Are Bedside Baby Bed As Crucial As Everyone Says?
Bedside Baby Beds Baby cribs in bed let parents keep their newborn close during the night without compromising on safety. They are made to be used by infants from 4-6 months. The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the bed of the parent and features a push-down side that lets parents scoop their baby up for feedings in the middle of the night. But, the base won't fit under beds lower than 4.5 inches high. Safety features A bedside crib lets parents keep their babies close for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without leaving their own beds. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those who have mobility issues. It could also help parents sleep better at night. It is, however, essential to consider safety features prior to buying a bedside crib. This type of sleep surface poses a safety concern because it does not provide an entirely secure barrier between the parents' sleeping space and the infant's sleeping area. This can lead to gaps that could pose dangers of suffocation to infants. In addition, sharing a bed with a child increases the body heat of the parent and increases the chance of overheating which could lead to SIDS. While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they are not covered by the CPSC safety standards. These products may have slats that permit a baby's head or legs to become trapped, and their attachment mechanisms may be unstable, and could cause separation. Additionally, many of these sleep surfaces have loose bedding, which can cause death. Babies don't have the strength or coordination to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding, and gaps between the mattress and the frame can cause a danger of suffocation. Some of these products have a tough base that can cause injury to a baby if they fall onto it. One user suggested that the CPSC include pictograms in warnings for these products. This could lower the risk that caregivers overlook crucial elements. Moreover, bedside sleepers should come with an easy transition mechanism to prevent the baby from sliding off the parent's bed. Bedding A bedside crib (also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper) lets babies sleep beside their parents' beds while still occupying a separate space. This form of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies close to their parents and within arm's reach for feedings during the night or for comforting. Baby bedding for a baby who sleeps at night can include crib sheets, bumpers, blankets, and stuffed animals. Make sure that the bedding you choose is suitable for the baby's bed 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 comfortably without gaps around the edges. When selecting a bedding set, search for one that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your infant has accidents or spits up during the night. Consider travel cot bedside of a travel kit that will simplify the process of packing and take your bedside sleeper out of the bag while you're away to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents. If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper, you can move your child to a crib or a toddler that is all on its own. When transitioning, make sure to remove the crib from the bed of your parent over several months or weeks so that your infant can be comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still being a part of their parents. Pick a crib that is able to be folded away to be stored and transported. 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 that is attached to the side of a bed for adults and has one side lower than the other and allows parents to reach over to take care of their child during the night. It may have a tilt feature that helps ease reflux in infants. Some parents feel this feature helps their baby sleep better. However it is crucial to remember that a sloped or elevated sleeping surface could encourage your child to roll into an unsafe chin-to-chest position. This can lead to death and should be avoided. A mattress that is suitable for your child is a key factor in choosing the crib for your child's bed. It should be firm and flat, as well as breathable. The mattress should be the same size as the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the risk of SIDS and it is recommended to purchase an entirely new crib mattress. If possible, it is best to buy mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames. Some bedside cribs are designed to fit under your bed in order to save space and keep your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds are too narrow to be able to accommodate this type of crib. The feet that are splayed out of the BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath certain beds. It's also a challenge to place it under a divan bed which could cause it to rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress. Other bassinets for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be set close to your mattress however, they aren't able to be slanted. CHOICE recommends that parents only use these beds when they have a solid and breathable mattress. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib can encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous position which increases the chance of being suffocated. Position of foot-to-foot A bedside baby bed, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a tiny crib that attaches to the side of a bed for an adult. It allows parents to easily access their child during the night. The beds are typically larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge, which creates an obstacle between the sleeping areas. They are usually constructed from durable materials, and some have wheels to make it easy to move around the home. Some cribs for bed have tilt features that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues like reflux or colic. It is important to utilize this feature with extreme care and at a very small angle to avoid suffocation. If you're not sure whether to utilize this feature, speak to your GP or health visitor for guidance. Another important aspect 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 firm can result in a blocked airway in newborns, which can be dangerous. A mattress that is breathable can help your child remain cool at night, reducing the risk of overheating. It is recommended to place your baby in their own safe sleeping space – a crib, cot or Moses basket. It could be tempting to share a bed as your baby, but this can result in SIDS. Wait until your baby can sleep independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you have to ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to shield your baby from second-hand smoke. If you're on a lower income, you could be eligible for help with a crib or bassinet from Plunket. Second-hand cribs Parents who are looking to save money could be enticed by a used bassinet, crib or cradle they acquire from a relative or friend. Cribs are just one of the nursery products that can cause death, particularly if older cribs have broken or missing parts, or have a wider space between the slats. Additionally, older mattresses could develop dips and other conditions that can be hazardous for your child. If a crib is older than current safety regulations it may be contaminated by lead paint, and could contain other harmful chemicals. Verify whether the crib has been removed from the crib. It is also an excellent idea to determine whether the crib was painted with water-based paint, which is more safe for infants than phthalic or oil-based paint. Ensure that the mattress is firm, and that it fits comfortably. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to fall out and present a risk of suffocation. Be especially cautious of second-hand bassinets and cradles, and play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp elements that your child can scratch or poke at. Avoid adding pillows, toys or blankets to these products. They could pose an dangerous for entrapment. Infants have died from cribs that were altered or tampered with. Most of these incidents occurred when caregivers or parents tried to make the cribs functional or more attractive by adding or modifying things. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to establish mandatory standards for safer cribs, including issues like side height, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts in end panels. In the past few years the number of deaths attributed to cribs has dropped from 150 to 200 per year to around 50.