Beds For Newborn Babies: Choose The Best Sleeping Option For Your Baby
11 months ago
Everybody is all set to welcome the baby. You have painted the nursery. The name is decided. You have finished reading all the new parents’ guides. The baby sleeps for almost 16-17 hours, waking up frequently to feed. But you know all that. So, have you decided where your baby is going to sleep? Since they would be spending a good amount of time sleeping, they ought to be comfortable. And it is not always possible to keep your babies near your arm’s reach to give them supreme comfort. Then how do you make nap-time more comfortable for your baby? Don’t you worry, we guide you through choosing the best bed for newborn babies. Know what are the best beds for newborn babies here!
Your baby will wake up frequently during the day, and even at night to feed. In spite of your exhaustion, you have to keep up with the sleeping schedules of the baby. To ensure that your baby has a good time sleeping, you should invest in a good, nay, the best beds having breathable mesh. It is a long-held belief that babies until they are a year old, should sleep in their parent’s room but in a separate space near the arm’s reach. Now that they need a separate space where do you make them sleep? Do you go for a crib, a bassinet, a cradle, a co-sleeper or… Are you confused about the options? We will tell you what each one does for your baby’s sleep and for you.
Best Beds for Newborn Babies
Ideally, your baby should sleep with you in your room until they have celebrated their first birthday. That way you get to see your baby, play with them, feed them, and change their nappies. Yeah, they also feel comforted around you and you two bond. I know you love your baby and want to cuddle them all the time but they need their space too. At least while they are sleeping. Not to alarm you but babies sleeping with their parents on the same bed have a higher chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
The safest spot for an infant to sleep is on a firm surface such as a crib or bassinet. Make sure it doesn’t have any soft beddings, bumpers, or pillows but should have a breathable mesh. Here are the best beds for newborn babies that will ensure a good trip to the dreamland for your baby and yourself.
The Crib
The crib is the most popular sleeping option for babies all around the world. A crib is also the safest option. Cribs will stay for a long time. Your baby will not outgrow them easily. Cribs have a cage-like built open at the top. It has high vertical bars at the sides to prevent your baby from falling out. Like other baby gears, you don’t need to keep upgrading the crib. It will stay with your baby for a good two to three years. Cribs are costlier and take up more space than other sleeping options for babies. Before buying a crib you should look for these factors.
Mattress Support – To withstand your bouncing baby, a comfortable metal spring base mattress will do a better job than a wooden slat one.
Adjustable Mattress Height – If you are planning to keep your child in the crib for a long time, it would be best if you opt for a crib that has an adjustable mattress height. You can lower the height of the mattress as your baby grows so that they don’t climb over the bars of the crib.
Crib Shape – Nowadays you will find cribs of various shapes in the market but ensure that snugly fitting mattresses are of utmost importance. A standard mattress for a standard crib would be easier to find than a cocoon or oval-shaped crib.
Pick Best Baby Cribs 2020 – Beds for Newborn Babies
There are various styles of cribs available in the market based on their functionality. Here’s a list of the various type of cribs.
Standard Crib
A traditional crib is a sturdy structure with four fixed sides. It has vertical railings all around. This is to prevent your toddler from falling off the bed when they are playing around. Your baby can use it until they are 18-24 months old. A standard crib might be a good option if you’re considering having more children within a few years.
Convertible Crib
A convertible crib is more versatile than a standard crib. Although, they are heavier, take up more space, and are more expensive than your standard crib. Some of the convertible cribs will see your child through their teenage years. You need to purchase additional parts for conversions. If you plan to buy a crib that you intend to keep around for long, it’s best you buy the conversion kit at the same time you buy the crib. For instance, a toddler guardrail or full-size conversion kit for the last transformation.
The 4-in-1 convertible crib can transform from a baby crib to a toddler bed, a day-bed, and a full-sized bed. They are costlier but they are worth the money. Some cribs come with changing tables. The feature enhances the functionality of the furniture. Changer, shelf storage or dresser are the most commonly incorporated furniture in these multi-functional cribs.
Portable Cribs
Cribs that have wheels for mobility are known as portable cribs. They are small in size and portable. Some of the cribs can also be folded if you are planning to take them along while you travel. Other travel-friendly portable cribs have fabric mesh that can fold into a backpack or bag. While you are purchasing look for the heavy-duty ball bearings that are attached to the portable crib. The item is often available with the side orders of mattresses and evacuation frame. Its simple and sleek design add elegance and charm to daycare and provide a cozy sleep environment for little ones during nap time.
A bassinet is a type of bed specially designed for infants. Your baby can use it from birth to four months old. Bassinets come with fixed legs. They may or may not have wheels for moving around. A bassinet has a basket-like structure. Unlike a crib, the bassinet doesn’t take up much space. It is lightweight too. Most bassinets have a maximum weight limit which is usually 15 to 20 pounds. Some may even be capable of withstanding more weight.
But your baby is growing too, they may grow to be too big for the bassinet well before they reach the weight limit for the bassinet. Bassinets should not cramp your baby’s space. A bassinet can be made up of wood, wicker, metal, or plastic tubing. Some of them come with a rigid hood that can be attached on one end to block the light. You can also buy portable bassinets that come with swinging or rocking motions. These motions will calm your baby. It will also lull them to sleep.
The mattress for your baby’s bassinet should be manufactured with breathable mesh and snugly fit into the bassinet. There should be no gap between the mattress and the side of the bassinet. The sheets for bassinets should fit the mattress perfectly. Make sure the mattress for your baby’s bassinet doesn’t sag. Mattresses should be strong enough to hold your baby without bending or flexing. Avoid heavy padding in bassinets.
Made your baby comfortable while sleeping? Take a look at the Best Car Seat Head Support for their safety and comfort.
A cradle is smaller than a bassinet. It is capable of rocking motions. The classic design of a cradle sits low to the ground. In some variants, it may also have rounded bottom rockers. Newer cradle designs have a suspended bed that resembles a hammock. Traditional cradles were made up of woods. The modern cradles often have breathable mesh or padded sides. The cradle may or may not come with a hood. Cradles, like bassinets, have a short usage period. When your baby starts rolling over, you should move them to a crib.
What makes a cradle different than a crib or bassinet is that it is capable of rocking motion. Rocking motion can calm a baby and help them sleep. It will also soothe the baby when you are busy with some errands and want the baby to be rocked for comfort. Some cradles often come with an automated swing function with speed control and a timer. Make sure the swinging motion is gentle and not too jerky.
Ensure that the swinging feature comes with a lock motion so that when your baby is able to move, they are not thrown off balance due to the motion. You can take it to any room with you since it is compact. Buy a sturdy cradle that has an anti-tripping base. An anti-tripping base will secure the cradle to its position.
When your baby arrives, you will want to spend as much time as you can with your baby. Sleeping together strengthens the bond between your baby and yourself. And you’re getting tired from all the waking-up you have to do for their night-time feeding. You would want them near your arm’s reach to cuddle and take care of them. If that’s the way you want to be with your baby, you should opt for co-sleepers. Co-sleepers are also known as co-sleeping bassinet or a bedside sleeper. A co-sleeper can be propped upright against your bed, at the bed’s height.
The baby bed attaches to the side of an adult’s bed. It has a removable drop side which easily turns the co-sleeper to a bassinet. If you remove the drop side and adjust the height to the level of your bed, you can sleep right next to the baby. The same level of the co-sleeper will make it easy for you to reach for your baby. If you have had a C-Section delivery, it would be good for you. Post-C-Section surgeries are painful and add to that the frequent movement to hold your baby and feed them. A co-sleeper will ease the task. It is one of the beds for newborn babies.
Safety Tips for a Co-Sleeper
The mattress should be thin and firm.
Avoid soft paddings, pillows, and blankets that might suffocate the baby.
Make sure the co-sleeper is securely attached to the bed and there’s no gap in between.
The Baby Swing – Beds for Newborn Babies
The gentle swaying motion of the baby swing soothes your baby if they are being fussy. It can also calm your baby while you are away finishing chores and or need some relaxing time at noon. A baby swing is a nicely padded chair that is suspended from a sturdy frame just like an adults’ swing. A baby swing can sway from side to side or back and forth. Its motion is akin to the motion in the womb. It can be used right from birth to the time the baby is 6 to 9 months old. Pediatricians recommend stopping the use of swing when the baby is able to sit unassisted. Don’t use it when the baby is able to climb over, they might fall and hurt themselves.
It might not be the best option for the baby to sleep at night. Only use it for short periods. The swaying motion helps the baby sleep. Anything that helps your baby sleep is a blessing. Baby swings come in various types ranging from basic models to combination swings that integrate the functionality of 2 types of chairs i.e. a bouncer, a grinder, a rocker, or a cradle, to break the monotony.
Baby swings are either battery-powered or powered by electricity. If you are someone who is on the move most of the time, opt for a battery-powered swing over an electrical one. In the long run, the replacement of batteries would be costlier than electricity bills.
Baby swings are great for when you want to soothe your fussy baby. It will also keep the baby comforted while you catch up on household work or want to relax. Make sure you follow these guidelines while you use baby swings
Don’t put the newborn baby in the swing until the swing has a full reclining position.
Do not use the baby swing for long. Don’t put the baby for their night’s sleep in the swing.
Baby swings that follow safety guidelines come with a 3 point harness system. Recent models feature a 5-point harness. It includes an over-the-shoulder restraint in addition to the mandatory waist and belt harness system.
If the seat can be adjusted to more than 50-degree angle, the swing should have shoulder straps to prevent the baby from falling out.
The toys and hanging should be securely attached to the frame of the swing, so as not to fall on the baby.
Make sure to check the maximum weight recommendation. The baby should not be heavier than the weight limits specified in the swing’s instructions.
Ensure that the swing’s surface is flat while in motion and when it is immobile. A fat surface would prevent the baby from tipping over.
Safe Sleeping Guidelines for Your Baby
You want the best for your baby. Be it their nursery, toys, clothes or their bed. Yes, beds are important for the baby as well. Babies sleep for around 16-17 hours a day. Most of their physical and mental growth happens when they are sleeping. You want them to be comfortable when they are doing all the hard work to grow. Let’s be honest, a happy baby is easier to handle than a crying baby. If your baby has had enough of sleep, they wouldn’t be cranky all day. The time after having a baby comes with its share of difficulties, you would want that time to be as much smooth sailing as possible.
I know, you love your baby and would do everything for them but why not do something that makes both you and your baby happy. Put them to sleep properly. It means not to compromise on their safety and comfort. Now that you have an idea about the best beds for newborn babies, let’s have a look at safe sleeping practices.
1. Put them to sleep on their back
Bedtime is the safest when your baby is sleeping on their back. This reduces the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Back sleeping also reduces the chances of fever for your baby. Your baby will have lesser nasal congestions and fewer ear infections when sleeping on their back. the baby will get used to sleeping on their back if you start it right away when they are infants.
2. Don’t use soft bedding
Keep plush beddings away from your baby’s bed. Don’t use padded lining for the bed, pillows, blankets or soft toys. These things although comfortable for an adult will suffocate your baby. Most of the time SIDS is caused by suffocation. Even the mattress should be firm and not leave a depression mark when you press it. A firm mattress with a tight-fitting sheet is all you need for the baby’s bed.
3. Keep the temperature of the room optimal
Swaddle your baby if it is needed but don’t put heavy blankets on them. Swaddling is for comfort and a sense of security. If you don’t feel cold, chances are the baby might not be feeling cold either. 68 degrees Fahrenheit is the optimal temperature for your baby to sleep in. Overheating the baby’s surroundings would be a discomfort for the baby. In some cases, it might even lead to SIDS.
4. Don’t put them on the same sleeping surface
Share a room with your baby, not a bed. When you share the same room with your baby you cut down the risk of SIDS, as you will frequently check on the baby. If you are sleeping on the same bed though, you will increase the chances of infections and SIDS. If you or your partner are tired, have had any form of intoxication, or are a heavy sleeper, you might suffocate the baby while you are sleeping. It’s best that you put the baby in the same room as yours but put them in a crib or a co-sleeper to keep the baby close. There are many options for newborn baby beds available in the market. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
5. Use a pacifier
Giving your kid a pacifier when they sleep reduces the chance of suffocation. A pacifier opens up the air space around the baby’s nose and mouth and helps them breathe properly.
What is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?
Sudden Death Infant Syndrome or SIDS is the unexplained death that happens to babies when they are sleeping. It mostly happens to babies less than a year old. SIDSis often called as ‘crib death’ as most of the deaths happen in cribs. Not that the cribs are at fault but partly unhealthy sleeping practices cause death. SIDS is associated with defects in the portion of an infant’s brain that controls breathing and arousal from sleep.
Researchers suggest that some factors add to the risk. The most important precaution is to put your baby to sleep on their back. There could be a combination of factors that might increase the risk of SIDS. Some of them are
Physical Factors
Certain Physical factors play a major role in increasing the risk of SIDS. Let us see here.
1. Brain Defects
If there’s a defect in the brain formation while the baby is in the womb, it will increase the chances of SIDS. The portion of the brain that controls breathing and arousal from sleep hasn’t matured enough to work properly.
2. Low Birth Weight
Premature babies have a higher risk of having SIDS. If the baby is of lower weight than normal, they might go through SIDS. In circumstances like these, there are chances that the baby’s brain has not fully developed. They have lesser control over processes such as breathing and heart rate.
3. Respiratory Problem
Many infants who have died due to SIDS had respiratory problems. Nasal congestions and colds make breathing difficult for babies.
Environmental Factors
1. Improper Sleeping Position
Sleeping on the sides or on the stomach increases the chances of SIDS. Babies have difficulty breathing when they are put to sleep on their sides or on their stomachs. Make your baby sleep on their back.
2. Avoid Soft Surface
Make sure you put your baby on a firm mattress with a well-fitted sheet. Soft beds, with plush padding, pillows, blankets, and toys may increase the chances of suffocation. Bed for newborn babies should be clutter-free.
3. Sharing A Bed
Although sleeping in the same space or room reduces the chances of SIDS, sleeping on the same surface increases the chance of SIDS. You might accidentally put your body weight on the baby and end up suffocating them. The blankets and pillows in your bed might suffocate your baby. If you smoke then chances are the smoke might interfere with the baby’s breathing patterns.
4. Overheating
Maintaining a temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit is good for your baby. Don’t put heavy blankets over them. Being too warm can increase the chance of SIDS. Don’t put warm hats when they are sleeping.
Other Risk Factors
Gender – Male babies are at higher risk of SIDS
Age – Infants who are less than a year old are the most vulnerable to SIDS.
Race – For some unexplainable reason, babies of color are prone to SIDS.
Family History – Babies who have had family members die of SIDS are more vulnerable.
Passive Smoking – SIDS can happen to those babies who live around smokers in close proximity.
Premature Birth – Infants who are born prematurely don’t have their brains or organs developed well enough. This might cause respiratory problems.
SIDS can also happen to babies whose mothers used to smoke when pregnant. The use of drugs and alcohol during pregnancy increases the risks. Mothers who are young, younger than 20 years or didn’t have access to adequate prenatal care also may expose their babies to the risk of SIDS. Researches and detailed study on safe sleeping options for babies are available. Do not let a little negligence destroy your happiness.
Prevention
To prevents SIDS, take these precautions
Make your baby sleep on their back.
Use a firm mattress with well-fitting sheets.
Keep the crib bare.
Maintain an optimal temperature. Don’t overheat the baby.
Put your baby to sleep in your room.
Breastfeed your baby until they are a year old.
Don’t rely solely on baby monitors. Do frequent personal checks on your baby.
Offer your baby a pacifier while they sleep.
Give your baby all the required vaccination and immunization.
FAQs
Q. What is the safest way for an infant to sleep?
Ans.Put your baby face upward when they sleep. Don’t let your baby nap on couches, swings, or car seats. Make them sleep only on their beds. That’s how your baby should sleep until he can roll from back-to-front and front-to-back.
Q. How long should a newborn sleep without feeding?
Ans. Your newborn baby will wake up every 3-4 hours. As they grow older, they will have their own sleeping routine. Do not let your tiny one sleep for more than 5 hours.
Q. Where should my newborn sleep?
Ans. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, your baby should have a good sleep on a crib, bassinet, or a cradle that is in the mother’s room. Sleeping in the same room gives you easy access to tend to the baby’s needs and also boost the bond between the parent and the baby.
Q. How can I get my newborn to sleep longer at night?
Ans. Even if your newborn is too young for rules, establish a bedtime routine. Make a convenient and sustainable bedtime so it’s easy to follow. A small change in the sleeping schedules can make your baby cranky all through the day. In those circumstances, even the tricks you use for calming them will fail. Create a positive sleep association for the baby. You can also play white noise for them. You can also teach your baby to self soothe. Don’t frantically run to them when they start to cry. Check on them but don’t stay.
Put them to bed when they are drowsy but still awake. That way they will learn to sleep on their own. If your baby was sleeping through the night on their own before, and suddenly stopped, it might be sleep regression or growth spurt’s fault. Growth spurts usually only last a few days, and then your baby should return to normal patterns.
Q. What should newborns wear to bed?
Ans. Don’t put layers and layers to keep the baby warm. It adds to their discomfort and increases the chance of SIDS. Don’t put hats or socks. A onesie will be good enough. Instead of a blanket, use a sleep sack or swaddle.
Q. Why do babies sleep better with their moms?
Ans. Research suggests that babies’ hearts are under more stress when they are left to sleep on their own. That’s why you should make your baby sleep in your room. Babies seek the comfort of the familiar having lived in their mother’s womb all these months. The proximity to their mother calms them.
Q. Can I use old cribs for my baby?
Ans. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), old cribs are dangerous for newborn babies. Although you may fancy the antique crib because it goes well with your aesthetic, it might not be good for your baby. Many old cribs don’t meet the safety standards set by CPSC. Due to the passing of time, cribs might have got weaker. Earlier cribs had toxic lead paints on them. You might want to invest in a functional and durable crib for your baby. If you have the budget, invest in a 4-in-1 convertible crib that will stay till your baby has grown up to be a teenager.
Conclusion
With so many options available in the market, you might be swamped with choices but select the best for your newborn baby. Their comfort and safety should be of the utmost importance. After that need has been met, choose an option based on your use, space, and budget. Bassinets, cradles, and co-sleepers are for beds for newborns babies. They will outgrow these beds in a matter of a few months. If you opt for cribs or play yards, they would remain for a longer time. Some cribs can be converted into furniture for adults. Take the functions you intend to use it for into consideration when buying a bed for your baby.
Making your baby sleep in the same room as yours decreases the chances of SIDS. Choose the best beds for newborn babies to give your tiny one a sound sleep. Follow us for more such intriguing information and buying options atfamilyliving.guide.
