Bedside Baby Bed Techniques To Simplify Your Daily Life Bedside Baby Bed Trick That Every Person Should Know
Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs in bed let parents keep their infant close to them at night without compromising on safety. They are designed to be used by newborns from 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the parent's bed and comes with a push-down feature that allows parents to scoop up their newborn for feedings in the middle of the night. However, the base won't fit under beds lower 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 leaving their own bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those who have mobility issues. It may also help parents sleep better at night. It is nevertheless important to evaluate safety features before purchasing a bedside baby bed (discover this info here).
This type of mattress presents a safety hazard because it doesn't provide a complete barrier to the sleeping area of the parent and the infant's sleeping area. This can lead to gaps that can cause the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent and can increase the risk of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, these devices aren't subject to the CPSC's safety guidelines. They may feature slats that permit a baby's head or legs to become trapped and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable and lead to separation.
Furthermore, a lot of mattresses have loose bedding that can cause suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to untangle their bodies from the soft bedding. Gaps between the frame and the mattress can create the risk of suffocation. Some of these beddings have an extremely hard bottom that could cause injury to a baby bedside crib if they fall onto it. One user suggested that CPSC add pictograms to its warnings about these products, which would lower the risk of caregivers missing key elements. Bedside sleepers must have a smooth transition system to prevent the baby from falling off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or bassinet) lets babies sleep in their parents' beds but still having their own space. This method of sleeping in a safe manner helps reduce the risk of suffocation as well as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping babies close to their parents.
Baby bedding for sleepers in the bed can include bumpers and crib sheets. They can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Make sure that the bedding you select fits the bedside sleeping baby properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Make sure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeping baby is sturdy and secure without gaps around the edges.
When choosing a bedding set, search for a set that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your baby has accidents or spits up during the night. Consider an item for travel to help you pack and unpack your bedside crib to cot sleeper when you're on vacation or visiting grandparents.
When your child is no longer a bedside sleeper, you can transition them to a standalone toddler or a crib. When transitioning, be sure to remove the crib from the parent's bed over several months or even weeks so that your child can become comfortable sleeping in their own space while still being a part of their parents' presence. Also, be sure to choose a crib that is able to fold up easily for storage and transport. Certain models can be transformed into a play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them an excellent option for parents who frequently travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which is attached to the side of the adult bed and has one side higher than the other, allowing parents to reach over to tend their baby during the night. It could also come with a tilt function that can help ease reflux in infants. Many parents report that this feature can help their babies sleep better. However it is crucial to keep in mind that a sloped or elevated sleeping surface can cause your child to roll into an unsafe chin-to-chest posture. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is another key factor when selecting a crib for your bed. It must be flat and firm as well as airy. The mattress should be exactly the same size as the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. It is recommended to buy an entirely new mattress for the crib since a second-hand one could increase the chance of SIDS. If you can, it is recommended to purchase mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bed frames.
Some bedside cribs, like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked under your bed in order to make space while bringing your baby closer. However certain beds are too low for this kind of crib. In addition, the BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It is also a challenge to place 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 in a position to tilt. CHOICE suggests that parents only use these beds if they have a firm air-conditioned bed. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib could encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous position which increases the risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside baby bed also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a small crib that can be attached to the edge of an adult's bed. It allows parents to reach their child with ease throughout the night. These beds are usually larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge, which creates an obstacle between the sleeping spaces. They are typically made from durable materials, and many have wheels to make it easy to move throughout the house.
Some cribs for bed have tilting features that aid babies suffering from digestive issues like colic or reflux. However, it's important to utilize this feature with extreme care and at a slight angle to avoid suffocation. If you're unsure about whether to utilize this feature, speak to your GP or health professional for guidance.
Another important aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is the mattress. The mattress must be smooth, firm and breathable, to lower the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can lead to a trapped airway, which can be dangerous for newborns. A breathable mattress can also help your child stay cool during the night, which reduces the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a secure sleeping space such as crib, cot for bedside, or Moses basket. Although it may be tempting to put your child in a bed, this poses a serious risk of SIDS. Make sure your baby is able to sleep independently before you attempt to sleep together. If you must, ensure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to protect your child from second-hand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you could be eligible for assistance with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents looking to save money could be tempted by a used bassinet, crib or cradle they acquire from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the most common causes of nursery-product related deaths, especially when older ones have missing or damaged parts or have larger spaces between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). Mattresses that are older can also develop dips and other issues that can be hazardous for your baby. If your crib is old enough to be predated by the current safety standards the crib could be contaminated by lead paint and may contain other toxic chemicals.
If you're considering buying purchasing a crib that is used, be sure to check if it has been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It's also an excellent idea to determine whether the crib was painted with water-based paint which is much safer for infants than phthalic or oil paint. Ensure that the mattress is firm, and that it fits snugly. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to fall out, and they also present a risk of suffocation.
Be especially cautious of second-hand bassinets and cradles, as well as play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp parts that your baby can poke or scratch themselves on. Avoid putting pillows, toys or blankets to these products. They could pose an entrapment hazard.
Infants have been killed in cribs that had been tampered with or altered and the majority of incidents were caused by caregivers and parents who tried to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding things or modifying them in a way. Since 1973 crib makers and the CPSC collaborated to create mandatory standards for safer cribs for infants. These standards dealt with things like side heights, slat spacings, mattress fits, corner posts, and cutouts on end panels. In the past few years the number of crib-related deaths has dropped from 150 to 200 per year to around 50.