Bedside Baby Beds
Baby bedside cribs let parents keep their baby close at night without compromising safety. They are specifically designed for infants and are suitable for use up to 6 to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the parent's bed and has a push-down side that allows parents to scoop up their newborn for middle-of-the-night feedings. But, the base won't be able to fit under beds less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed allows parents to keep their babies close to them for feedings at night, comforting and monitoring, without having to leave their own bed. This sleep arrangement is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those who are unable to move around. It can help parents stay well-rested throughout the night. It is, however, essential to consider safety features prior to buying a bedside crib.
The main safety issue with this type of sleeping surface is that it's not an entirely secure barrier between the bed of the parent and the baby's sleeping space, resulting in gaps that could pose suffocation risks to young infants. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent and can increase the risk of overheating. This could result in SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim co-sleepers for bedside use to be safer than cribs, they are not subject to the CPSC safety standards. They may feature the slats which allow the baby's legs or head to be snagged and their attachment mechanisms may be unstable and lead to separation.
Additionally, many of these mattresses have loose bedding, which can cause suffocation. Babies do not have the muscle or coordination to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding and the gaps between the mattress and the frame can cause a suffocation risk. Some of these products have a tough base that could cause injuries to a baby should they fall upon it. One commenter suggested that CPSC include pictograms in the warnings for these products, which would lower the risk of caregivers ignoring key elements. Additionally, bedside sleepers must have an easy transition mechanism that can stop the baby from sliding off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a bassinet or co-sleeper) allows babies to sleep next to their parents' beds, but still having their own space. This method of sleeping in a safe manner reduces the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping children close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a bedside sleeper could include crib sheets bumpers, blankets, and toys. Make sure the bedding you select fits the bedside sleeping baby properly. This will stop pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Also, make sure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits comfortably without gaps around the edges.
When you are choosing bedding sets, look for something that's easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your child has accidents or spits in the night. You may also want to think about a travel bag for your child's bedside sleeper so you can easily carry it around when you go on family vacations or visit grandparents at their homes.
When your child is no longer a bedside sleeper, you can move them to a separate toddler or crib. When transitioning, be sure to move the crib away from the parent's bed over several months or weeks so that your infant can get used to sleeping in their own space while still feeling a sense of connection to their parents' presence. Also, make sure you select a crib that you can fold easily for storage and transport. Certain models can be transformed into a play yard, or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a perfect choice for new parents who love to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which attaches to the side of the adult bed and has one side lower than the other and allows parents to reach over to care for their child during the night. It could also come with a tilt function to help alleviate reflux in infants. Some parents find this feature can help their child sleep better. It is important to note that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface could stimulate your baby's chin into a the chest. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
A good mattress is an important factor when choosing the crib for your child's bed. It should be firm, flat and airy. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and be able to fit into the frame. It is best to purchase a new mattress for your crib since a second-hand one can increase the chance of SIDS. If possible, it is best to buy mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bed frames.
Some bedside cribs are designed to fit under your bed to save space and bring your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds are too narrow to be able to accommodate this type of crib. In addition, the BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It can be difficult to tuck the BassiNest under a divan, and this could cause it to shift or move out of alignment with your mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use, such as the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be placed beside your mattress, but they aren't able to tilt. CHOICE suggests that parents only use these beds when they have a firm and breathable mattress. A bassinet that is tilted or placed next to a crib could encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous position, increasing the chance of the possibility of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper or a 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 usually larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge that creates an enclosure between the sleeping spaces. They are usually constructed of sturdy materials, and many have wheels to make it easy to move around the home.
Some cribs for bed have a tilt feature that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It is important to make use of this feature with utmost care and at a very small angle to avoid being suffocated. If you're uncertain about whether to use this feature, speak to your GP or health professional for guidance.
Another important safety consideration when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. The mattress should be firm, flat and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can cause a blocked airway, which can be dangerous for infants. A breathable mattress can also help your child remain cool at night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to put your baby to bed in their own safe sleeping area - a crib, cot or Moses basket. While it might seem tempting to put your child in a bed, this is a major risk of SIDS. You should wait until your baby is able to sleep independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you need to ensure that your bedroom is not smoky 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 looking to save money may be tempted by a used crib, bassinet, or cradle that they get from a family member or friend. However, cribs are one of the main causes of deaths involving nursery products especially if they have damaged or missing parts or if they have more space between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Additionally, older mattresses can develop dips and other issues that could pose danger to your baby. If a crib is older than the current safety standards it may be contaminated by lead paint and may contain other harmful chemicals.
Verify whether the crib has been recalled. 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. Make sure the mattress is firm and that it is fitted snugly. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to slip off, and they also pose a suffocation risk.
Pay particular attention to used bassinets and cradles and play yards. All of them should be JPMA-certified and free from sharp edges that could scratch or poke your baby. Avoid putting travel cot bedside crib , toys, or blankets to these products. They could pose an dangers to entrapment.
Infants have been killed in cribs that were tampered with or modified and most of the incidents were caused by caregivers and parents who tried to make the cribs more useful or attractive by adding items or modifying them in a way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC collaborated to create standard requirements for safer infant cribs. These standards dealt with things like side heights, slat spacings mattress fits, corner posts and cutouts on the end panels. In the last few years the number of crib-related deaths has decreased from 150-200 per year to around 50.