Why Bedside Baby Bed Is More Dangerous Than You Believed

Bedside Baby Beds

Baby cribs for bedside use let parents keep their newborn close during the night without compromising safety. They are designed specifically for newborns and are suitable for use up to 4-6 months.

The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed that has an end that can be pulled down to let parents pick up their infant during feeding times at night. The base cannot be placed under beds that are less than 4.5" high.

Safety features

A bedside baby bed allows parents to keep their babies close for feedings at night, comforting and monitoring, without having to leave their own bed. This type of arrangement is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth, or who are unable to move around. It can help parents stay relaxed throughout the night. It is essential to think about the safety features when buying an infant crib.

The main safety concern with this type of sleeping surface is that it is not an entirely secure barrier between the parent's bed and the baby's sleeping space and can result in gaps that could pose the risk of suffocation for infants. Additionally sharing the bed with an infant can increase the body heat of the parents and raises the risk of overheating, which can lead to SIDS.

While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, they do not meet CPSC's safety standards. These cribs may include slats that allow the baby's head or legs to be trapped. The attachment mechanisms could also be unstable, resulting in separation.

Additionally, many of these sleep surfaces have loose bedding, which can cause the suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to remove themselves from soft bedding. There are gaps between the frame and the mattress can also pose a suffocation risk. Some of these items have a hard bottom that can cause injury to a baby when they fall on it. One user suggested that CPSC include pictograms on the warnings for these products, which would reduce the chances of caregivers missing key elements. Sleepers at the bedside need a smooth transition system that prevents the baby from falling off the mattress of their parents.

Bedding

A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet) lets babies sleep beside their parents' beds while maintaining a separate space. This form of safe co-sleeping reduces the risks of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies close to their parents and within arm's reach for middle-of-the-night feedings or comforting.

Baby bedding for a sleeper at night can include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers, and toys. Be sure that any bedding you select fits the bedside sleeper properly to avoid bulges and pockets that might impede the baby's breathing. Also, ensure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeper is firm and snugly fits without gaps around the edges.

When selecting a bedding set, look for one that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your infant has accidents or spits up at night. You may also want to think about a travel bag for your sleeper at night, so you can easily take it out and back when you travel with your family or visit grandparents at their homes.

If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper you can transition him or her to a crib or a toddler that is all on its own. When you transition, make sure to remove the crib from the parent's bed over several months or weeks so that your child can become comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still feeling a sense of connection to their parents. Pick a crib that is able to be folded for storage and transport. Some cribs can even be converted into play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them a great choice for new parents who love to travel.

Tilt function

A bedside sleeper, sometimes referred to as bassinet, is a piece of furniture that is attached to the bed's side for adults. One side is lower than the other side to let parents access their infant at night. It could have a tilt feature to help alleviate reflux in infants. Many parents report that this feature can help 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 position. This could result in death and should be avoided.

A suitable mattress is also an important factor when choosing a crib for your child's bed. It should be firm and 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 can increase the risk of SIDS and it is recommended to buy a new crib mattress. If you can, it is best to buy mattresses designed for specific bedframes.

Some bedside cribs, like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked under your bed to maximize space while bringing your child closer. However, some beds are too low for this type of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It's also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed which can cause it to rock or move out of alignment with the mattress.

Other types of bedside cribs, such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be placed next to your mattress, but aren't in a position to tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds when they have a solid and breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to roll into an unsafe position and increase the chance of suffocation.

Position of foot-to-foot

A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper, or bassinet, is a compact crib that can be attached to the side of an adult's bed. This lets parents access their child with ease during the night. These beds are generally larger than the traditional cots and bassinets. Some have an lower part that creates an unintentional barrier between the sleep spaces. They are usually made of durable materials, and a lot of them have wheels to make it easy to move throughout the house.

Some cribs for bed have a tilt feature that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues such as colic or reflux. However, it's important to use this feature with great care and at a very gentle angle to avoid the risk of being suffocated. If you're unsure about whether to utilize this feature, speak to your physician or health care professional for guidance.

Another important aspect to consider when choosing a crib for a bedside is the mattress. To decrease the risk of SIDS, the mattress should be firm, flat and breathable. A mattress that is too soft may result in a clogged airway, which is extremely dangerous for infants. A mattress that is breathable will help your baby stay cool throughout the night, which can lower the risk of overheating.

It is recommended to put your baby to sleep in a secure sleeping space - either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. While it could be tempting to put your child in a bed, it poses a serious risk of SIDS. It is recommended to wait until your baby is old enough to sleep independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you must, make sure your bedroom is smoke-free to protect your child from second-hand smoke. If you're 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 may be attracted by a secondhand crib, bassinet, or cradle that they receive from a relative or friend. Cribs are among the baby products that could cause death, especially when older cribs are damaged or missing parts or have wider spaces between the slats. Additionally, older mattresses could create dips and other conditions that could pose danger to your baby. And if  bedside crib or cot  is old enough to predate the current safety standards it may be contaminated by lead paint and may contain other toxic chemicals.

Check whether the crib has been recalled. Make sure the crib was painted with water-based paint, because this is safer for babies. Ensure that the mattress is firm and that it is fitted snugly. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants 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 must be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges that could hurt or poke your baby. Avoid adding toys, pillows or blankets with these products. They could be a potential entrapment hazard.

Infants have died in cribs that were altered with or altered and the majority of incidents occurred when parents and caregivers attempted to make the cribs more functional or attractive by incorporating items or modifying them in some way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to create the standards that are mandatory for safe cribs for infants. These standards addressed issues like side heights, slat spacings mattress fits, corner posts and cutouts on the end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have dropped from around 150-200 per year to about 50.