Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be set next to the bed allow parents to keep their child close at night, without compromising the safety of their child. They are specifically designed for infants and can be used up to 4 to 6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed with the ability to be lowered to let parents pick up their newborn during nighttime feedings. The base will not be able to fit under beds less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A crib at bedside allows parents to monitor, soothe and feed their infants throughout the night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering after childbirth or with limitations in mobility. It could also help parents to sleep better at night. It is nevertheless important to look at safety features before purchasing a bedside baby bed.
This type of mattress presents a safety hazard because it does not provide a complete barrier to the parents' sleeping space as well as the infant's sleeping space. This can lead to gaps that can cause the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent and can increase the chance of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, these products aren't subject to the CPSC's safety guidelines. These products can include slats that allow babies' legs or heads to become caught. The attachment mechanisms could be unstable, resulting in separation.
Furthermore, a lot of sleep surfaces have loose bedding that can cause suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to remove themselves from soft bedding. Gaps between the mattress and frame can create an entrapment risk. Some of these items have a hard base that could cause injuries to a baby should they fall upon it. One commenter suggested that CPSC include pictograms on the warnings for these products, which will decrease the chance 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 a co-sleeper, allows babies to sleep on their parents' beds, while having an individual sleeping space. This safe form of co-sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping babies close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a baby who sleeps at night can include crib sheets, bumpers, blankets, and stuffed animals. Make sure that any bedding you choose to use fits the bedside sleeper properly to avoid pockets or bulges which could hinder the baby's breathing. Also, make sure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits snugly without gaps around the edges.
When selecting bedding sets, look for something that's easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your baby has accidents or spits up during the night. It is also a good idea to think about a travel bag for your sleeper at night, so that you can easily take it out and back when you go on family vacations or visit the grandparents at their homes.
If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper you can transition the child to a crib or a toddler that is its own. When you transition, make sure to remove the crib from the bed of your parent over several weeks or months to allow your child to become comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still feeling a sense of connection to their parents. Be sure to select a crib that can fold easily for storage and transportation. Certain models can be transformed into a play yard or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a great choice for parents who frequently travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also referred to as the bassinet, is a piece of furniture attached to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other to allow parents to reach their child at the end of the night. It could also have a tilt function that can help ease reflux in infants. Some parents have found that this feature helps their baby sleep more comfortably. It is important to note that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface may encourage your baby's chin to chest position. This can cause suffocation, and should be avoided.
Selecting a mattress that is suitable is another key factor when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It should be firm and flat and airy. The size should correspond to the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably within the frame. It is best to purchase an entirely new mattress for the crib since a second-hand one could increase the chance of SIDS. If possible, it is recommended to purchase mattresses that are designed for specific bedframes.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to fit under your bed to save space and keep your baby close, like the Halo BassiNest. Some beds are too narrow to be able to accommodate this type of crib. The BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide under some beds. It is also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed which can cause it to rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress.
Other bassinets for bedside use, like the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be placed on top of your mattress, however, they aren't able to be slanted. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds if they have a sturdy air-conditioned bed. The tilt of a bassinet can encourage your child to slide into a risky position, increasing the danger of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside baby bed, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a compact crib that is attached to the sides of an adult's bed. It allows parents to reach their child at any time throughout the night. These beds are usually larger than the traditional cots or bassinets. Some have a lower edge, which creates an enclosure between the sleeping spaces. bedside cots are constructed of sturdy materials, and many have wheels that make them easier to move around the home.
Some bedside cribs come with tilting features that aid babies suffering from digestive issues like colic or reflux. It is important to use this feature with great care and at a small angle to avoid suffocation. Talk to your doctor or health visitor if you are unsure about using the feature.
Another important aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress must 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 child stay cool at night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a safe sleeping space such as crib, cot, or Moses basket. It could be tempting to share a bed as your infant but this could lead to SIDS. Make sure your baby is able to sleep independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to protect your child from second-hand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a bassinet or crib in the event that you are a low-income parent.
Second-hand cribs
Parents looking to save money could be tempted by a secondhand crib, bassinet, or cradle that they acquire from a relative or friend. Cribs are one of many nursery items that could lead to death, especially if older cribs have broken or missing parts, or have wider spaces between the slats. Mattresses that are older can also develop dips and other conditions that could be hazardous for your child. If your crib is old enough to be predated by the safety guidelines in place it may be contaminated by lead paint and could contain other toxic chemicals.
Verify whether 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 oil or phthalic paint. Additionally, make sure the mattress is sturdy and snugly fits. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to slip off, and they also pose a suffocation risk.
Pay special attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles and play yards. They must all be JPMA certified, and have no sharp elements that your child could scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid putting pillows, toys or blankets with these products. They could pose an dangerous for entrapment.
Infants have died in cribs that were tampered with or altered, and most of the incidents occurred when caregivers and parents attempted to make the cribs more functional or attractive by incorporating items or altering them in a 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 things like side heights, spacing between slats, mattress fits, corner posts and cutouts for end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have dropped from about 150-200 per year to about 50.