Elevating Your Bassinet Mattress: A Complete Guide
As a new parent, one of the top priorities is ensuring that your baby gets enough quality sleep. But did you know that the way your baby sleeps can affect their health and overall well-being? One way to improve a baby’s sleeping environment is by elevating their bassinet mattress. In this guide, we will walk you through the benefits of elevating a bassinet mattress and provide options for achieving an elevated bassinet mattress.
Why Elevate Your Bassinet Mattress?
Elevating your bassinet mattress has numerous benefits for both the baby and the parent. One of the main benefits is reducing the risk of acid reflux or GERD in babies, which can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep patterns.
In addition to reducing the risk of acid reflux, elevating a bassinet mattress also promotes healthy breathing patterns by improving airflow and reducing the risk of suffocation. This can give parents peace of mind knowing that their little one is sleeping soundly and safely.
However, some parents may face challenges when it comes to effectively elevating a bassinet mattress. One common challenge is finding the right balance between comfort and safety, which is essential. Balancing safety with functionality requires careful consideration when selecting an elevated option for your bassinet.
Choosing an Elevated Mattress Option
There are several options available on the market for achieving an elevated bassinet mattress. When deciding which option to choose, consider factors such as safety, convenience, maintenance, and storage space.
Wedge Pillows
Wedge pillows are a popular option among parents who need to elevate their baby’s sleeping position quickly and effortlessly. These products feature a triangular shape design with a tapered incline that props up one end of the baby’s sleeping area.
Pros:
- Easy to set up and use
- Small and lightweight for convenient storage
- Different shapes and sizes available to fit different bassinet types.
Cons:
- The pillow may shift during the night, reducing its elevation effect.
- Less stable than other options and not recommended for babies who roll over and move a lot.
- May need regular cleaning from drooling or spit-up staining.
Foam Pads
Foam pads are another option for elevating a bassinet mattress. These products feature a raised rectangular or triangular foam wedge that fits underneath the baby’s mattress. Foam pads can be found online or at baby stores.
Pros:
- Stable enough to last throughout the baby’s sleep period.
- Easy to use, just place the pad under any standard-sized bassinet mattress with ease.
- Naturally hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and breathable materials ensure that babies sleep without irritation.
Cons:
- Limited sizes available, making it challenging to find the perfect fit for all types of bassinets.
- The foam material may sag over time, reducing its effectiveness in providing an elevated sleeping surface.
- Requires routine cleaning due to natural sweat and spit-up that gets absorbed in the foam’s pores.
Wooden Blocks
For parents willing to invest more money and take the time to build an elevated sleeping base, using wooden blocks is a possible solution. These blocks raise one end of the mattress by two inches or more.
Pros:
- Achieves the highest degree of stability and security when properly installed.
- Customizable to fit any bassinet size or shape, making it versatile.
- Does not require routine maintenance as other options do.
Cons:
- Bassinet may wobble if they are not positioned right under each of the four corners of your bassinet’s legs.
- Requires tools that may be inconvenient for some parents without experience in carpentry and woodwork.
- If the blocks are not sturdy enough, the baby may roll off during sleep, causing injury.
Preparing Your Bassinet For Elevation
After acquiring an elevated sleeping arrangement, it’s essential to install it safely. Make sure you read the instructions carefully before installing them.
Always ensure that your elevated sleeping base is level in all directions, prevents any wobbling or tipping, and doesn’t create a hazard at the end of the sleeper. Check for reliability and touch the sides of your crib to ensure that everything is tight and solid.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter challenges with an elevated bassinet mattress, there are various troubleshooting tips to consider. For instance, if you experience side-to-side swaying issue, pads can be placed under the bed corners on one side to rectify the problem.
If you’re using foam pads or elevation wedges for a baby boy, you should position him so that his genitals pointed downward while he’s sleeping upright. Doing this minimizes the risk of wetting or soiling his clothes from urine exposure during sleeping time.
Maintaining an Elevated Bassinet Mattress
Maintaining an elevated bassinet mattress can take different forms depending on materials used. Foam pads require regular cleaning with mild soap and water, while wooden blocks require care to avoid warping or cracking.
Whichever type of elevated option you use, be sure to wipe it frequently with a moist cloth to keep it clean and prevent irritants’ buildup that could affect your baby’s health. Cleaning your elevated sleeping surface is necessary for keeping a good sleeping environment for your baby.
Conclusion
In conclusion, elevating your bassinet mattress can make a significant difference in promoting your baby’s healthy sleep patterns. With the options and best practices outlined in this guide, we hope you have the necessary knowledge to make an informed decision for your little one’s sleeping arrangement. Remember to balance safety and comfort when choosing an option and always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper installation, usage, and maintenance.
7 FAQs on How to Elevate Your Bassinet Mattress
1. Why would I need to elevate my bassinet mattress?
Elevating your bassinet mattress can be helpful for babies with health issues such as acid reflux, congestion, or ear infections. Elevating the head of the mattress can help improve breathing and reduce discomfort.
2. How can I elevate my bassinet mattress?
You can elevate your bassinet mattress by placing books or towels under the feet of the bassinet, using a wedge pillow, or buying a specially designed bassinet wedge.
3. What should I use to elevate the bassinet?
You can use books, towels, pillows, or a wedge pillow to elevate the bassinet mattress. However, it is essential to ensure that the materials you use are stable and secure so that they do not shift or move while your baby is sleeping.
4. How high should the head of the mattress be elevated?
The head of the bassinet mattress should be elevated about 30 degrees. You can use a wedge pillow specifically designed for babies, which will provide the correct angle.
5. Is it safe to elevate my baby’s sleeping surface?
Elevating your baby’s sleeping surface can be safe if you follow some guidelines. First, make sure to use stable and secure materials to elevate the bassinet. Also, avoid placing any objects such as toys or blankets in the baby’s sleeping area that could cause suffocation.
6. When should I stop elevating my baby’s sleeping surface?
You should stop elevating your baby’s sleeping surface once their symptoms have improved and they no longer need it. Consult your pediatrician if you are unsure when to stop or for any concerns related to your baby’s health.
7. What other tips can help with my baby’s ACID reflux and sleeping?
- Feed your baby smaller, more frequent meals.
- Hold your baby upright after feeding and burping for at least 30 minutes.
- Avoid placing your baby in a car seat or swing immediately after feeding, as this position can increase pressure on their stomach.
- Try to place your baby on their back to sleep, as this is the safest sleeping position and helps prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Consult with your pediatrician for other tips and advice specific to your baby’s needs.
keys takeaways
How to Elevate Bassinet Mattress: 4 Key Takeaways
1. Use a Wedge Pillow or Foam
To elevate the bassinet mattress, you can use either a wedge pillow or foam. Make sure to choose one that is firm enough to provide proper support and avoid any potential suffocation hazards.
2. Avoid Using Too Much Elevation
When elevating the bassinet mattress, it’s important to avoid using too much elevation as this can cause discomfort for your baby and increase the risk of rolling over. Aim for a slight inclination of no more than 15 degrees.
3. Consider Your Baby’s Sleeping Position
If your baby sleeps on their back, you should elevate the bassinet mattress by placing the wedge pillow or foam under the head of the mattress. If they sleep on their side, you may need to adjust the elevation accordingly.
4. Monitor Your Baby Closely
Always monitor your baby closely when using an elevated bassinet mattress to ensure they are comfortable and safe. If your baby seems uncomfortable or is struggling to breathe, immediately lower their sleeping surface and seek medical attention if necessary.
Overall, elevating a bassinet mattress can be helpful for babies with reflux or other conditions, but it’s important to do so carefully and with close monitoring.