Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be placed next to the bed allow parents to keep their baby close during the night without compromising the safety of their child. They are designed for newborns and can be used up to 6 to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed that has an end that can be pulled down to allow parents to pick up their newborn during feeding times at night. But, the base won't fit under beds lower than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to monitor, soothe and feed their children throughout the night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering from birth or for those with limited mobility. It could also help parents sleep better at night. It is, however, essential to consider safety features prior to purchasing a bedside baby bed.
The main safety issue with this type of sleep surface is that it is not an entirely secure barrier between the parent's bed and the baby's sleeping space and can result in gaps that could cause suffocation risks to young infants. Additionally, sharing the bed with an infant increases the body heat of the parent and increases the chance of overheating which can contribute to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they aren't subject to the CPSC safety standards. These products can have slats that permit babies' legs or heads to be caught. The attachment mechanisms could be unstable, resulting in separation.
A lot of these surfaces contain loose bedding that could cause the risk of suffocation. Babies do not have the muscle or coordination to remove themselves from the tangles of soft bedding, and the gaps between the mattress and the frame could create a suffocation hazard. Some of these items have a hard bottom that can injure a baby if they fall onto it. One user suggested that CPSC include pictograms on the warnings for these products, which will lower the risk of caregivers ignoring key elements. Sleepers at the bedside need a smooth transition system to prevent the baby from slipping off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows infants to sleep in their parents' beds, but still having their own space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the risks 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 sleeper beside the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. It can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Make sure that the bedding you choose fits the baby's bed properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Make sure the mattress you purchase for your baby's bed is firm and fits tightly without any gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for bedding sets to keep your baby clean in the event that they get sick or vomit up during the night, select a set that is easy to wash and dries. Consider a travel kit to make it easier to pack and unpack your bedside sleeping set when you're to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.
When your baby outgrows the bedside sleeper you can transition your child to a crib, or a toddler that is its own. When you transition to a crib, move it away from the parents' bed over the course of time, either weeks or months, to allow your child to get used to sleeping in their own space, but still feel a sense of connection to them. Be sure to select a crib that you can fold easily for storage and transportation. Some cribs can be converted into a play yard or deeper bassinet. This makes them an excellent choice for parents who travel frequently.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that connects to the side of the adult bed and has one side lower than the other and allows parents to reach over to take care of their child at night. It could also come with a tilt function that can aid in easing reflux in babies. Some parents have reported that this feature can help their babies sleep better. It is important to note that a slanted or elevated, mattress can cause your baby's chin to shift to the chest position. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
A mattress that is suitable for your child is an important factor when choosing a crib for your child's bed. It should be firm and flat and breathable. The mattress should be exactly the same size as the crib and fit snugly into the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the chance of SIDS which is why it is recommended to buy new crib mattresses. Some retailers offer mattresses made specifically for specific bed frames therefore it is recommended to choose those if you can.
Some bedside cribs, like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be placed under your bed to make space while bringing your baby closer. Some beds aren't tall enough to accommodate this kind of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It may be difficult to tuck the BassiNest under divans, which could cause it to move or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets, like the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be placed next to your mattress, however, they aren't able to be slanted. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. The tilting of a bassinet can encourage your child to fall into a risky position, increasing the chance of dying.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside baby bed also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a small crib that can be attached to the sides of an adult's bed. This lets parents easily access their child during the night. These beds are typically larger than traditional cots or bassinets. Some have an upper side that creates a short barrier between the sleeping spaces. These beds are made from sturdy materials and most have wheels that make them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs for bed have tilt features that can aid babies suffering from digestive issues, such as colic or reflux. It is important to use this feature with great care and at a slight angle to avoid being suffocated. Talk to your doctor or health visitor if you aren't sure whether you should use the feature.
Another crucial safety factor to consider when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. bedside sleeper cot should be smooth, firm and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can cause a blocked airway in infants, which can lead to danger. A mattress that is breathable can ensure that your baby stays cool during the night, which can decrease the chance of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a safe sleeping space such as a cot, crib or Moses basket. While it could be tempting to put your child in a bed, it poses a serious risk of SIDS. Wait until your baby can sleep independently before attempting to sleep together. If you have to ensure that your bedroom is smokefree to safeguard your child from second-hand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you may be eligible for assistance with a crib or bassinet from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to purchase or take a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle for a gift from a relative or friend. But, cribs are among of the most common causes of deaths involving nursery products especially if they have damaged or missing parts or if they have more space between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). Mattresses that are older can also develop dips or other conditions that are dangerous for your child. If a crib is older than the safety guidelines in place, it could be tainted by lead paint and may contain other toxic chemicals.
If you're thinking of buying a used crib, always check to see whether it's been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Verify if the crib has been painted with water-based, because this is safer for infants. Also, ensure that the mattress is sturdy and snugly fits. Babies are prone to slip out of mattresses with soft surfaces as well as could pose a danger of suffocation.
Be especially cautious of used bassinets and cradles as well as play yards. All of them must be JPMA-certified and free of sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid adding toys, pillows or blankets with these products. They could be a potential dangers to entrapment.
Infants have been killed in cribs that had been tampered with or altered, and most of the incidents occurred when parents and caregivers tried to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding things or modifying them in some way. Since 1973 crib makers and CPSC have worked together to create the standards that are mandatory for safe infant cribs. These standards dealt with things like side heights, slat spacings, corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts for end panels. As the result, deaths attributed to cribs have dropped from about 150 to 200 deaths per year to less than 50.