Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that are placed close to the bed allows parents to keep their baby close during the night without risking the safety of their child. They are designed for use by babies up until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed with an end that can be pulled down so that parents can take their baby into the crib during nighttime feedings. The base will not fit under beds that are lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to keep their babies close to them for feedings at night, comforting and monitoring, without having to leave their sleeping arrangements. This arrangement of sleep is perfect for new mothers recovering from childbirth or who have limited mobility. It could help parents stay rested throughout the night. It is nevertheless important to consider safety features prior to buying a bedside crib.
This kind of sleeping surface poses a safety concern because it does not provide a complete barrier to the sleeping area of the parent and the infant's sleep area. This could lead to gaps which can pose suffocation hazards to young infants. In addition sharing a bed with an infant can increase the body heat of the parents and raises the risk of overheating which could lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, these products do not meet CPSC's safety standards. These products can have slats which allow babies' legs or heads to become stuck. The mechanisms for attachment could be unstable, leading to separation.
Many of these surfaces also have loose bedding, which can lead to suffocation. Babies do not have the muscle or coordination to remove themselves from the tangles of soft bedding and gaps between the frame and the mattress can cause a suffocation risk. Some of these products have a tough base that could cause injuries to a baby if they fall on it. One commenter suggested the CPSC include pictograms in warnings to these products. This could decrease the likelihood that caregivers are unaware of key components. bedside cosleeper need to have an easy transition system that prevents the baby from slipping off the parent's mattress.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows infants to sleep next to their parents' beds while still occupying a separate space. This form of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of entrapment, suffocation, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arms' reach for feedings during the night or for comforting.
Baby bedding for a baby who sleeps at night could include crib sheets blankets, bumpers and toys. Be sure that any bedding you use is appropriate for the bedside sleeper to avoid pockets or bulges which could hinder the baby's breathing. Also, make sure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and snugly fits without gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for a bedding set that will keep your baby clean in case they have accidents or spit up during the night, choose something that is easy to clean and dries. You might also want to consider a travel kit for your bedside sleeper, so that you can easily pack and unpack it when you go on family vacations or visit your grandparents' homes.
When your child is no longer a bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition them to a standalone toddler or a crib. When you transition to a crib, move it away from the bed of your parents over the course of time, either weeks or months, so that your child can learn to sleep in their own space, but remain connected to them. Choose a crib that can be folded for storage and transportation. Some cribs can even be converted into an outdoor play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them an excellent option for parents who travel frequently.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which attaches to the side of an adult bed and has one side higher than the other and allows parents to reach over to take care of their child throughout the night. It may also have tilt features that help ease reflux in babies. Some parents report that this feature can help their children sleep better. However it is crucial to remember that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface may encourage your baby to roll into an unsafe chest-to-chin position. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
Selecting a mattress that is suitable is a further important factor to consider when choosing a bedside crib. It must be firm, flat and airy. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. It is best to purchase an entirely new mattress for the crib as a second-hand one can increase the risk of SIDS. If possible, it is recommended to purchase mattresses that are made specifically for specific bed frames.
Some bedside cribs, like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked under your bed to save space while bringing your baby closer. However, some beds are too low for this kind of crib. The feet that are splayed out of the BassiNest make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It isn't easy to place the BassiNest in a divan, and this could cause it to shift or rock out of line with your mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs, such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be set up beside your mattress but are not in a position to tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents only use these beds when they have a firm air-conditioned bed. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib could encourage your baby to slide into a risky position which increases the chance of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also referred to as co-sleeper or bassinet, is a small crib that is attached to a side of a bed designed for adults. This allows parents to be able to easily access their child throughout the night. These beds are generally larger than standard cots or bassinets, and some have a lower side that forms an unintentional separation between the sleeping spaces. They are usually constructed of sturdy materials, and some have wheels to make it easy to move around the home.
Some cribs for bedside use a tilt function which can assist babies with digestive issues like colic or reflux. It is important to make use of this feature with utmost care and at a gentle angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. Talk to your doctor or health visitor if you are unsure about using the feature.
Another crucial safety factor to consider when choosing a crib for a bedside is the mattress. To minimize the risk of SIDS, the mattress should be firm, flat and airy. A mattress that's too soft can result in a blocked airway in newborns, which can be dangerous. A breathable mattress will also help your baby stay cool throughout the night, which will lower the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a safe sleeping space - a cot, crib or Moses basket. While it could be appealing to sleep with your baby in a bed, this poses a serious risk of SIDS. It's best to wait until your baby is old enough to be able to sleep independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you must, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to protect your child from second-hand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you might be eligible for help with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who want to save money might be enticed by a second-hand crib, bassinet, or cradle that they get from a family member or friend. However, cribs are one of the most common causes of death due to nursery products particularly when older models have damaged or missing parts or if they have wider spaces between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). Additionally, older mattresses can develop dips and other issues which could be dangerous for your child. And if a crib is old enough to be predated by current safety regulations it may be contaminated by lead paint and may contain other harmful chemicals.
Examine whether the crib has been removed from the crib. It's also a good idea to check whether the crib was painted with water-based paint which is safer for babies than phthalic or oil paint. Be sure that the mattress is firm, and that it fits comfortably. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to slip off and can pose a danger of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay special attention to any secondhand bassinets, cradles and play yards. All of them must be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these products that could become entrapment hazards.
Children have died in cribs that were altered or tampered with. The majority of these deaths occurred when parents or caregivers tried to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by incorporating or modifying things. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have teamed up to establish mandatory standards for safer cribs, including things like side height, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts on end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have dropped from around 150-200 per year to about 50.