Are Bedside Baby Bed As Vital As Everyone Says?
Bedside Baby Beds Baby bedside cribs allow parents to keep their baby close during the night without compromising on safety. They are made to be used by newborns up until 4-6 months. The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed with an end that can be pulled down to let parents pick up their newborn during feeding time at night. But, the base won't fit under beds that are less than 4.5 inches high. Safety features A bedside crib allows parents to keep their babies close for evening feedings, comforting and monitoring, without having to leave their own sleeping arrangements. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering after childbirth or with mobility issues. It can also assist parents sleep better at night. It is, however, essential to look at safety features before purchasing a crib for your baby. This type of mattress presents a safety hazard because it doesn't provide an entirely secure barrier between the parents' sleeping space and the infant's sleep area. This can lead to gaps that can cause suffocation hazards to young infants. In addition, sharing a bed with a child can increase the body heat of the parents and raises the risk of overheating which can lead to SIDS. While some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, these products are not subject to the safety standards of the CPSC. These cribs may include slats that allow babies' legs or heads to be trapped. The mechanisms for attachment could be unstable, resulting in separation. Additionally, small bedside cot of these mattresses contain loose bedding that could cause the suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to remove themselves from soft bedding. Gaps between the frame and mattress can create a suffocation risk. Some of these products have a tough base that could cause injuries to a child if they fall on it. One commenter suggested the CPSC add pictograms as warnings for these products. This will reduce the chance that caregivers are unaware of key components. Sleepers at the bedside need an easy transition system that prevents the baby from slipping off the parent's mattress. Bedding A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper lets babies sleep on their parents' beds while maintaining a separate sleeping space. This type 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 arms' reach for feedings during the night or comforting. Baby bedding for a sleeper at night could include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers, and toys. Be sure that any bedding you select is suitable for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges or pockets which could hinder the baby's breathing. Also, make sure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits snugly without gaps around the edges. If you're looking for a bedding set that will keep your baby clean in the event that they get sick or vomit up during the night, choose something that is easy to wash and dry. Consider an item for travel to make it easier to pack and unpack your bedside sleeper while you're away to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents. If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper you can transition your child to a crib or a toddler that is on its own. When transitioning, make sure to remove the crib from the bed of the parent for several months or weeks so that your infant can be comfortable sleeping in their own space while still feeling connected to their parents' presence. Choose a crib that can be folded away for storage and transport. Certain models can be transformed into a play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them an excellent option for parents who frequently travel. Tilt function A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that attaches to the side of a bed for adults and has one side higher than the other which allows parents to reach out to tend their baby throughout the night. It could also have an adjustable tilt feature that can help alleviate reflux in babies. Many parents report that this feature helps their children sleep better. It is important to remember that a slanted, or elevated, sleeping surface may stimulate your baby's chin into a the chest. This can cause suffocation, and should be avoided. A good mattress is a key factor in choosing a crib for your child's bed. It should be firm, flat and airy. The size should correspond to the dimensions of the crib and be able to fit in the frame. A second-hand mattress could increase the chance of SIDS which is why it is recommended to purchase an entirely new crib mattress. Some retailers offer mattresses made specifically for specific bed frames therefore it is recommended to stick with those if you can. Some bedside cribs are designed to be tucked under your bed in order to save space and bring your child close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds aren't tall enough to be able to accommodate this type of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath certain beds. It's also difficult to slide it under a divan bed which could cause it to rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress. Other types of bedside bassinets, like the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be placed next to your mattress, however they aren't able tilt. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib could encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous position and increase the risk of being suffocated. Position of foot-to-foot A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper or a bassinet is a crib attached to the side of a bed for adults. This lets parents easily access their child during the night. These beds are usually larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge that creates a barrier between the sleeping areas. These beds are constructed from solid materials and come with wheels, making them easier to move around the home. Some cribs with a bedside have tilt features that can aid babies with digestive issues like reflux or colic. It is essential to use the tilt feature with care and only at a very small angle to prevent suffocation. Consult your physician or health professional if you are unsure whether to use the feature. Another important safety consideration when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. The mattress must be solid, flat and breathable, to lower the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft could result in a clogged airway, which can be dangerous for newborns. 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 – crib, cot or Moses basket. While it might seem appealing to sleep with your child in a bed, it is a major risk of SIDS. Make sure your baby is able to be able to sleep on his own before trying to sleep with them. If you need to ensure that your bedroom is smokefree to safeguard your baby from smoke from other rooms. Plunket can assist with a crib or bassinet for those with a low income. Second-hand cribs Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to purchase or take a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle as a hand-me-down from a friend or relative. Cribs are just one of the baby products that could cause death, especially if older cribs have damaged or missing parts, or have larger spaces between the slats. Older mattresses may also develop dips or other conditions that are risky for your child. And if a crib is old enough to predate current safety regulations it may be contaminated by lead paint, and could contain other harmful chemicals. Examine if the crib has been removed from the crib. It's also recommended to verify whether the crib was painted with water-based paint which is much safer for infants than oil or phthalic paint. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is sturdy and snugly fits. Babies can easily slide off mattresses that are soft, which also pose suffocation risks. Pay particular attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles and play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and have no sharp parts that your baby can scratch or poke at. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these products which could create dangerous entrapment risks. Infants have died from cribs that were altered or tampered with. Most of these accidents occurred when parents or caregivers tried to make the cribs functional or more attractive by adding or altering items. Since 1973, the crib manufacturers and the CPSC have worked together to establish mandatory standards for safer cribs, addressing issues like side height, slat spacing, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts on end panels. In the last few years the number of crib-related deaths has decreased from 150 to 200 a year to around 50.