10 Healthy Bedside Baby Bed Habits

Bedside Baby Beds

Baby bedside cribs let parents keep their infant close to them at night without compromising safety. They are designed to be used by infants from 4-6 months.

The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the parent's bed and features a push-down side that allows parents to scoop up their newborn 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 baby bed allows parents to keep their babies close to them for feedings at night, comforting and monitoring without leaving their bed. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for mothers who are recovering from birth or for those with limitations in mobility. It could also help parents to sleep better at night. It is, however, essential to consider safety features prior to purchasing a bedside baby bed.

The main safety concern with this type of sleeping surface is that it's not a complete barrier between the parent's bed and the infant's sleeping area which can lead to gaps that could 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 result in SIDS.

While some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, these devices are not subject to CPSC's safety guidelines. They may feature slats that allow babies' legs or heads to be trapped, and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable, and could cause separation.

Furthermore, a lot of mattress frames have loose bedding, which can cause the suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to free themselves from bedding that is soft. There are gaps between the frame and the mattress can also create a suffocation risk. Some of these items have an extremely hard bottom that could injure a baby should they fall upon it. One user suggested that CPSC include pictograms in the warnings for these products, which would reduce the chances of caregivers ignoring key elements. Sleepers at the bedside need a smooth transition system that stops the baby from sliding off the parent's bed.

Bedding

A bedside crib (also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper) allows babies to sleep next to their parents' beds, but still having their own space. This method of sleeping in a safe manner reduces the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping babies close to their parents.

Baby bedding for a sleeper at night could include crib sheets blankets, bumpers and toys. Be sure that the bedding you choose is suitable for the sleeping baby's bed in a proper way. This will prevent pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Also, ensure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and snugly fits without gaps around the edges.

If you're in search of bedding sets to keep your baby clean in the event that they fall or spill up during the night, choose something that is simple to wash and dry. Consider the possibility of a travel kit that will simplify the process of packing and unpack your bedside sleeper while you're away to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.

When your child is no longer a bedside sleeper, you are able to 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 months or even weeks so that your child can be comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still feeling connected to their parents' presence. Select a crib which can be folded up to be stored and transported. Certain models can be transformed into a play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a great choice for parents who travel frequently.

Tilt function

A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which connects to the side of the adult bed and has one side higher than the other which allows parents to reach out to take care of their child throughout the night. It may have a tilt feature that helps reduce reflux in infants. Some parents report that this feature helps their children sleep better. It is important to keep in mind that a slanted, or elevated, mattress can stimulate your baby's chin into a the chest. This could result in the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.

A mattress that is suitable for your child is crucial in deciding on a crib for your child's bed. It should be firm and flat and breathable. The mattress should be exactly the same size as the crib and fit snugly into the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS, so it is recommended that you purchase new crib mattresses. Certain retailers sell mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bed frames, therefore it is recommended to use those if you can.

Some cribs that are bedside, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be placed under your bed to make space while bringing your child closer. However certain beds are too low for this type of crib. The BassiNest's legs with splayed feet make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It is 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 such as the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be set close to your mattress but they cannot tilt. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress.  Cots For Tots  of a bassinet could cause your child to slide into a dangerous position, increasing their risk of suffocation.

Foot-to-foot position

A bedside crib, also called co-sleeper or bassinet is a crib that is attached to the side of a bed for adults. It allows parents to reach their child at any time during the night. The beds are typically larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge, which creates an enclosure between the sleeping areas. These beds are made from sturdy materials, and many have wheels that make them easier to move around the home.

Some bedside cribs come with tilt features that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues, such as colic or reflux. It is essential to use the tilt feature with care and only at a small angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. Speak to your doctor or health care professional if aren't sure whether you should use the feature.

The mattress is an additional safety consideration to make when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. To decrease the risk of SIDS, the mattress should be flat, firm and airy. A mattress that is too soft may cause a blocked airway, which is dangerous for infants. A mattress that is breathable will help your baby stay cool throughout the night, which can decrease the chance of overheating.

It's recommended that you put your baby to sleep in their own secure sleeping area - such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. Although it may be appealing to sleep with your baby in a bed, this is a major risk of SIDS. Wait until your baby can be able to sleep on his own before trying to sleep together. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to ensure your child is safe from secondhand smoke. If you're on a lower income, you may be eligible for assistance with a crib or bassinet from Plunket.

Second-hand cribs

Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to buy or accept an old crib, bassinet or cradle as a hand-me-down from a relative or friend. Cribs are just one of the nursery items that could lead to death, particularly in older cribs that have broken or missing parts, or have wider spaces between the slats. Older mattresses may also develop dips and other issues that can be hazardous for your baby. If a crib is old enough to be predated by current safety regulations the crib could be contaminated by lead paint and may contain other harmful chemicals.

Check if the crib has been recalled. It's also recommended to verify whether the crib was painted with water-based paint, which is much safer for infants than phthalic or oil paint. Also, ensure that the mattress is firm and secure. Babies can easily slide out of soft mattresses as well as could pose a danger of suffocation.

Pay special attention to used bassinets and cradles and play yards. They should all be JPMA-certified and free from sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these items that could become dangers for entrapment.

Children have died in cribs that had been tampered with or altered and the majority of incidents occurred when caregivers and parents attempted to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding things or modifying them in a way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to establish standards that are mandatory for cribs that are safer, and have addressed issues like side height, slat spacing, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts in the end panels. In the last few years the number of crib-related deaths has decreased from 150 to 200 per year to around 50.