The History Of Bedside Baby Bed In 10 Milestones
Bedside Baby Beds
Baby bedside cribs let parents keep their newborn close at night without compromising safety. They are specifically designed for infants and can be used up to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed that has an end that can be lowered to allow parents to pick up their infant during feeding time at night. The base cannot be placed under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to watch, comfort and feed their children 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 stay relaxed throughout the night. It is, however, essential to evaluate safety features before purchasing a bedside baby bed.
This type of sleep surface is a safety risk because it does not provide an entirely secure barrier between the parents' sleeping space and the infant's sleep area. This could result in gaps that could pose dangers of suffocation to infants. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent and can increase the chance of overheating. This could result in SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, they are not subject to the safety standards of the CPSC. They could have slats that allow babies' legs or heads to be trapped, and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable and cause separation.
Many of these surfaces have loose bedding which could lead to the possibility of suffocation. Babies lack the muscle or coordination to free themselves from entanglement in soft bedding, and gaps between the mattress and the frame could create a suffocation hazard. Some of these items have an extremely hard bottom that could hurt a child if they fall onto it. One user suggested that CPSC add pictograms to its warnings about these products, which will reduce the chances of caregivers missing key elements. Bedside sleepers need to have a smooth transition system that stops the baby from slipping off the mattress of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or a co-sleeper lets babies sleep next to their parents' beds, while having an independent sleeping space. This form of safe co-sleeping 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 for comforting.
Baby bedding to sleep in the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. It could also include stuffed animals and blankets. Make sure the bedding you select fits the bedside sleeping baby properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Also, ensure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits comfortably without gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for a bedding set that will keep your baby clean in case they have accidents or spit up in the night, select a set that is easy to clean and dry. You might also want to think about a travel kit for your bedside sleeper, so you can easily pack and unpack it when you travel with your family or visit the grandparents' homes.
When your baby is no longer a bedside baby sleeper sleeper, it is possible to transition the child to a crib, or a toddler that is its own. When transitioning to a crib, remove it from the parents' bed over a period of time, either weeks or months, to let your child get used to sleeping in their own space, but remain connected to them. Select a crib which can be folded up to be stored and transported. Some cribs can be converted into a play yard or deeper bassinet. This makes them an ideal choice for new parents who love to travel.
Tilt function
A 4-in-1 bedside crib sleeper, also known as the bassinet is a bassinet attached to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other side to allow parents to reach their baby at night. It could have tilt features that help alleviate reflux in infants. Some parents find this feature helps their baby sleep better. However it is important to note that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface could encourage your baby to roll into an unsafe chest-to-chin position. This could lead to the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.
A good mattress is crucial in deciding on a crib for your child's 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. It is recommended to buy an entirely new mattress for the crib since a second-hand one can increase the chance of SIDS. If you can, it's best to buy mattresses designed specifically for specific bedframes.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to tuck under your bed in order to save space and bring your baby close, like the Halo BassiNest. Some beds are too low to be able to accommodate this type of crib. Additionally, the BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It's also difficult to slide it under a divan bed which could cause it rock or move out of alignment with the mattress.
Other bassinets for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow cot bedside Crib can be placed next to your mattress, but they cannot be slanted. CHOICE recommends that parents only use these beds when they have a sturdy air-conditioned bed. A bassinet that is tilted or placed next to a crib can encourage your baby to slide into a risky position which increases the risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or a bassinet is a crib that is attached to a side of a bed for adults. This allows parents to access their child with ease at night. These beds are typically larger than the traditional cots and bassinets. Some have a lower side that forms an elongated barrier between the sleeping spaces. They are typically made of durable materials, and some have wheels to make it easy to move throughout the house.
Some bedside cribs come with tilting features that help babies who suffer 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 suffocation. If you're unsure about whether or not to utilize this feature, speak to your doctor or health care professional for guidance.
Another important safety consideration when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. The mattress should be solid, flat and breathable to reduce the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft may cause a blocked airway, which is extremely dangerous for newborns. A mattress that is breathable will aid your baby in staying cool during the night, which could decrease the chance of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a secure sleeping space such as a cot bedside, crib or Moses basket. It might be tempting to sleep in the same bed with your baby, but this can result in SIDS. Wait until your baby can be able to sleep on his own before trying to sleep with them. If you must, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free in order to protect your child from secondhand 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 financially savvy may be enticed to purchase or accept an old crib, bassinet or cradle for a gift from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the main causes of nursery-product related deaths particularly when older models have missing or damaged parts or if they have larger spaces between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). Mattresses that are older can also develop dips and other issues that can be risky for your baby. And if a crib is older than current safety regulations it may be contaminated by lead paint and may contain other harmful chemicals.
If you are considering purchasing a crib that is used, check to see if it has been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Make sure the crib was painted with water-based, as this is safer for babies. Be sure that the mattress is firm, and that it fits snugly. Babies can easily slip off mattresses that are soft as well as present a risk of suffocation.
Pay particular attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles, and play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp elements that your child could poke or scratch themselves on. Avoid putting pillows, toys or blankets to these products. They could pose an entrapment hazard.
Children have died in cribs that were altered or tampered with. Most of these incidents occurred when caregivers or parents attempted to make the cribs functional or more attractive by adding or modifying items. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC collaborated to create mandatory standards for safer infant cribs. These standards addressed issues like side heights, slat spacings corner posts, mattress fits, and cutouts on end panels. As the result, deaths attributed to cribs have decreased from 150-200 per year to less than 50.