A Complete Guide To Bedside Baby Bed Dos And Don'ts
Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs for bedside use allow parents to keep their newborn close to them at night without compromising safety. They are made for use by babies up until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the bed of the parent. It features a push-down side that allows parents to scoop up their newborn for middle-of-the-night feedings. However, the base won't be able to fit under beds less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to monitor, comfort, and feed their babies throughout the night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement 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 nevertheless important to look at safety features before purchasing a bedside baby bed.
The primary safety concern with this type of sleeping surface is that it is not an entirely secure barrier between the bed of the parent and the baby's sleeping space and can result in gaps that could cause dangers of suffocation to infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent and can increase the chance of overheating. This can lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they're not subject to the CPSC safety standards. They could have slats that allow the baby's legs or head to become trapped and their attachment mechanisms may be unstable and lead to separation.
Furthermore, a lot of sleep surfaces have loose bedding, which can cause death. Babies lack the strength and coordination to untangle themselves from bedding that is soft. Gaps between the frame and mattress can create the risk of suffocation. Some of these products have a tough base that could cause injury to a child if they fall upon it. One user suggested that the CPSC add pictograms as warnings for these products. This would lower the risk that caregivers overlook crucial elements. Bedside sleepers need to have an easy transition system that prevents the baby from slipping off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows babies to sleep in their parents' beds while still occupying a separate space. This form of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arm's reach for middle-of-the-night feedings or comforting.
Baby bedding for a sleeper on the bed could include bumpers and crib sheets. It can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Make sure that any bedding you choose to use is suitable for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges or pockets that could obstruct the baby's breathing. Make sure the mattress you buy for your baby's bed is firm and firmly fitted with no gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for a bedding set that will keep your baby clean in the event that they get sick or vomit up in the night, pick a bedding that is easy to wash and dries. You might also want to think about a travel bag for your child's bedside sleeper to make it easy to carry it around when you travel with your family or visit grandparents home.
When your baby outgrows the bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition your child to a crib, or a toddler that is all on its own. When transitioning to a crib, move it away from the bed of your parents over the course of a few weeks or even months so that your child can learn to sleep in his own space but still feel connected to them. Pick a crib that is able to be folded away to be stored and transported. Some cribs can be converted into a play yard or deeper bassinet. This makes them an ideal choice for new parents who like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also referred to as a bassinet, is a bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other to let parents reach their child at night. It may also have a tilt feature to help reduce reflux in babies. Some parents have reported that this feature can help their children sleep better. It is important to keep in mind that a slanted or elevated, mattress can encourage your baby's chin to the chest position. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
Selecting a mattress that is suitable is a further important factor to consider when selecting a crib for your bed. It must be firm, flat and breathable. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and fit snugly into the frame. It is best to purchase a new mattress for your crib as a second-hand one could increase the risk of SIDS. Some retailers offer mattresses made for specific bed frames, so it is best to choose those if you can.
Some cribs designed for bedside are made to tuck under your bed to save space and bring your baby close, like the Halo BassiNest. Some beds aren't tall enough to accommodate this type of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to slide underneath some beds. It can be difficult to tuck the BassiNest under divans, which could cause it to shift or move out of alignment with your mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs, such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be placed beside your mattress but are not in a position to tilt. CHOICE suggests that parents only use these beds when they have a solid and breathable mattress. The tilting of a bassinet can encourage your child to fall into a dangerous position, increasing their danger of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also known as co-sleeper or bassinet is a crib attached to the side of a bed for adults. This lets parents have access to their child at any time during the night. These beds are generally larger than standard cots or bassinets, and some have an lower part that creates a short barrier between the sleeping spaces. They are usually made of sturdy materials, and many have wheels for easy transport throughout the home.
Some cribs for bed have tilt features that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues, such as colic or reflux. It is important to make use of this feature with utmost care and at a very small angle to avoid suffocation. Talk to your doctor or health visitor if you are unsure whether to use the feature.
Another crucial safety factor to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is the mattress. The mattress should be firm, flat and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft may lead to a trapped airway, which is extremely dangerous for infants. A mattress that is breathable will aid your baby in staying cool during the night, which can lower the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a safe sleeping space such as a cot, crib or Moses basket. It could be appealing to sleep in the same bed as your infant but this could cause SIDS. Make sure your baby is able to sleep independently before attempting to sleep with them. If you must 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 bassinet or crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are frugal may be enticed to purchase or take an old crib, bassinet or cradle from a friend or relative. However, cribs are one of the leading causes of nursery-product related deaths particularly when older models have missing or damaged parts or have wider spaces between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). Additionally, older mattresses can develop dips and other issues that can be hazardous for your baby. If a crib is not old enough to meet the safety standards of today it could be contaminated by lead paint or other harmful chemicals.
If you're thinking of buying a used crib, always look to see whether it's been recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Verify if the crib has been coated with water-based paint because this is safer for infants. Be sure that the mattress is firm, and that it fits snugly. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to slip off, and they also can pose a danger of suffocation.
bedside cot co sleeper to used bassinets and cradles and play yards. They should all be JPMA-certified and free from sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid adding pillows, blankets or toys to these products which could create dangerous entrapment risks.
Infants have died from cribs that were altered or tampered with. Most of these accidents were caused by caregivers or parents who tried to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by adding or altering things. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to create the standards that are mandatory for safe cribs for infants. These standards addressed things like side heights, spacing between slats, corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts on the end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have dropped from about 150 to 200 per year to less than 50.