How Do You Know If You're Prepared For Bedside Baby Bed
Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs in bed let parents keep their infant close during the night without compromising safety. They are designed to be used by newborns up to 4-6 months old.
The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the parent's bed and features a push-down side that lets parents scoop up their newborn for middle-of-the-night feedings. The base is not suitable under beds that are lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed lets parents keep their babies close to them for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring, without having to leave their sleeping arrangements. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or with limitations in mobility. It may also help parents to sleep better at night. It is essential to think about safety features when purchasing a bedside crib.
This type of mattress presents a safety hazard because it doesn't provide a complete barrier to the sleeping area of the parent and the infant's sleeping area. This can lead to gaps that could pose suffocation hazards to young infants. In addition sharing the bed with an infant increases the body heat of the parent and increases the risk of overheating, which can lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim co-sleepers for bedside use to be safer than cribs, they aren't subject to the CPSC safety standards. These products can have slats that permit a baby's legs or head to get trapped. The mechanisms for attachment could also be unstable, resulting in separation.
Additionally, many of these mattress frames have loose bedding, which can cause death. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to untangle themselves from soft bedding. There are gaps between the frame and the mattress can create a suffocation risk. Some of these beddings have a hard bottom that could injure a baby when they fall on it. One commenter suggested the CPSC include pictograms in warnings on these products. This will lower the risk that caregivers are unaware of key components. Moreover, bedside sleepers must have an easy transition mechanism that can prevent the baby from falling off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet lets babies sleep on their parents' beds, while having an independent sleeping space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risk of suffocation, entrapment, 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 baby who sleeps at night can include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers, and toys. Make sure that the bedding you choose is suitable for 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 sleeping baby is firm and fits tightly with no gaps around the edges.
When choosing a bedding set, search for one that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your baby has accidents or spits at night. Consider an item for travel to simplify the process of packing and take your bedside sleeper out of the bag when you're on vacation or visiting grandparents.
When your child is no longer a bedside sleeper, you can move them to a separate toddler or a crib. When you transition, make sure to remove the crib from the bed of the parent for several weeks or months to allow your child to get used to sleeping in their own space, while still being a part of their parents. Select a crib which can be folded away for storage and transport. Some models can be converted into a play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them an ideal option for parents who are new and like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which attaches to the side of the adult bed and has one side higher than the other, allowing parents to reach out to take care of their child throughout the night. It may also have a tilt feature to help alleviate reflux in babies. Some parents find this feature can help their child sleep better. However it is crucial to note that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface could encourage your baby to sleep in a risky chin-to-chest position. This can cause 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 must be flat and firm and airy. The size should match the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably within the frame. It is recommended to purchase a new mattress for your crib, as a second-hand mattress could increase the chance of SIDS. If you can, it is recommended to purchase mattresses that are designed for specific bedframes.
Some cribs designed for bedside are made to fit under your bed in order to save space and bring your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. However, some beds are too low for this type of crib. The BassiNest's legs with splayed feet make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It may be difficult to place the BassiNest in divans, which could cause it to move or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be set up beside your mattress but are not able to tilt. CHOICE suggests that parents only use these beds when they have a firm and breathable mattress. A bassinet that is tilted or placed next to a crib can encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous position and increase the risk of the possibility of suffocation.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a small crib that is attached to the side of a bed for an adult. This allows parents to access their child easily throughout the night. They are generally larger than the traditional cots or bassinets. Some have a lower edge, which creates a barrier between the sleeping spaces. These beds are made from sturdy materials, and many come with wheels, making them easier to move around the home.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilt functions which can assist children with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. However, it's important to use this feature with great care and at a small angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. If you're not sure whether you should use this feature, speak to your doctor or health care professional for advice.
Another important safety consideration when selecting a crib for your bed is the mattress. The mattress must be solid, flat and breathable, to lower the risk of SIDS. more helpful hints that is too soft can result in a clogged airway, which is extremely dangerous for babies. A mattress that is breathable can help your baby stay cool throughout the night, which can lower the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in their own secure sleeping space - either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. It may seem appealing to share a bed as your baby, but this can cause SIDS. It's best to wait until your baby is old enough to go to bed independently before you attempt to co-sleep. 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 a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are frugal may be enticed to buy or accept a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle as a hand-me-down from a family member or friend. However, cribs are one of the most common causes of death due to nursery products, especially when older ones are damaged or missing parts or if they have wider spaces between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). Additionally, older mattresses could create dips and other conditions which could be dangerous for your baby. If your crib is not old enough to meet current safety standards it could be contaminated by lead paint or have other harmful chemicals.
Examine if the crib has been recalls on the crib. Verify if the crib has been painted with water-based paint, since this is safer for infants. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is firm and fits snugly. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to slip off and also can pose a danger of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay close attention to any used bassinets, cradles, and play yards. They should all be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges that could scratch or poke your baby. Avoid adding toys, pillows or blankets to these products. They can become entrapment hazard.
Children have died in cribs that were altered or played with. The majority of these deaths occurred when parents or caregivers attempted to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by incorporating or modifying items. Since 1973 crib makers and CPSC have worked together to create mandatory standards for safer infant cribs. These standards addressed issues like side heights, spacing between slats, mattress fits, corner posts, and cutouts on end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have decreased from 150 to 200 per year to around 50.