7 Helpful Tips To Make The Most Of Your Bedside Baby Bed
Bedside Baby Beds Baby cribs that can be placed next to the bed allow parents to keep their child close at night, without any risk to security. They are made to be used by infants up to 4-6 months old. 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 middle-of-the-night feedings. However, the base won't be able to fit under beds less than 4.5 inches high. Safety features A bedside crib allows parents to keep their babies close to them for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring, without having to leave their sleeping arrangements. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for new mothers recovering from birth or for those with limitations in mobility. It could also help parents sleep better at night. It is nevertheless important to look at safety features before purchasing a bedside baby bed. This kind of sleeping surface presents a safety hazard since it doesn't offer an adequate barrier between the sleeping area of the parent and the infant's sleep area. This could result in gaps that can cause suffocation hazards to young infants. In addition, sharing a bed with an infant can increase the body heat of the parents and raises the chance of overheating which could lead to SIDS. While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they aren't covered by the CPSC safety standards. They could have the slats which allow the baby's legs or head to become trapped and their attachment mechanisms can be unstable, and could cause separation. Additionally, many of these mattress frames contain loose bedding that could cause suffocation. Babies don't have the strength or coordination required to remove themselves from the tangles of soft bedding, and gaps between the mattress and the frame can create a suffocation hazard. Some of these products have a hard base that could cause injury to a child if they fall onto it. One commenter suggested that the CPSC add pictograms as warnings on these products. This could lower the risk that caregivers overlook crucial elements. Moreover, bedside sleepers must have an easy transition mechanism that can prevent the baby from slipping off the bed of their parents. Bedding A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows babies to sleep next to their parents' beds while maintaining a separate space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping infants close to their parents. Baby bedding for a bedside sleeper could include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers and toys. Make sure the bedding you choose is suitable for the sleeping baby's bed in a proper way. This will stop pockets or bulges from obstructing 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. If bedside cot used looking for a bedding set that will keep your baby clean in the event that they get sick or vomit up in the night, choose something that is easy to wash and dry. It is also a good idea to think about a travel kit for your sleeper at night, so you can easily pack and unpack it when you go on family vacations or visit the grandparents at their homes. If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper, you can move your child to a crib or a toddler that is on its own. When you transition, make sure to move the crib away from the parent's bed over several weeks or months so that your child can get used to sleeping in their own space while still feeling connected to their parents. Pick a crib that is able to be folded away for storage and transport. Some cribs can be transformed into a play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who travel often. Tilt function A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that connects to the side of a bed for adults and has one side lower than the other which allows parents to reach over to tend their baby at night. It may have a tilt feature to help alleviate reflux in infants. Some parents have found that this feature can help their child sleep better. However, it is important to note that a slanted or elevated sleeping surface may cause your child to sleep in a risky chin-to-chest position. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided. The choice of a mattress is a different aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib. It must be firm, flat and airy. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and fit snugly within the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the risk of SIDS which is why it is recommended to purchase an entirely new crib mattress. Certain retailers sell mattresses that are designed for specific bed frames, so it is best to use those if you can. Some bedside cribs, like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be placed under your bed in order to maximize space while bringing your child closer. However, some beds are too low for this type of crib. In addition, the BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It is also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed, which could cause it rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress. Other types of bedside cribs, such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be placed next to your mattress, but aren't in a position to tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents only use these beds if they have a firm air-conditioned bed. The tilting of a bassinet could cause your child to roll into a risky position, increasing their risk of suffocation. Position of foot-to-foot A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a tiny crib that is attached to the side of a bed for an adult. This lets parents easily access their child during the night. They are usually larger than traditional cots or bassinets. Some have an upper side that creates an unintentional barrier between the sleep spaces. These beds are constructed from sturdy materials and most come with wheels, making them easier to move around the home. Some cribs for bed have a tilt feature that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues, such as reflux or colic. It is essential to use the tilt function with care and at a small angle to avoid from suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether to use this feature, speak to your doctor or health visitor for advice. Another crucial safety factor to consider when choosing a crib for a bedside is the mattress. The mattress must be solid, flat and breathable to reduce the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft may cause a blocked airway, which can be dangerous for babies. A mattress that is breathable can aid your child in staying cool at night, reducing the risk of overheating. It is recommended to place your baby in their own secure sleeping space, such as either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. It could be appealing to share a bed as your baby, but this can lead to SIDS. Make sure your baby is able to sleep independently before you attempt to co-sleep. If you need to ensure that your bedroom is smokefree to safeguard your child from second-hand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you could be eligible for help with a crib or bassinet from Plunket. Second-hand cribs Parents who are frugal may be enticed to purchase or accept a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle for a gift from a family member or friend. Cribs are one of many baby products that could cause death, especially if older cribs have damaged or missing parts or have a wider space between the slats. Mattresses that are older can also develop dips or other conditions that could be hazardous for your baby. If your crib is too old to meet the safety standards of today it could be contaminated with lead paint or contain other harmful chemicals. If you're considering buying a used crib, always look to see if it has been recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Check if the crib was painted with water-based paint, since this is safer for babies. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is firm and fits snugly. Babies are prone to slip out of mattresses with soft surfaces and also could pose a danger of suffocation. In addition to cribs, pay special attention to any secondhand bassinets, cradles or play yards. All of them should be JPMA-certified and free from sharp edges that could hurt or poke your baby. Avoid adding toys, pillows, or blankets to these products. They could be a potential dangerous for entrapment. Infants have died from cribs that were altered or tampered with. Most of these accidents occurred when caregivers or parents attempted to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by adding or modifying things. Since 1973 crib makers and CPSC worked together to establish standard requirements for safer infant cribs. These standards addressed issues like side heights, spacing between slats, corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts for end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have dropped from around 150 to 200 deaths per year to around 50.