15 Bedside Baby Bed Benefits That Everyone Should Know
Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs for bedside use let parents keep their newborn close during the night without compromising safety. They are designed to be used by infants up to 4-6 months old.
The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the bed of the parent. It has a push-down side that allows parents to scoop their baby up for feedings in the middle of the night. But, the base won't be able to fit under beds less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to watch, comfort and feed their infants at night without having leave their bed. This sleep arrangement is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth, or who have limited mobility. It could help parents remain more relaxed throughout the night. It is, however, essential to consider safety features prior to purchasing a rocking bedside crib baby bed.
This type of mattress presents a safety hazard since it doesn't offer an entirely secure barrier between the parent's sleeping area and the infant's sleep area. This could result in gaps that could pose the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed increases the body heat of the parent, which can increase the chance of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers to be safer than cribs, they are not covered by the CPSC safety standards. These products can include slats that allow babies' legs or heads to get trapped. Their attachment mechanisms may also be unstable, leading to separation.
Many of these surfaces have loose bedding that could cause the possibility of suffocation. Babies don't have the muscle or coordination to free themselves from entanglement in soft bedding, and the gaps between the mattress and the frame could cause a danger of suffocation. Some of these products also have an extremely hard bottom that could hurt a child if they fall onto it. One commenter suggested that CPSC include pictograms in its warnings on these products, which would decrease the chance of caregivers ignoring key elements. Large Bedside crib sleepers must have an easy transition system to prevent the baby from sliding off the parent's mattress.
Bedding
A bedside cot wooden crib (also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper) allows infants to sleep beside their parents' beds but still having their own space. This form of safe co sleeper bedside cot-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 comforting.
Baby bedding for a baby who sleeps at night could include crib sheets blankets, bumpers, and stuffed animals. Make sure that any bedding you choose to use is suitable for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges and pockets that might impede the baby's breathing. Also, ensure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits comfortably without gaps around the edges.
If you're in search of a bedding set to keep your baby clean in the event that they fall or spill up during the night, select a set that is easy to clean and dries. You might also want to think about a travel kit for your child's bedside crib and cot sleeper so that you can easily take it out and back when you go on family vacations or visit the grandparents at their homes.
If your child has outgrown their bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition them to a standalone toddler or a crib. When you transition to a crib, move it away from the bed of your parents over a period of a few weeks or even months so that your child can become comfortable sleeping in their own space, but still feel connected to them. Be sure to select a crib that you can fold easily for storage and transportation. Some models can even be converted into play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them an ideal option for parents with young children who like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also referred to as bassinet, is a piece of furniture attached to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other side to let parents reach their baby at the end of the night. It could have a tilt feature that helps ease reflux in infants. Some parents report that this feature can help their children sleep better. It is important to keep in mind that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface may encourage your baby's chin to chest position. This could lead to the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.
A good mattress is crucial in deciding on the crib for your child's bed. It should be firm and flat as well as airy. The mattress should be exactly the same size as the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the chance of SIDS which is why it is recommended to buy new crib mattresses. Certain retailers sell mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bed frames therefore it is recommended to use them if you can.
Some cribs for bedside use, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked under your bed to save space while bringing your child closer. Some beds are too narrow to accommodate this type of crib. In addition, the BassiNest's legs with splayed feet make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It's also difficult to slide it under a divan bed, which can cause it to rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use like the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be placed beside your mattress but are not in a position to tilt. CHOICE suggests 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 roll into an unsafe position, increasing the risk of suffocation.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside baby bed, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a compact crib that can be attached to the sides of a bed for an adult. This lets parents access their child with ease during the night. The beds are typically larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge that creates a barrier between the sleeping spaces. They are usually constructed from durable materials, and some have wheels to make it easy to move around the home.
Some cribs for bed have tilt features that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues like reflux or colic. It's important to use the tilt function with care and only at a moderate angle to prevent the risk of suffocation. If you're not sure whether or not to make use of this feature, talk to your GP or health professional for guidance.
Another important safety consideration when selecting a crib for your bed is the mattress. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress must be firm, flat and ventilated. A mattress that is too soft can cause a blocked airway, which can be dangerous for infants. A mattress that is breathable can help your baby stay cool throughout the night, which could decrease the chance of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a safe sleeping area - crib, cot, or Moses basket. It might be tempting to sleep in the same bed as your baby, but this can result in SIDS. Wait until your baby can sleep independently before attempting to sleep together. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to protect your child from secondhand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you might be eligible for help with a bassinet or crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to purchase or take an old crib, bassinet or cradle as a hand-me-down from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the leading causes of death due to nursery products particularly when older models have damaged or missing parts or wider spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). In addition, older mattresses may create dips and other conditions which could be dangerous for your baby. If a crib is not old enough to meet current safety standards it could be contaminated by lead paint or other harmful chemicals.
If you're thinking of buying a used crib, always check to see if it has been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Verify if the crib has been coated with water-based paint since this is safer for babies. Ensure that the mattress is firm and that it is fitted snugly. Babies can easily slip out of soft mattresses and also pose suffocation risks.
In addition to cribs, pay particular attention to used bassinets, cradles, and play yards. They should all be JPMA certified, and have no sharp edges that your child can scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid adding pillows, blankets or toys to these items, which can become dangers for entrapment.
Infants have died in cribs that had been tampered with or altered and the majority of 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, the crib manufacturers and the CPSC have teamed up to establish standards that are mandatory for safer cribs, addressing things like side heights, slat spacing, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts in the end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have dropped from about 150 to 200 deaths per year to less than 50.