Say "Yes" To These 5 Bedside Baby Bed Tips
bedside crib and travel cot Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be placed near the bed will allow parents to keep their baby close at night, without risking safety. They are designed to be used by infants from 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest swivels over the parent's bed and comes with a push-down feature that lets parents take their newborn baby in for middle-of-the-night feedings. But, the base won't be able to fit under beds less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A crib at bedside allows parents to watch, comfort and feed their infants throughout the night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleep is perfect for new mothers recovering from childbirth, or who are unable to move around. It can help parents remain more relaxed throughout the night. It is nevertheless important to look at safety features before purchasing a crib for your baby.
The main safety concern for this type of sleep surface is that it is not a complete barrier between the bed of the parent and the infant's sleeping area which can lead to gaps that could pose the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent and could increase the risk of overheating. This can lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that co-sleepers for bedside use to be safer than cribs, they aren't subject to the CPSC safety standards. These products may have slats that permit the baby's legs or head to be trapped, and their attachment mechanisms may be unstable and cause separation.
Additionally, many of these sleep surfaces have loose bedding, which can cause the suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to free themselves from soft bedding. The gaps between the frame and mattress can also pose the risk of suffocation. Some of these items have a hard bottom that can cause injury to a baby if they fall onto it. One commenter suggested that CPSC include pictograms in its warnings about these products, which would decrease the chance of caregivers ignoring key elements. Additionally, bedside sleepers should come with an easy transition mechanism to stop the baby from falling off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a bassinet or co-sleeper) lets babies sleep next to their parents' beds while maintaining a separate space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risk of entrapment, suffocation, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arm's reach for feedings during the night or comforting.
Baby bedding for a bedside sleeper could include crib sheets bumpers, blankets, and stuffed animals. Make sure that any bedding you use is suitable for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges or pockets which could hinder the baby bedside crib's breathing. Also, make sure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits snugly without gaps around the edges.
When you are choosing bedding sets, look for one that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your child has accidents or spits at night. Consider an item for travel to simplify the process of packing and unpack your bedside sleeping set when you're to visit grandparents or on vacation.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside cot crib sleeper, you can change them to a stand-alone toddler or crib. When you transition, make sure to remove the crib from the bed of your parent over several months or weeks so that your infant can get used to sleeping in their own space while still feeling a sense of connection to their parents' presence. Also, make sure you choose a crib that is able to fold up easily for storage and transportation. Some cribs can even be converted into play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them a great choice for parents who travel frequently.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also known as bassinet, is a bassinet connected to the bed's side for adults. One side is lower than the other to let parents access their infant at night. It may also have a tilt function to help ease reflux in babies. Some parents find this feature can help their child sleep more comfortably. It is important to keep in mind that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface could cause your baby's chin to shift to the chest. This could result in the suffocation of your baby 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 and flat as well as airy. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. It is recommended to buy a new mattress for your crib as a second-hand one can increase the risk of SIDS. If you can, it's best to buy mattresses that are designed for specific bedframes.
Some cribs designed for bedside are made to fit under your bed to conserve space and bring your baby close, like the Halo BassiNest. However, some beds are too low for this type of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath certain beds. It may be difficult to tuck the BassiNest under divans, which could cause it to move or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs like the Ingenuity Dream & Grow bedside rocking crib (Read the Full Document) Bassinet, can be placed next to your mattress but are not capable of tilting. CHOICE suggests that parents only use these beds if they have a firm air-conditioned bed. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib can encourage your baby to roll into an unsafe position and increase the chance of being suffocated.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside cot newborn crib, also called a bassinet or co-sleeper, is a small crib that is attached to the side of a bed designed for adults. This lets parents easily access their child during the night. They are usually larger than standard cots or bassinets, and some have an upper side that creates a short barrier between the sleep spaces. They are constructed of sturdy materials, and many come with wheels, making them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs for bed have a tilt feature that can aid babies suffering from 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 being suffocated. Consult your physician or health professional if you are unsure whether to use the feature.
The mattress is an additional safety factor to consider when choosing a crib for your child's bedside. The mattress must be solid, flat and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too firm can cause obstruction of the airway in newborns, which can be dangerous. A mattress that is breathable can ensure that your baby stays cool throughout the night, which could lower the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you put your baby to bed in a secure sleeping space, such as either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. Although it may be tempting to put your child in a bed, it poses a serious risk of SIDS. It is best to wait until your baby is old enough to sleep independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you need to ensure that your bedroom is smokefree to protect your baby from smoke from other rooms. If you're living on a low income, you may 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 a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle from a family member or friend. Cribs are among the baby products that could cause death, particularly when older cribs are broken or missing parts, or have larger spaces between the slats. Additionally, older mattresses can develop dips and other issues that could pose danger to your child. If a crib is older than the current safety standards it may be contaminated by lead paint and may contain other toxic chemicals.
Check whether the crib has been removed from the crib. Check if the crib was painted with water-based, as this is safer for infants. Be sure that the mattress is firm and that it fits comfortably. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to slip off and present a risk of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay special attention to used bassinets, cradles, and play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp edges that your child can scratch or poke at. Avoid adding pillows, toys or blankets with these products. They could pose an dangers to entrapment.
Children have died in cribs that were altered with or modified and most of the incidents occurred when parents and caregivers attempted to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding things or modifying them in a way. Since 1973, the crib manufacturers 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 in the end panels. In the last few years the number of crib-related deaths has dropped from 150-200 per year to just 50.
