5 Must-Know-Practices Of Bedside Baby Bed For 2024
Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs for bedside use let parents keep their newborn close at night without compromising on safety. They are made to be used by infants 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 scoop their baby up to feed them during the night. But, the base won't be able to fit under beds less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to watch, comfort and feed their children at night without having leave their bed. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for new mothers recovering after childbirth or with limitations in mobility. It may also help parents to sleep better at night. It is essential to think about the safety aspects when purchasing a bedside crib.
The main safety concern with this type of sleeping surface is that it is not an entirely secure barrier between the parent's bed and the baby's sleeping space and can result in gaps that could lead to dangers of suffocation to infants. Sharing a bed increases the body heat of the parent and could increase the risk of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, these products are not subject to the safety standards of the CPSC. These cribs may include slats that allow babies' legs or heads to get stuck. The attachment mechanisms could also be unstable, resulting in separation.
Many of these surfaces have bedding that is loose which could lead to suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to remove their bodies from the soft bedding. There are gaps between the mattress and frame can create a suffocation risk. travel cot bedside crib of these items have a hard base that can cause injury to a baby if they fall upon it. One user suggested that the CPSC include pictograms in warnings to these products. This would lower the risk that caregivers are unaware of key components. Bedside sleepers must have an easy transition system to prevent the baby from falling off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper allows infants to sleep on their parents' beds while maintaining an individual sleeping space. This type of safe co-sleeping helps reduce the chance of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping babies close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a sleeper at night can include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers, and toys. Make sure that the bedding you choose fits the bedside sleeping baby properly. This will stop pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Also, make sure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits snugly without gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for bedding sets to keep your baby clean in case they get sick or vomit up in the night, pick a bedding that is simple to wash and dries. Consider the possibility of a travel kit that will make it easier to 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, you can change them to a stand-alone toddler or a crib. When you transition to a crib, take it away from the parents' bed over a period of a few weeks or even months to allow your child to learn to sleep in his own space and still feel a sense of connection to them. Choose a crib that can be folded away to be stored and transported. Some cribs can be converted into an outdoor play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who travel frequently.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which is attached to the side of the adult bed and has one side higher than the other and allows parents to reach over to care for their child during the night. It could also have an adjustable tilt feature that can aid in easing reflux in babies. Many parents report that this feature helps their babies sleep better. It is important to note that a slanted, or elevated, mattress can stimulate your baby's chin into a chest position. This can cause suffocation, and should be avoided.
Choosing a suitable 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 size should correspond to the dimensions of the crib and be able to fit within the frame. A second-hand mattress could increase the chance of SIDS and it is recommended to purchase new crib mattresses. If possible, it is recommended to purchase mattresses designed for specific bedframes.
Some cribs for bedside use, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be placed under your bed in order to make space while bringing your child closer. Some beds aren't tall enough to accommodate this kind of crib. The BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It is also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed, which can cause it to rock or move out of alignment with the mattress.
Other bassinets for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be placed close to your mattress however, they aren't able to tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds when they have a firm and breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to slide into a risky position and increase the chance of being suffocated.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside baby bed also called a co-sleeper, or bassinet, is a small crib that is attached to the side of a bed for an adult. This lets parents access their child at any time during the night. They are generally larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge, which creates a barrier between the sleeping spaces. These beds are made from sturdy materials and most have wheels to make them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilt features that can aid babies suffering from digestive issues like colic or reflux. It is essential to use the tilt feature with care and only at a moderate angle to avoid suffocation. Speak to your doctor or health care professional if are unsure whether to use the feature.
Another important aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. The mattress must be smooth, firm and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can result in a clogged airway, which is dangerous for newborns. A mattress that is breathable can help your baby stay cool throughout the night, which could lower the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a secure sleeping space - crib, cot or Moses basket. Although it may be tempting to put your baby in a bed, it 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 have to ensure that your bedroom is smokefree to safeguard your baby from second-hand smoke. If you're on a lower income, you may be eligible for help with a crib or bassinet from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Frugal-minded parents may be tempted to purchase or take an old crib, bassinet or cradle for a gift from a friend or relative. However, cribs are one of the leading causes of death due to nursery products, especially when older ones have damaged or missing parts or more space between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Older mattresses can also develop dips and other conditions that could be risky for your child. If your crib is too old to meet the safety standards of today it could be contaminated with lead paint or contain other toxic chemicals.
Verify if the crib has been recalled. Check if the crib was coated with water-based paint as this is safer for infants. Make sure the mattress is firm, and that it fits snugly. Babies can easily slide out of mattresses with soft surfaces, which also pose suffocation risks.
In addition to cribs, pay particular attention to any secondhand bassinets, cradles and play yards. All of them must be JPMA-certified and free from sharp edges that could scratch or poke your baby. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these items which could create entrapment hazards.
Infants have been killed in cribs that had been tampered with or altered and the majority of incidents occurred when parents and caregivers tried to make the cribs more functional or attractive by incorporating items or modifying them in some way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC worked together to establish the standards that are mandatory for safe cribs for infants. These standards dealt with things like side heights, slat spacings mattress fits, corner posts, and cutouts on end panels. In the last few years the number of deaths attributed to cribs has decreased from 150 to 200 a year to just 50.