Five Bedside Baby Bed Projects For Any Budget
Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be set next to the bed allow parents to keep their child close during the night without risking the safety of their child. They are designed specifically for newborns and can be used up to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest swivels over the bed of the parent. It features a push-down side that allows parents to scoop up their newborn for feedings in the middle of the night. The base cannot be placed under beds that are less 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 sleeping arrangement is perfect for new mothers recovering from birth or for those with limitations in mobility. It can also assist parents to sleep better at night. It is crucial to think about the safety aspects when purchasing an infant crib.
This kind of sleeping surface poses a safety concern because it doesn't provide a complete barrier to the parents' sleeping space and the infant's sleeping area. This could lead to gaps that could pose suffocation hazards to young infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent and could increase the chance of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they aren't covered by the CPSC safety standards. These cribs may include slats that allow the baby's head or legs to become trapped. The attachment mechanisms could be unstable, leading to separation.
Furthermore, a lot of mattress frames contain loose bedding that could cause the suffocation. Babies don't have the strength or coordination to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding and the gaps between the mattress and the frame could create a suffocation hazard. Some of these items have a hard base that could cause injury to a baby if they fall onto it. One commenter suggested that CPSC include pictograms on the warnings for these products, which would reduce the chances of caregivers missing key elements. In addition, bedside cribs must have an easy transition mechanism to keep the baby from falling off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper, allows babies to sleep beside their parents' beds, while having an individual sleeping space. This type 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 mid-night meals or for comforting.
Baby bedding for a sleeper on the bed could include bumpers and crib sheets. They can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Be sure that the bedding you choose is suitable for the sleeping baby's bed in a proper way. This will prevent pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Also, make sure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits snugly without gaps around the edges.
When selecting a bedding set, search for something that's easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your infant has accidents or spits up during the night. You might also want to consider a travel kit for your bedside sleeper, so that you can easily take it out and back when you go on family vacations or visit your grandparents' homes.
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 you transition to a crib, remove it from the bed of your parents over the course of time, either weeks or months, to allow your child to become comfortable sleeping in their own space, but still feel a sense of connection to them. Also, be sure to choose a crib that is able to fold easily for storage and transport. Some models can be converted into a play yard, or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who are new and are keen to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that connects to the side of a bed for adults and has one side lower than the other, allowing parents to reach over to care for their child at night. It may also have a tilt function that can aid in easing reflux in infants. Some parents find this feature helps their child sleep more comfortably. It is important to remember that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface could cause your baby's chin to shift to chest position. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
A good mattress is an important factor when choosing the right crib for your child's bed. It should be firm, flat and airy. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and be able to fit within the frame. It is recommended to purchase a new mattress for your crib, as a second-hand mattress could increase the risk of SIDS. If you can, it is best to buy mattresses that are made for specific bedframes.
Some bedside cribs are designed to fit under your bed to save space and bring your child close, such as the Halo BassiNest. However some beds are too low for this type of crib. The BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It may be difficult to tuck the BassiNest under a divan, which could cause it to shift or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs like the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be set up beside your mattress but are not in a position to tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds when they have a firm air-conditioned bed. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to slide into a risky position which increases the risk of being suffocated.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside baby bed also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a compact crib that is attached to the sides of a bed for an adult. This allows parents to access their child easily throughout the night. These beds are generally larger than standard cots or bassinets. Some have an upper side that creates an elongated barrier between the sleeping spaces. These beds are made from solid materials and have wheels to make them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs with a bedside have a tilt feature that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues such as colic or reflux. However, it's important to use this feature with great care and at a very slight angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. Speak to your doctor or health professional if you are unsure whether to use the feature.
The mattress is an additional safety factor to consider when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. The mattress must be smooth, firm and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft could result in a clogged airway, which is extremely dangerous for infants. A mattress that is breathable can ensure that your baby stays cool during the night, which could lower the risk of overheating.
It's recommended that you put your baby to sleep in a secure sleeping space - such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. It could be appealing to share a bed as your infant however this could result in SIDS. You should wait until your baby is able to sleep independently before you attempt to sleep together. If you must, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to ensure your child is safe from second-hand smoke. Plunket can assist with a crib or bassinet if you have a low-income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents looking to save money could be enticed by a secondhand crib, bassinet, or cradle that they receive from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the most common causes of death due to nursery products particularly when older models are damaged or missing parts or have wider spaces between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). Older mattresses can also develop dips and other conditions that could be risky for your child. And if a crib is older than 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 a good idea to check whether the crib was painted with water-based paint, which is much safer for infants than oil or phthalic paint. Make sure the mattress is firm and that it fits comfortably. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to fall out and can pose a danger of suffocation.
Pay special attention to used bassinets and cradles as well as play yards. All of them should be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges that could hurt or poke your baby. Avoid adding pillows, blankets or toys to these items that could become entrapment hazards.
foldable bedside crib have died in cribs that were altered or interfered with. The majority of these deaths occurred when caregivers or parents attempted to make the cribs functional or more attractive by adding or altering things. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC collaborated to create standard requirements for safer cribs for infants. These standards addressed issues like side heights, spacing between slats, mattress fits, corner posts, and cutouts on end panels. In the past few years, the number of deaths attributed to cribs has decreased from 150 to 200 per year to around 50.