Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be placed near the bed will allow parents to keep their baby close during the night without compromising safety. They are specifically designed for infants and are suitable for use up to 4 to 6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed with an end that can be lowered to allow parents to pick up their newborn during feeding times at night. The base cannot be placed under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A crib at bedside allows parents to watch, comfort and feed their infants at night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering after birth or for those with limited mobility. It can also assist parents sleep better at night. It is crucial to think about the safety features when buying the bedside crib.
The primary safety concern with this type of sleep surface is that it is not a complete barrier between the bed of the parent and the infant sleeping area and can result in gaps that could lead to dangers of suffocation to infants. Sharing bedside cot newborn can increase the body heat of the parent and could increase the risk of overheating. This could result in SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers to be safer than cribs, they aren't subject to the CPSC safety standards. They may feature slats that permit a baby's head or legs to be snagged, and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable, and could cause separation.
A lot of these surfaces contain loose bedding that could cause the risk of suffocation. Babies lack the muscle or coordination to free themselves from entanglement in soft bedding and gaps between the mattress and the frame can create a suffocation hazard. Some of these items have an extremely hard bottom that could hurt a child if they fall onto it. One commenter suggested the CPSC add pictograms as warnings for these products. This could reduce the chance that caregivers overlook crucial elements. Sleepers at the bedside need a smooth transition system that prevents the baby from slipping off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or a co-sleeper lets babies sleep beside their parents' beds and still have an independent sleeping space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risks of entrapment, suffocation, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies close to their parents and within arms' reach for feedings during the night or for comforting.
Baby bedding for a sleeper at night can include crib sheets, bumpers, blankets, and toys. Be sure that the bedding you choose is suitable for the bedside sleeping baby properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Make sure the mattress you choose for your baby's bed is firm and fits tightly without gaps around the edges.
If you're in search of bedding sets to keep your baby clean in the event that they have accidents or spit up during the night, select a set that is simple to wash and dries. You might also want to think about a travel kit for your child's bedside sleeper so that you can easily pack and unpack it when you go on family vacations or visit grandparents at their homes.
When your baby outgrows the bedside sleeper, you can move the child to a crib, or a toddler that is all on its own. When transitioning to a crib, take it away from the parents' bed over a period of time, either weeks or months, to let your child become comfortable sleeping in their own space, but still feel a sense of connection to them. Be sure to choose a crib that is able to fold easily for storage and transport. Some models can be converted into a play yard, or a more substantial bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents with young children who like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which is attached to the side of a bed for adults and has one side higher than the other and allows parents to reach out to tend their baby at night. It could also have an adjustable tilt feature that can help ease reflux in infants. Some parents have reported that this feature can help their children sleep better. However it is important to remember that a slanted or elevated sleeping surface may encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous chin-to-chest position. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
Choosing a suitable mattress is a different aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib. It should be firm, flat and ventilated. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the risk of SIDS which is why it is recommended that you purchase new crib mattresses. Some retailers offer mattresses made specifically for specific bed frames therefore it is recommended to stick with these if possible.
Some cribs that are bedside, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be placed under your bed in order to maximize space while bringing your baby closer. However some beds are too low for this kind of crib. In addition, the BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide under some beds. It can be difficult to place the BassiNest in a divan, and this could cause it to move or move out of alignment with your mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs such as the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be set up beside your mattress, but aren't in a position to tilt. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to roll into an unsafe position and increase the risk of the possibility of suffocation.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside baby bed also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a compact crib that attaches to the side of a bed for an adult. It allows parents to be able to easily access their child throughout the night. They are usually larger than the traditional cots and bassinets, and some have a lower side that forms an elongated separation between the sleeping spaces. These beds are made from sturdy materials and most come with wheels, making them easier to move around the home.
Some cribs for bed 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 small angle to prevent the risk of suffocation. Consult your physician or health visitor if you are unsure whether to use the feature.
The mattress is an additional safety factor to take into account when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. The mattress should be firm, flat and breathable, to lower the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can result in an obstruction in the airway of newborns, which can be dangerous. A breathable mattress will also ensure that your baby stays cool during the night, which could reduce the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a secure sleeping space - a cot, crib or Moses basket. It might be appealing to sleep in the same bed with your baby, but this can cause SIDS. You should wait until your baby is able to sleep independently before attempting to sleep with them. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is smoke-free in order to protect your child from secondhand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you might be eligible for help with a crib or bassinet from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to purchase or accept a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle for a gift from a relative or friend. But, cribs are among of the leading causes of nursery-product related deaths particularly when older models have damaged or missing parts or have wider spaces between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). Mattresses that are older can also develop dips and other conditions that are hazardous for your baby. If your crib is not old enough to meet the current safety standards it could be contaminated by lead paint or contain other harmful chemicals.
If you are considering purchasing a used crib, check to see if it has been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is also recommended to verify whether the crib has been painted with water-based paint, which is safer for babies than oil or phthalic paint. Ensure that the mattress is firm, and that it fits snugly. Soft mattresses can cause babies to slip off and also pose a suffocation risk.
In addition to cribs, pay special attention to any used bassinets, cradles and play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and have no sharp elements that your child could scratch or poke at. Avoid adding pillows, toys or blankets with these products. They can become entrapment hazard.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered with or modified and the majority of incidents occurred when caregivers and parents attempted to make the cribs more functional or attractive by incorporating items or modifying them in some way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to create mandatory standards for safer cribs for infants. These standards addressed things like side heights, slat spacings, corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts for end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have decreased from 150-200 per year to about 50.