Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be placed near the bed will allow parents to keep their baby close at night, without risking the safety of their child. They are designed specifically for newborns and can be used up to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel that can be swivel over the bed of with a side that can be pulled down to let parents pick up their infant during nighttime feedings. But, the base won't be able to fit under beds less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed lets parents keep their babies close for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without leaving their bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering after childbirth or with limited mobility. It can also assist parents to sleep better at night. It is, however, essential to consider safety features prior to buying a bedside crib.
The main safety issue with this type of sleep surface is that it's not an entirely secure barrier between the parent's bed and the infant sleeping area which can lead to gaps that could pose suffocation risks to young infants. Sharing a bed increases the body heat of the parent and could increase the risk of overheating. This could result in SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers to be safer than cribs, they aren't subject to the CPSC safety standards. They may include slats that allow a baby's legs or head to be trapped. The mechanisms for attachment could be unstable, leading to separation.
Additionally, many of these mattresses contain loose bedding that could cause death. Babies don't have the strength or coordination to remove themselves from the tangles of soft bedding and the gaps between the mattress and the frame can create a suffocation hazard. Some of these beddings have a hard bottom that could injure a baby if they fall onto it. One user suggested that the CPSC include pictograms as warnings on these products. This could lower the risk that caregivers overlook crucial elements. In addition, bedside cribs should come with a smooth transition mechanism to stop the baby from sliding off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, allows babies to sleep beside their parents' beds and still have a separate sleeping 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 blankets, bumpers, and toys. Make sure the bedding you choose is suitable for the bedside sleeping baby properly. bedside cot wooden will prevent pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Also, ensure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits comfortably without gaps around the edges.
When you are choosing a bedding set, look for one that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your child has accidents or spits in the night. Consider an item for travel to help you pack and unpack your bedside sleeper when you're to visit grandparents or on vacation.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, you can move them to a separate toddler or crib. When transitioning to a crib, take it away from the parents' bed over the course of a few weeks or even months to let your child learn to sleep in their own space, but remain connected to them. Also, be sure to choose a crib that is able to fold up easily for storage and transportation. Some models can be converted into a play yard, or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who travel frequently.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also referred to as 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 baby at the end of the night. It could have a tilt feature to help alleviate reflux in babies. Some parents have reported that this feature can help their children sleep better. However, it is important to note that a sloped or elevated sleeping surface can cause your child to sleep in a risky chin-to-chest position. This can lead to death and should be avoided.
Selecting a mattress that is suitable is a further important factor to consider when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It should be flat, firm and breathable. The size should correspond to the dimensions of the crib and be able to fit in the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the chance of SIDS and it is recommended that you purchase an entirely new crib mattress. Some retailers offer mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames, so it is best to use those if you can.
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 feet that are splayed out of the BassiNest make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It isn't easy to secure the BassiNest underneath divans, which could cause it to move or move out of alignment with your mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets such as the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be positioned close to your mattress however they aren't able tilt. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet can encourage your child to fall into a dangerous position, increasing the risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper or a bassinet is a crib that is attached to the side of a bed designed for adults. This allows parents to easily access their child during the night. The beds are typically larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge, which creates an obstacle between the sleeping spaces. These beds are constructed from sturdy materials and most come with wheels, making them easier to move around the home.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilt functions that can aid children with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It is important to utilize this feature with extreme care and at a small angle to avoid suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether you should use this feature, speak to your physician or health care professional for advice.
The mattress is an additional safety factor to consider when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. To decrease the risk of SIDS, the mattress should be firm, flat and breathable. A mattress that is too firm could cause a blocked airway in newborns, which is dangerous. A mattress that is breathable can aid your child in staying cool at night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a safe sleeping space - crib, cot, or Moses basket. While it might seem tempting to sleep with your baby in a bed, this is a major risk of SIDS. It's best to wait until your baby is old enough to sleep independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you have to ensure that your bedroom is smokefree to shield your baby from second-hand smoke. If you're on a lower income, you may be eligible for help with a crib or bassinet from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Frugal-minded parents may be tempted to purchase or take an old crib, bassinet or cradle from a friend or relative. However, cribs are one of the most common causes of deaths involving nursery products particularly when older models have missing or damaged parts or if they have larger spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Mattresses that are older can also develop dips or other conditions that could be risky for your child. If a crib is older than the current safety standards the crib could be contaminated by lead paint and could contain other toxic chemicals.
Examine whether the crib has been recalled. It is also recommended to verify whether the crib was painted with water-based paint, which is more safe for infants than oil or phthalic paint. Make sure the mattress is firm, and that it fits snugly. Babies can easily slide off mattresses that are soft, which also present a risk of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay special attention to any used bassinets, cradles and play yards. They should all be JPMA-certified and free from sharp edges that could scratch or poke your baby. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these items which could create dangers for entrapment.
Infants have died from cribs that were altered or played with. Most of these incidents were caused by caregivers or parents who tried to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by adding or modifying items. Since 1973, crib manufacturers and the CPSC have worked together to establish mandatory standards for safer cribs, addressing things like side height, slat spacing, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts in end panels. In the last few years the number of crib-related deaths has decreased from 150 to 200 per year to just 50.