All The Details Of Bedside Baby Bed Dos And Don'ts
Bedside Baby Beds Baby cribs for bedside use allow parents to keep their newborn close during the night without compromising on safety. They are specifically designed for infants and are suitable for use up to 4-6 months. The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the parent's bed and features a push-down side that lets parents scoop their baby up for feedings in the middle of the night. The base is not suitable under beds lower than 4.5” high. Safety features A bedside crib allows parents to monitor, comfort, and feed their babies at night without having to leave their bed. This sleep arrangement is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth, or who are unable to move around. It can help parents remain more well-rested throughout the night. It is nevertheless important to consider safety features prior to buying a bedside crib. The main safety issue with this type of sleeping surface is that it is not a complete barrier between the bed of the parent and the baby's sleeping space which can lead to gaps that could pose the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent and could increase the chance of overheating. This could lead to SIDS. While some manufacturers claim co-sleepers for bedside use to be safer than cribs, they're not required to meet the CPSC safety standards. They could have the slats which allow the baby's legs or head to be trapped, and their attachment mechanisms can be unstable and lead to separation. Additionally, many of these mattress frames have loose bedding that can cause death. Babies lack the strength or coordination required to get rid of the tangles in 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 injure a baby if they fall onto it. One user suggested that the CPSC include pictograms as warnings on these products. This will lower the risk that caregivers are unaware of key components. Bedside sleepers must have an easy transition system that stops the baby from sliding off the parent's bed. Bedding A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper lets babies sleep on their parents' beds, while having an individual sleeping space. This type of safe co-sleeping helps reduce the chance of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping children close to their parents. Baby bedding for a baby who sleeps at night could include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers and toys. Make 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. Make sure the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeping baby is sturdy and secure without gaps around the edges. When choosing a bedding set, search for a set that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your infant has accidents or spits during the night. Consider an item for travel to help you pack and unpack your bedside sleeper while you're away to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents. If your child has outgrown their bedside sleeper, it is possible to change them to a stand-alone toddler or crib. When transitioning to a crib, take it away from the bed of your parents over a period of a few weeks or even months so that your child can get used to sleeping in their own space, but remain connected to them. Pick a crib that is able to be folded away for storage and transport. Some models can be converted into a play area or a more substantial bassinet. This makes them an excellent choice for parents who travel often. Tilt function A bedside sleeper, also known as a bassinet, is a piece of furniture attached to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other to let parents reach their baby at night. It may also have a tilt feature that helps ease reflux in infants. Some parents have reported that this feature helps their babies sleep better. However, it is important to remember that a sloped or elevated sleeping surface could cause your child to sleep in a risky chin-to-chest posture. 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 should be firm and flat as well as breathable. The mattress should be the same size as the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. It is recommended to purchase a new mattress for the crib, as a second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS. Some retailers offer mattresses made specifically for specific bed frames so it is best to choose those if you can. Some cribs for bedside use are designed to tuck under your bed to save space and bring your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. However certain beds are too low for this type of crib. The splayed feet of the BassiNest make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It isn't easy to secure the BassiNest underneath divans, which could cause it to shift or rock out of line with your mattress. Other bassinets for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be placed close to your mattress however they aren't able tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents only use these beds if they have a firm, breathable bed. A bassinet that is tilted or placed next to a crib could cause your child to fall into a dangerous position and increase the chance of being suffocated. Foot-to-foot positioning A bedside crib, also referred to as co-sleeper or bassinet is a crib attached to the side of a bed for adults. It allows parents to have access to their child at any time during the night. The beds are typically larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge that creates an obstacle between the sleeping spaces. They are typically made of sturdy materials, and some come with wheels that allow for easy transportation around the home. Some bedside cribs have tilt functions, which can help children with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. But, it's crucial to make use of this feature with utmost care and at a small angle to avoid suffocation. Talk to your doctor or health visitor if you are unsure about using the feature. The mattress is another important safety factor to take into account when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress must be firm, flat and breathable. A mattress that is too firm can cause an obstruction in the airway of infants, which can lead to danger. A mattress that is breathable will help your child stay cool during the night, reducing the chance of overheating. It is recommended that you put your baby to bed in their own safe sleeping space, such as such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. It could be tempting to share a bed as your infant but this could cause SIDS. It's best to wait until your baby is old enough to go to bed independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free in order to protect your child from second-hand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a bassinet or a crib in the event that you are a low-income parent. Second- bedside baby bed looking to save money may be attracted by a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle they receive from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the leading causes of deaths involving nursery products especially if they have missing or damaged parts or if they have more space between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). In addition, older mattresses may develop dips and other issues which could be dangerous for your baby. If a crib is not old enough to meet current safety standards it could be contaminated with lead paint or other toxic chemicals. Examine whether the crib has been recalled. It is also recommended to verify whether the crib has been painted with water-based paint which is much safer for infants than phthalic or oil paint. Also, ensure that the mattress is firm and fits snugly. Babies can easily slip out of soft mattresses, which also could pose a danger of suffocation. In addition to cribs, pay close attention to used bassinets, cradles, and play yards. They should all be JPMA certified, and have no sharp parts that your child can scratch or poke at. Avoid adding pillows, blankets or toys to these products, which can become entrapment hazards. Infants have been killed in cribs that were tampered with or altered and the majority of incidents occurred when caregivers and parents attempted to make the cribs more useful or attractive by adding things or modifying them in a way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to establish standards that are mandatory for cribs that are safer, and have addressed issues like side height, slat spacing, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts on end panels. In the last few years, the number of crib-related deaths has dropped from 150 to 200 per year to just 50.