How To Tell If You're In The Mood For Bedside Baby Bed

Bedside Baby Beds

Baby cribs in bed let parents keep their infant close to them at night without compromising on safety. They are designed for use by babies up to 4-6 months old.

The Halo Bassinest swivels over the bed of the parent and has a push-down side that allows parents to scoop their baby up to feed them during the night. However, the base won't be able to fit under beds less than 4.5 inches high.

Safety features

A bedside baby bed lets parents keep their babies close for evening feedings, comforting and monitoring, without having to leave their bed. This sleep arrangement is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or who have limited mobility. It could also help parents stay more well-rested throughout the night. It is nevertheless important to evaluate safety features before buying a bedside crib.

This type of sleep surface poses a safety concern since it doesn't offer an adequate barrier between the parents' sleeping space and the infant's sleep area. This can lead to gaps that can cause the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed increases the body heat of the parent and could increase the chance of overheating. This could result in SIDS.

Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers to be safer than cribs, they're not required to meet the CPSC safety standards. They may have slats that permit babies' legs or heads to become trapped. Their attachment mechanisms may be unstable, resulting in separation.

Many of these surfaces have bedding that is loose that could cause suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to remove themselves from soft bedding. The gaps between the mattress and frame can create an entrapment risk. Some of these products have a hard base that can cause injury to a baby should they fall on it. One commenter suggested that CPSC include pictograms in its warnings about these products, which will reduce the chances of caregivers ignoring key elements. Bedside sleepers need to have an easy transition system to prevent the baby from slipping off the parent's mattress.

Bedding

A bedside crib (also called a bassinet or co-sleeper) allows infants to sleep next to their parents' beds while still occupying a separate space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risk of entrapment, suffocation, 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 sleeper at night could include crib sheets, bumpers, blankets, and toys. Make sure  bedside crib travel  select fits the bedside sleeping baby properly. This will stop pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Make sure the mattress you purchase for your baby's bed is firm and firmly fitted without gaps around the edges.

If you're in search of a bedding set to keep your baby clean in case they have accidents or spit up during the night, choose something that is easy to clean and dries. Consider a travel kit to help you pack and unpack your bedside sleeper when you're going on vacation or visiting grandparents.

Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, you can change them to a stand-alone toddler or crib. When transitioning, make sure to remove the crib from the bed of your parent over several weeks or months so that your child can get used to sleeping in their own space, while still being a part of their parents' presence. Select a crib which can be folded for storage and transport. Certain models can be transformed into a play yard, or a larger bassinet. This makes them a great choice for parents who travel often.

Tilt function

A bedside sleeper, also referred to as the bassinet is a bassinet attached to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other side to let parents reach their baby at night. It may also have a tilt function to help alleviate reflux in infants. Some parents have found that this feature helps their child sleep more comfortably. It is important to note that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface could cause your baby's chin to shift to chest position. This can lead to the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.

A suitable mattress is also crucial in deciding on the right crib for your child's bed. It should be firm, flat and breathable. 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 risk of SIDS and it is recommended to buy new crib mattresses. Certain retailers sell mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bed frames, therefore it is recommended to stick with these if possible.

Some bedside cribs are designed to be tucked under your bed to save space and bring your child close, such as the Halo BassiNest. However, some beds are too low for this type of crib. Additionally, the BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It isn't easy to place the BassiNest in divans, which could cause it to shift or rock out of line with your mattress.

Other types of bedside cribs such as the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be placed beside your mattress but are not able to tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds when they have a solid and breathable mattress. A bassinet that is tilted or placed next to a crib could encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous position which increases the chance of being suffocated.

Foot-to-foot positioning

A bedside baby bed, also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a compact crib that can be attached to the sides of an adult's bed. This lets parents be able to easily access their child throughout the night. These beds are typically larger than standard cots or bassinets. Some have an lower part that creates a short barrier between the sleeping spaces. These beds are made from sturdy materials and most have wheels that make them easier to move around the house.

Some bedside cribs have tilt features which can assist infants with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It is important to use the tilt feature with care and only at a very small angle to avoid from suffocation. Speak to your doctor or health professional if you are unsure about using the feature.

The mattress is a further safety consideration to make when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. The mattress should be firm, flat and breathable, to lower the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can result in a blocked airway in infants, which can lead to danger. A mattress that is breathable can aid your baby in staying cool during the night, which could lower the risk of overheating.

It is recommended to place your baby in their own secure sleeping space - either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. It could be appealing to sleep in the same bed with your baby, but this can result in SIDS. It is recommended to wait until your baby is old enough to sleep independently before you attempt to co-sleep. If you must ensure that your bedroom is not smoky to shield your baby from second-hand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you may be eligible for assistance with a bassinet or crib from Plunket.

Second-hand cribs

Parents who are looking to save money may be attracted by a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle they acquire from a relative or friend. But, cribs are among of the leading causes of death due to nursery products especially if they are damaged or missing parts or larger spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Additionally, older mattresses can develop dips and other conditions that can be hazardous for your child. If a crib is not old enough to meet current safety standards it could be contaminated with lead paint or other toxic chemicals.

If you're considering buying purchasing a used crib, look to see if it has been recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. 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. Ensure that the mattress is firm and that it fits comfortably. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to slip out and also pose a suffocation risk.

Pay special attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles as well as play yards. All of them should be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these products, which can become entrapment hazards.

Infants have died from cribs that were altered or played with. Most of these incidents occurred when caregivers or parents tried to make the cribs functional or more attractive by incorporating or modifying things. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC collaborated to create standard requirements for safer cribs for infants. These standards addressed things like side heights, slat spacings mattress fits, corner posts and cutouts on the end panels. In the past few years, the number of deaths attributed to cribs has dropped from 150 to 200 per year to just 50.