What Is Bedside Baby Bed And Why Is Everyone Speakin About It
Bedside Baby Beds
Baby bedside cribs allow parents to keep their baby close during the night without compromising on safety. They are designed for use by babies from 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed with an end that can be lowered to let parents take their baby into the crib during feeding times at night. The base is not suitable under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed allows parents to keep their babies close for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring, without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleep is perfect for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those who are unable to move around. It can help parents remain more well-rested throughout the night. It is important to consider safety features when purchasing a bedside crib.
The main safety issue with this type of sleep surface is that it is not an entirely secure barrier between the parent's bed and the infant sleeping area which can lead to gaps that could pose the risk of suffocation for infants. In addition sharing a bed with an infant increases the parent's body heat and increases the risk of overheating which can contribute to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they are not subject to the CPSC safety standards. They may have slats which allow babies' legs or heads to become trapped. Their attachment mechanisms may also be unstable, resulting in separation.
Furthermore, a lot of mattress frames have loose bedding, which can cause the suffocation. Babies do not have the muscle or coordination to remove themselves from the tangles of soft bedding and gaps between the mattress and the frame could create a suffocation hazard. Some of these beddings have an extremely hard bottom that could injure a baby if they fall onto it. One commenter suggested that CPSC include pictograms on the warnings for these products, which would reduce the chances of caregivers ignoring key elements. Additionally, bedside sleepers should come with an easy transition mechanism that can stop the baby from sliding off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or a co-sleeper allows infants to sleep on their parents' beds, while having a separate sleeping space. This form of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arms' reach for middle-of-the-night feedings or comforting.
Baby bedding for a sleeper at night can include crib sheets, bumpers, blankets, and stuffed animals. Make sure that the bedding you choose fits the bedside sleeping baby properly. This will stop pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Also, ensure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits snugly without gaps around the edges.
When choosing a bedding set, look for one that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your infant is having accidents or spits up during the night. You may also want to think about a travel bedside crib kit for your bedside sleeper, so that you can easily pack and unpack it when you go on family vacations or visit grandparents' homes.
When your baby is no longer a bedside sleeper you can transition your child to a crib or a toddler that is all on its own. When you transition to a crib, take it away from the bed of your parents over a period of a few weeks or even months to let your child get used to sleeping in his own space and still feel a sense of connection to them. Also, make sure you choose a crib that is able to fold easily for storage and transportation. Some cribs can be transformed into a play yard, or a more substantial bassinet. This makes them a great choice for parents who travel frequently.
Tilt function
A bedside crib travel cot sleeper, sometimes referred to as the bassinet, is a bassinet that is attached to the bed's side for adults. One side is lower than the other to allow parents to reach their baby at night. It could also have a tilt function that can aid in easing reflux in babies. Some parents report that this feature helps their children sleep better. However it is crucial to note that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface can encourage your child to fall into a dangerous chin-to-chest position. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
A good mattress is crucial in deciding on a crib for your child's bed. It must be firm, flat and airy. The size should match the dimensions of the crib and be able to fit within the frame. It is best to purchase an entirely new mattress for the crib as a second-hand one can increase the risk of SIDS. Some retailers offer mattresses made specifically for specific bed frames, so it is best to stick with these if possible.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to be tucked under your bed in order to save space and keep your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. However, some beds are too low for this type of crib. The BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide under some beds. It isn't easy to place the BassiNest in divans, which could cause it to move or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets such as the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be set next to your mattress, however they aren't able be slanted. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilting of a bassinet can encourage your child to fall into a dangerous position, increasing their risk of suffocation.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper or a bassinet is a crib attached to the side of a bed designed for adults. It allows parents to easily access their child during the night. These beds are generally larger than the traditional cots and bassinets, and some even have a an lower part that creates a short separation between the sleeping spaces. They are constructed of solid materials and have wheels that make them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs for bed have tilt features that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues like colic or reflux. However, it's important to use this feature with great care and at a slight angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. If you're not sure whether to make use of this feature, talk to your doctor or health professional for guidance.
Another crucial safety factor to consider when choosing a crib for a bedside is the mattress. The mattress must be firm, flat and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft may result in a clogged airway, which can be dangerous for infants. A breathable mattress can also aid your child in staying cool at night, reducing the chance of overheating.
It's recommended that you put your baby to sleep in their own secure sleeping space - either a crib, cot bedside, or Moses basket. It might be tempting to sleep in the same bed as your infant however this could result in SIDS. Wait until your baby can be able to sleep on his own before trying to co-sleep. If you have to, make sure your bedroom is smoke-free to shield your baby from smoke from other rooms. If you're on a low income, you could be eligible for assistance with a crib or bassinet from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are frugal may be enticed to buy or accept a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle from a relative or friend. But, cribs are among of the most common causes of nursery-product related deaths particularly when older models have missing or damaged parts or if they have wider spaces between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). Mattresses that are older can also develop dips and other issues that can be dangerous for your child. And if a crib is old enough to be predated by the safety guidelines in place the crib could be contaminated by lead paint and could contain other harmful chemicals.
If you're thinking of buying a used crib, always look to see whether it's been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is also a good idea to check whether the crib was painted with water-based paint, which is safer for babies than phthalic or oil paint. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is firm and secure. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to slip out and present a risk of suffocation.
Pay special attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles, and play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and have no sharp elements that your child could scratch or poke at. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these items that could become dangerous entrapment risks.
Infants have died from cribs that were altered or played with. Most of these accidents were caused by caregivers or parents who tried to make the cribs functional or more attractive by adding or altering items. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC collaborated to create the standards that are mandatory for safe infant cribs. These standards dealt with things like side heights, slat spacings corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts for end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have dropped from around 150 to 200 deaths per year to less than 50.
