How To Choose Among Safety Bed Options

Meet Aimee, a mom who has considered many safety bed options for her son. As she shares, safety beds have many features that can help you identify the best option for your child based on size, medical needs and ease of use. Learn more about what Aimee considered when choosing a special needs bed for her son.

I am so grateful for the wonderful safety bed options provided today. As a parent, when we know our children are safe while they sleep, we can actually sleep ourselves. As with any medical equipment, it is important to consider several options and identify which safety bed will be best suited for your child’s specific needs.

Safety bed size options evaluation

There are many considerations when it comes to the size of a safety bed, such as:

• Think about the current size of your child along with anticipated growth for at least the next five years. Will you need crib size, twin, full, or queen?
• Measure the room, as some beds need to fit along certain walls due to which side has a point of entry. Some families need the availability to get to their child from either side of the bed, so you may need something that fits well in the middle of the room.
• Evaluate the height of the bed. Will your child crawl into bed by himself/herself or do you need to consider transfer height? Think about the impacts as your child grows and becomes harder to lift into bed.  

Evaluate medical needs for your safety bed

Consider specific features of the bed to accommodate the safety and medical needs of your child, including:

• Do you need an open or mesh top to be able to see your child at all times or to position a camera, such as to monitor for seizures? 
• Does your bed need padding? For example, consider whether your child is sensory seeking and falls asleep with a rocking motion or if your child needs to be protected during nighttime seizures.
• Does your child sleep with regular bed sheets or need to have a sheet fitted tightly around them for sensory input?
• Does your child need access for feeding tubes, IVs or other medical equipment? Consider beds that have ways to accommodate these needs.
• Does your child need head or leg elevation? Some beds have an adjustable foundation or the ability to lower and raise the entire mattress.

Safe sleep bed ease of use

Once you find the perfect enclosed bed, you will want to use it all the time! Here are some additional features to consider among safety bed options:

• Do you need a full enclosure such as a mesh and zipper canopy that helps your child not only be safe but also feel safe in their own bed? Not only will this bed help your child sleep well but it’s also a safe place to play when they just need that moment to be alone and comfortable in their own space.
• Do you travel? Many safety beds are bulky and heavy and cannot easily be taken down except in the event of a move. If you travel frequently, consider a safety bed that is fit for home and travel use!
• What type of railing or enclosure do you need? If your child likes for you to stay with them in bed until they fall asleep, consider a point of entry that makes it easy for you to get in and out of the bed safely by yourself. Some beds have rails that must be flipped up and locked, while others have a mesh canopy that is secured with a zipper.
• Evaluate the bed through the eyes of your child being in the bed and looking out. Choose something that your child will like, such as the ability to see the door when you enter their room.  

Choosing a safety bed should be an exciting process for you and your family! When considering safety bed options, evaluating the features that will best fit your child and your family’s needs for safety and ease of use will help you make the right decision. 

From safety and security to portability and convenience, learn more about why families love The Safety Sleeper®! To discuss how The Safety Sleeper® can be customized to fit your needs, contact our Customer Care team at 724-96-SLEEP or customercare@abramsnation.com.