10 Unexpected Bedside Baby Bed Tips
Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs for newborn bedside cot use allow parents to keep their baby close at night without compromising safety. They are designed for use by babies up to 4-6 months old.
The Halo Bassinest swivels over the bed of the parent. It features a push-down side that lets parents scoop their baby up for middle-of-the-night feedings. But, the base won't fit under beds lower than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed allows parents to keep their babies close to them for feedings at night, comforting and monitoring, without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering after birth or for those with limited mobility. It can also assist parents sleep better at night. It is essential to think about the safety features when buying a rocking bedside crib crib.
The main safety issue with this type of sleep surface is that it is not a complete barrier between the parent's bed and the baby's sleeping space which can lead to gaps that could cause suffocation risks to young infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent and can increase the chance of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, they aren't subject to the CPSC's safety guidelines. These products can have slats that permit babies' legs or heads to become stuck. The mechanisms for attachment could be unstable, leading to separation.
Many of these surfaces also contain loose bedding which could lead to the possibility of suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to untangle themselves from bedding that is soft. The gaps between the mattress and frame can create the risk of suffocation. Some of these products have a tough base that can cause injury to a baby should they fall upon it. One commenter suggested the CPSC add pictograms as warnings on these products. This will reduce the chance that caregivers overlook crucial elements. Bedside sleepers need to have a smooth transition system that prevents the baby from falling off the mattress of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper, allows babies to sleep next to their parents' beds while maintaining a separate sleeping space. This method of sleeping in a safe manner reduces the chance of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping children close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a sleeper at night can include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers, and toys. Be sure that the bedding you choose is suitable for the bedside sleeping baby properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from obstructing 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 a bedding set to keep your baby clean in case they get sick or vomit up during the night, choose something that is simple to wash and dry. Consider the possibility of a travel kit that will help you pack and unpack your bedside sleeper when you're on vacation or visiting grandparents.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside cot crib sleeper, it is possible to transition them to a standalone toddler or crib. When you transition to a crib, take it away from the bed of your parents over a period of time, either weeks or months, so that your child can get used to sleeping in their own space, but still feel connected to them. Also, be sure to choose a crib that is able to fold easily for storage and transportation. Certain models can be transformed into a play area or a more substantial bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who travel frequently.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that connects 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 may also have a tilt function that can aid in easing reflux in infants. Some parents feel this feature helps their baby sleep more comfortably. However, it is important to note that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface can cause your child to roll into an unsafe chin-to-chest position. This could lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is a different aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib. It must be firm, flat and breathable. The mattress should be the same size as the crib and fit snugly into the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the risk of SIDS which is why it is recommended to buy new crib mattresses. If you can, it's recommended to purchase mattresses that are made for specific bedframes.
Some bedside crib with changing table cribs, like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked away under your bed to make space while bringing your child closer. However, some beds are too low for this kind of crib. In addition, the BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide under some beds. It can be difficult to secure the BassiNest underneath a divan, and this could cause it to shift or rock out of line with your mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets, like the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be set next to your mattress, however, they aren't able to be slanted. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds when they have a sturdy, breathable bed. A bassinet that is tilted or placed next to a crib can encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous position and increase the chance of being suffocated.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or co-sleeper is a crib that is attached to a side of a bed for adults. This lets parents access their child with ease at night. The beds are typically larger than the traditional cots or bassinets. Some have a lower edge that creates a barrier between the sleeping spaces. They are typically made from durable materials, and many come with wheels that allow for easy transportation throughout the home.
Some cribs for bedside use a tilt function, which can help children with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It's important to use the tilt feature with care and at a very small angle to prevent from suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether or not to make use of this feature, talk to your GP or health professional for guidance.
Another important aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress must be flat, firm and breathable. A mattress that is too firm can result in an obstruction in the airway of newborns, which can be dangerous. A mattress that is breathable can aid your child in staying cool at night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you put your baby to sleep in a secure sleeping space - such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. While it might seem appealing to sleep with your child in a bed, it could be a risky way to get SIDS. Make sure your baby is able to be able to sleep on his own before trying to sleep together. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to protect your child from second-hand smoke. Plunket can assist with a crib or bassinet for those with a low income.
Second-hand cribs
Frugal-minded parents may be tempted to purchase or accept a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle as a hand-me-down from a friend or relative. However, cribs are one of the main causes of nursery-product related deaths, especially when older ones have missing or damaged parts or have more space between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). Additionally, older mattresses could develop dips and other issues which could be dangerous for your baby. And if a crib is older than the current safety standards the crib could be contaminated by lead paint, and could contain other harmful chemicals.
If you're considering buying purchasing a used crib, check to see if it has been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is also an excellent idea to determine whether the crib has been painted with water-based paint which is more safe for infants than phthalic or oil paint. Also, ensure that the mattress is sturdy and snugly fits. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to slip out, and they also pose a suffocation risk.
In addition to cribs, pay close attention to any used bassinets, cradles, and play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and have no sharp elements that your child could scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid adding toys, pillows, or blankets to these products. They could pose an dangerous for entrapment.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered with or altered, and most of the incidents were caused by caregivers and parents who tried to make the cribs more useful or attractive by adding things or modifying them in some way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to establish mandatory standards for safer cribs, addressing things like side height, slat spacing, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts on end panels. As the result, deaths attributed to cribs have dropped from about 150-200 per year to less than 50.