Comprehensive List Of Bedside Baby Bed Dos And Don'ts
Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs in bed let parents keep their newborn close during the night without compromising on safety. They are specifically designed for infants and can be used until 6 to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the bed of the parent and comes with a push-down feature that allows parents to scoop their baby up to feed them during the night. The base cannot be placed under beds that are lower than 4.5" 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 sleep is perfect for mothers who are recovering from childbirth, or who have limited mobility. It could help parents stay well-rested throughout the night. It is nevertheless important to evaluate safety features before buying a bedside crib.
This kind of sleeping surface poses a safety concern because it does not provide an adequate barrier between the sleeping area of the parent and the infant's sleep area. This could result in gaps that could pose dangers of suffocation to infants. Additionally, sharing a bed with a child increases the parent's body heat and raises the risk of overheating which can contribute to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they are not covered by the CPSC safety standards. They may include slats that allow a baby's legs or head to get trapped. The attachment mechanisms could be unstable, leading to separation.
Additionally, many of these mattresses contain loose bedding that could cause death. Babies lack the strength or coordination required to remove themselves from the tangles of soft bedding and gaps between the mattress and the frame could create a suffocation hazard. Some of these items have an extremely hard bottom that could cause injury to a baby should they fall upon it. One commenter suggested that CPSC add pictograms to its warnings about these products, which will lower the risk of caregivers missing key elements. Additionally, bedside sleepers must have an easy transition mechanism that can prevent the baby from sliding off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper lets babies sleep on their parents' beds while maintaining an independent sleeping space. This form of safe co-sleeping reduces the risks of entrapment, suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arms' reach for mid-night meals or for comforting.
Baby bedding for a sleeper in the bed can include bumpers and crib sheets. It could also include stuffed animals and blankets. Be sure that the bedding you choose fits the baby's bed properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Make sure the mattress you purchase for your baby's bed is sturdy and secure without any gaps around the edges.
If you're in search of bedding sets to keep your baby clean in the event that they have accidents or spit up in the night, pick a bedding that is easy to wash and dries. You might also want to think about a travel kit for your sleeper at night, so that you can easily carry it around when you go on family vacations or visit grandparents' homes.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition them to a standalone toddler or crib. When transitioning, be sure to move the crib away from the bed of your parent over several months or even weeks to allow your child to become comfortable sleeping in their own space while still being a part of their parents' presence. Pick a crib that is able to be folded up for storage and transport. Some cribs can even be converted into a play yard or deeper bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who are new and love to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also known as the bassinet is a bassinet connected to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other side to enable parents to reach their baby at night. It may also have an adjustable tilt feature that can help alleviate reflux in babies. Some parents report that this feature helps their children sleep better. It is important to note that a slanted, or elevated, mattress can encourage your baby's chin to the chest. This could result in the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.
A suitable mattress is also an important factor when choosing the right crib for your child's bed. It should be firm, flat and airy. The size should match the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably in the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS which is why it is recommended to buy an entirely new crib mattress. If you can, it's recommended to purchase mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames.
Some cribs that are bedside, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked away under your bed to save space while bringing your baby closer. However certain beds are too low for this type of crib. The splayed feet of the BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath certain beds. It isn't easy to secure the BassiNest underneath divans, which could cause it to shift or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets such as the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be positioned on top of your mattress, but they cannot be slanted. CHOICE recommends parents to use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. A bassinet that is tilted or placed next to a crib could cause your child to fall into a dangerous position which increases the risk of the possibility of suffocation.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside crib, also referred to as co-sleeper or bassinet is a crib that is attached to a side of a bed for adults. It allows parents to reach their child with ease at night. These beds are generally larger than traditional cots or bassinets, and some even have a an lower part that creates an unintentional barrier between the sleeping spaces. They are usually made from durable materials, and many have wheels for easy transport throughout the home.
Some bedside cribs come with tilting features that help babies who suffer from digestive issues, such as reflux or colic. It is essential to use the tilt function with care and only at a moderate angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. Talk to your doctor or health visitor if you are unsure whether to use the feature.
The mattress is an additional safety factor to take into account when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. To minimize the risk of SIDS, the mattress needs to be firm, flat and ventilated. A mattress that is too soft can result in a blocked airway in newborns, which is dangerous. A breathable mattress will also help your baby stay cool throughout the night, which can reduce the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a secure sleeping space - crib, cot or Moses basket. It may seem tempting to share a bed as your infant however this could result in SIDS. You should wait until your baby is able to be able to sleep on his own before trying to co-sleep. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is smoke-free to protect your child from second-hand smoke. If you're on a low income, you might be eligible for help with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who want to save money might be enticed by a used crib, bassinet or cradle they get from a family member or friend. But, cribs are among of the main causes of death due to nursery products particularly when older models have missing or damaged parts or wider spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Mattresses that are older can also develop dips and other conditions that are hazardous for your child. And if a crib is old enough to be predated by the safety guidelines in place it may be contaminated by lead paint, and could contain other harmful chemicals.
Verify if 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 safer for babies than phthalic or oil paint. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is firm and fits snugly. Soft mattresses can cause babies to slip off, and they also pose a suffocation risk.
Pay special attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles and play yards. All of them should be JPMA-certified and free from sharp edges that could hurt or poke your baby. Avoid adding pillows, toys or blankets to these products. They could pose an dangers to entrapment.
Children have died in cribs that were tampered with or modified, and most of the incidents occurred when caregivers and parents attempted to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding items or modifying them in a way. Since 1973 crib makers and CPSC have worked together to create mandatory standards for safer infant cribs. These standards addressed issues like side heights, slat spacings mattress fits, corner posts, and cutouts on end panels. In bedside sleeper cot , the number of deaths attributed to cribs has dropped from 150 to 200 a year to around 50.