Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs in bed allow parents to keep their baby close during the night without compromising safety. They are made to be used by newborns up until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed with a side that can be pulled down to allow parents to pick up their infant during feeding time at night. The base will not fit under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside crib lets parents keep their infants close for evening feedings, comforting and monitoring without leaving their own bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for mothers who are recovering from birth or for those with limited mobility. It could also help parents sleep better at night. It is nevertheless important to look at safety features before buying a bedside crib.
The main safety concern with this type of sleeping surface is that it's not a complete barrier between the parent's bed and the baby's sleeping space which can lead to gaps that could cause the risk of suffocation for infants. Additionally, sharing the bed with an infant can increase the body heat of the parents and increases the risk of overheating, which can contribute to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, these products do not meet CPSC's safety standards. These cribs may have slats which allow a baby's legs or head to get stuck. The mechanisms for attachment could also be unstable, leading to separation.
Furthermore, a lot of mattresses contain loose bedding that could cause the suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to remove their bodies from the soft bedding. best bedside cots between the frame and the mattress can also pose the risk of suffocation. Some of these products have a hard base that can cause injury to a baby if they fall upon it. One user suggested that CPSC include pictograms on its warnings on these products, which would lower the risk of caregivers ignoring key elements. Bedside sleepers need to have an easy transition system that prevents the baby from falling off the mattress of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or bassinet) lets babies sleep next to their parents' beds while maintaining a separate space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risk of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arm's reach for feedings during the night or for comforting.
Baby bedding for a sleeper at night could include crib sheets, bumpers, blankets, and stuffed animals. Make sure that the bedding you choose to use is suitable for the bedside sleeper to avoid pockets or bulges that could obstruct the baby's breathing. Also, ensure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits comfortably without gaps around the edges.
When choosing a bedding set, look for a set that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your infant is having accidents or spits up at night. It is also a good idea to think about a travel kit for your child's bedside sleeper so you can easily pack and unpack it when you travel with your family or visit your grandparents home.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, it is possible to change them to a stand-alone toddler or crib. When transitioning to a crib, remove it from the parents' bed over a period of weeks or months to let your child get used to sleeping in his own space but remain connected to them. Select a crib which can be folded up for storage and transport. Certain models can be transformed into a play yard, or a more substantial bassinet. This makes them a perfect choice for new parents who love to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, sometimes referred to as a bassinet, is a bassinet connected to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other to let parents reach their child at night. It could have a tilt feature to help alleviate reflux in infants. Some parents have found that this feature helps their baby sleep more comfortably. However, it is important to remember that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface can encourage your child to roll into an unsafe chin-to-chest posture. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is another key factor when choosing a bedside crib. It should be firm and flat as well as ventilated. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably in the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the risk of SIDS which is why it is recommended to buy an entirely new crib mattress. If you can, it is best to buy mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bedframes.
Some cribs for bedside use, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked under your bed to maximize space while bringing your baby closer. Some beds aren't tall enough to accommodate this kind of crib. The splayed feet of the BassiNest make it difficult to slide underneath 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 and Grow Bedside Crib can be set on top of your mattress, but they cannot be slanted. CHOICE recommends parents to use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to fall into a dangerous position, increasing the risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside baby bed also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a compact crib that can be attached to the edge of an adult's bed. This lets parents easily access their child during the night. They are usually larger than standard cots or bassinets. Some have a lower side that forms an elongated separation between the sleeping spaces. They are constructed of sturdy materials and most have wheels to make them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs with a bedside have a tilt feature that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It's important to use the tilt feature with care and at a moderate angle to prevent the risk of suffocation. If you're unsure about whether to make use of this feature, talk to your doctor or health professional for advice.
The mattress is a further safety consideration to make when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress needs to be firm, flat and airy. A mattress that is too soft could cause a blocked airway in newborns, which can be dangerous. A mattress that is breathable can aid your baby in staying cool throughout the night, which will reduce the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a safe sleeping space - crib, cot or Moses basket. It may seem tempting to sleep in the same bed as your baby but this could lead to SIDS. You should wait until your baby is able to sleep independently before attempting to sleep with them. If you have to, make sure your bedroom is smoke-free to safeguard your baby from second-hand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a bassinet or crib for those with a low income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are frugal may be enticed to buy or accept a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle from a friend or relative. Cribs are one of many nursery items that could lead to death, particularly if older cribs have damaged or missing parts or have larger spaces between the slats. Additionally, older mattresses could develop dips and other conditions that can be hazardous for your baby. If a crib is too old to meet the safety standards of today, it may be contaminated by lead paint or have other harmful chemicals.
If you are considering purchasing a used crib, look to see if it has been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Verify if the crib has been coated with water-based paint because this is safer for infants. Ensure that the mattress is firm, and that it fits comfortably. Babies are prone to slip out of soft mattresses as well as pose suffocation risks.
In addition to cribs, pay close attention to any secondhand bassinets, cradles, and play yards. All of them must be JPMA-certified and free from sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid putting pillows, toys or blankets with these products. They could be a potential entrapment hazard.
Children have died in cribs that were altered with or modified and most of the incidents were caused by caregivers and parents who tried to make the cribs more functional or attractive by incorporating items or altering them in a way. Since 1973 crib makers and CPSC worked together to establish standard requirements for safer cribs for infants. These standards dealt with things like side heights, slat spacings, mattress fits, corner posts and cutouts on the end panels. In the past few years, the number of crib-related deaths has decreased from 150 to 200 a year to just 50.