Why Bedside Baby Bed Still Matters In 2024
Bedside Baby Beds Baby cribs that can be set close to the bed allows parents to keep their child close during the night without risking safety. They are designed for use by babies up until 4-6 months. The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed with an end that can be pulled down so that parents can take their baby into the crib during feeding times at night. But, the base won't fit under beds lower than 4.5 inches high. Safety features A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to monitor, comfort and feed their children at night without having leave their bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or with limited mobility. It may also help parents to sleep better at night. However, it is important to evaluate safety features before buying a bedside crib. This type of sleep surface is a safety risk because it doesn't provide an adequate barrier between the sleeping area of the parent and the infant's sleeping area. This could result in gaps which can pose dangers of suffocation to infants. Additionally sharing the bed with an infant increases the body heat of the parent and increases the risk of overheating, which could lead to SIDS. While some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers have a higher safety rating than traditional cribs, these devices do not meet the safety standards of the CPSC. These products may have the slats which allow a baby's head or legs to be snagged and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable and lead to separation. Additionally, many of these mattresses have loose bedding, which can cause the suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to untangle their bodies from the soft bedding. The gaps between the frame and the mattress can also pose the risk of suffocation. Some of these items have a hard bottom that can cause injury to a baby should they fall upon it. One commenter suggested that CPSC add pictograms to its warnings about these products, which will lower the risk of caregivers missing key elements. Moreover, bedside sleepers should come with an easy transition mechanism to keep the baby from slipping off the bed of their parents. Bedding A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or a co-sleeper, allows babies to sleep on their parents' beds while maintaining a separate sleeping space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risks of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arms' reach for feedings during the night or comforting. Baby bedding for sleepers on the bed could include bumpers and crib sheets. They can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Be sure that the bedding you select fits the bedside sleeping baby properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Also, make sure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits comfortably without gaps around the edges. When choosing a bedding set, look for one that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your infant is having accidents or spits up at night. You may also want to think about a travel bag for your child's bedside sleeper so you can easily take it out and back when you go on family vacations or visit your grandparents home. If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition your child to a crib or a toddler that is its own. When you transition to a crib, remove it from the parents' bed over a period of a few weeks or even months to let your child become comfortable sleeping in their own space, but remain connected to them. Select a crib which can be folded for storage and transport. Some cribs can even be converted to a play yard or deeper bassinet. This makes them a great choice for parents who travel often. co sleeper bedside cot is a bassinet that is attached to the side of an adult bed and has one side higher than the other which allows parents to reach over to take care of their child during the night. It could also come with a tilt function to help alleviate reflux in babies. Many parents report that this feature can help their children sleep better. However, it is important to keep in mind that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface could cause your child to sleep in a risky chin-to-chest posture. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided. The choice of a mattress is a further important factor to consider when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It should be firm, flat and breathable. The mattress should be exactly the same size as the crib and be able to fit into the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the risk of SIDS and it is recommended to purchase new crib mattresses. Some retailers offer mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames, so it is best to stick with those if you can. Some cribs designed for bedside are made to be tucked under your bed in order to save space and keep your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds are too low to be able to accommodate this type of crib. The splayed feet of the BassiNest make it difficult to slide under some beds. It's also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed which could cause it to slide or sway out of alignment with the mattress. Other cribs for bedside use, such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be placed beside your mattress, but aren't capable of tilting. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilting of a bassinet could cause your child to slide into a risky position, increasing their danger of suffocation. Position of foot-to-foot A bedside baby bed also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a compact crib that attaches to the edge of a bed for an adult. It allows parents to reach their child at any time at night. They are generally larger than the traditional cots or bassinets. Some have a lower edge that creates an enclosure between the sleeping areas. These beds are constructed from solid materials and have wheels that make them easier to move around the house. Some bedside cribs have a tilt function, which can help infants with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It's important to use the tilt feature with care and only at a very small angle to prevent suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether to utilize this feature, speak to your physician or health professional for guidance. The mattress is a further safety factor to take into account when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. The mattress should be firm, flat and breathable, to lower the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft could cause obstruction of the airway in newborns, which can be dangerous. A mattress that is breathable will help your child stay cool at night, reducing the risk of overheating. It is recommended to place your baby in a secure sleeping area – a crib, cot or Moses basket. It may seem tempting to sleep in the same bed as your baby however this could result in SIDS. It's best to wait until your baby is old enough to go to bed independently before attempting to sleep with them. If you must, make sure your bedroom is not smoky to safeguard your baby from second-hand smoke. If you're on a low income, you might be eligible for assistance with a bassinet or crib from Plunket. Second-hand cribs Parents looking to save money might be attracted by a used crib, bassinet, or cradle that they get from a family member or friend. But, cribs are among of the leading causes of nursery-product related deaths, especially when older ones are damaged or missing parts or if they have larger spaces between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). In addition, older mattresses may develop dips and other issues that could pose danger to your baby. If your crib is not old enough to meet the safety standards of today it could be contaminated with lead paint or other toxic chemicals. If you're thinking of buying purchasing a used crib, check to see if it has been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is also recommended to verify whether the crib has been painted with water-based paint, which is safer for babies than phthalic or oil-based paint. Also, ensure that the mattress is firm and secure. Babies can easily slide out of mattresses with soft surfaces, which also pose suffocation risks. Pay special attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles, and play yards. All of them must be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these items which could create dangerous entrapment risks. Children have died in cribs that had been tampered with or modified, and most of the incidents occurred when parents and caregivers tried to make the cribs more useful or attractive by incorporating items or modifying them in some way. Since 1973 crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to create the standards that are mandatory for safe cribs for infants. These standards addressed things like side heights, spacing between slats, corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts on the end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have dropped from about 150 to 200 deaths per year to less than 50.