit a baby's head or legs to be trapped and their attachment mechanisms may be unstable, and could cause separation.
Many of these surfaces also have bedding that is loose which could lead to suffocation. Babies do not have the muscle or coordination to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding and the gaps between the mattress and the frame could cause a danger of suffocation. Some of these products have a hard base that could cause injuries to a baby if they fall upon it. One commenter suggested that CPSC include pictograms in its warnings about these products, which would reduce the chances of caregivers ignoring key elements. Bedside sleepers need to have an easy transition system to prevent the baby from falling off the mattress of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows babies to sleep next to their parents' beds while still occupying a separate space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risk of entrapment, suffocation, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arms' reach for middle-of-the-night feedings or for comforting.
Baby bedding to sleep in the bed can include bumpers and crib sheets. They can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Make sure the bedding you choose fits the baby's bed properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Also, ensure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits snugly without gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for a bedding set to keep your baby clean in the event that they fall or spill up in the night, select a set that is easy to wash and dries. You may also want to consider 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 home.
When your baby outgrows the bedside sleeper, you can move your child to a crib or a toddler that is all on its own. When you transition, make sure to move the crib away from the bed of the parent for several weeks or months to allow your child to become comfortable sleeping in their own space while still being a part of their parents. Also, be sure to select a crib that can fold easily for storage and transportation. Certain models can be transformed into a play area or a larger bassinet. This makes them a perfect choice for new parents who like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed for adults and has one side higher than the other, allowing parents to reach out to take care of their child during the night. It may also have a tilt feature that helps reduce reflux in babies. Some parents have found that this feature can help their child sleep better. However it is important to keep in mind that a slanted or elevated sleeping surface may cause your child to fall into a dangerous chest-to-chin position. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is a further important factor to consider when selecting a crib for your bed. It should be firm and flat, as well as ventilated. The mattress should be exactly the same size as the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the risk of SIDS which is why it is recommended that you purchase an entirely new crib mattress. Some retailers offer mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames, therefore it is recommended to choose those if you can.
Some bedside cribs, like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked away under your bed in order to maximize space while bringing your baby closer. Some beds aren't tall enough to accommodate this type of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It's also a challenge to place it under a divan bed which could cause it rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets, like the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be set on top of your mattress, however, they aren't able to tilt. CHOICE advises bedside crib with wheels to only use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilting of a bassinet may cause your child to slide into a dangerous position, increasing the chance of dying.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside baby bed, also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a tiny crib that can be attached to the side of an adult's bed. This allows parents to have access to their child at any time during the night. These beds are usually larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge that creates a barrier between the sleeping spaces. They are constructed of 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 colic or reflux. But, it's crucial to make use of this feature with utmost care and at a slight angle to avoid being suffocated. If you're uncertain about whether to utilize this feature, speak to your physician or health visitor for advice.
Another important safety consideration when choosing a crib for a bedside is the mattress. The mattress must be smooth, firm and breathable, to lower the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too firm could cause a blocked airway in newborns, which can be dangerous. A mattress that is breathable can aid your baby in staying cool throughout the night, which will lower the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to put your baby to bed in their own secure sleeping space, such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. It might be appealing to sleep in the same bed with your baby, but this can result in SIDS. Make sure your baby is able to be able to sleep on his own before trying to co-sleep. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to protect your child from second-hand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you may be eligible for assistance with a bassinet or crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are looking to save money might be enticed by a used crib, bassinet, or cradle that they get from a family member or friend. But, cribs are among of the main causes of deaths involving nursery products particularly when older models are damaged or missing parts or if they have larger spaces between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). Additionally, older mattresses could develop dips and other conditions that can be hazardous for your child. If bedside cots for newborns is old enough to predate current safety regulations it may be contaminated by lead paint and could contain other harmful chemicals.
Verify whether the crib has been recalls on the crib. It is also recommended to verify whether the crib has been painted with water-based paint which is more safe for infants than phthalic or oil-based paint. Also, ensure that the mattress is sturdy and snugly fits. Babies can easily slip out of soft mattresses, which also pose suffocation risks.
In addition to cribs, pay particular attention to any used bassinets, cradles or play yards. They must all be JPMA certified, and have no sharp edges that your baby can scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these items that could become dangers for entrapment.
Children have died 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 adding things or modifying them in a way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC worked together to establish the standards that are mandatory for safe infant cribs. These standards addressed issues like side heights, slat spacings corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts on the end panels. As the result, deaths attributed to cribs have decreased from 150 to 200 deaths per year to about 50.