Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs for bedside use let parents keep their baby close at night without compromising on safety. They are designed to be used by infants up to 4-6 months old.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed that has a side that can be pushed down so that parents can pick up their newborn during feeding time at night. But, the base won't fit under beds that are less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to monitor, comfort and feed their infants throughout the night without having to leave their bed. This type of arrangement is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or with limited mobility and may also help parents stay more relaxed throughout the night. It is important to consider safety features when purchasing a bedside crib.
This type of sleep surface is a safety risk since it doesn't offer an adequate barrier between the parents' sleeping space and the infant's sleeping area. This could lead to gaps that can cause dangers of suffocation to infants. In addition 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 to be safer than cribs, they're not covered by the CPSC safety standards. These products may have slats that allow babies' legs or heads to become trapped, and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable, and could cause separation.
Furthermore, a lot of sleep surfaces have loose bedding that can cause death. Babies lack the strength and coordination to free themselves from soft bedding. The gaps between the frame and mattress can also create a suffocation risk. Some of these products have a hard base that could cause injury to a child if they fall upon it. One user suggested that CPSC include pictograms on the warnings for these products, which would lower the risk of caregivers missing key elements. Bedside sleepers need to have a smooth transition system that stops the baby from sliding off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows infants to sleep next to their parents' beds, while still occupying a separate space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risk of entrapment, suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arm's reach for feedings during the night or comforting.
Baby bedding for a bedside sleeper can include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers, and stuffed animals. Make sure the bedding you choose fits the sleeping baby's bed in a proper way. 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 snugly without gaps around the edges.
When you are choosing a bedding set, look for a set that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your child is having accidents or spits up in the night. It is also a good idea to consider a travel kit for your bedside sleeper, so you can easily pack and unpack it when you travel with your family or visit the grandparents at their homes.
If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper you can transition him or her to a crib or toddler that is on its own. When you transition to a crib, take it away from the bed of your parents over the course of weeks or months so that your child can become comfortable sleeping in his own space but still feel connected to them. Pick a crib that is able to be folded up for storage and transport. Some models can be converted into a play area or a larger bassinet. This makes them a great choice for parents who travel often.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also known 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 baby at the end of the night. It could have tilt features that help alleviate reflux in babies. Some parents have found that this feature helps their baby sleep better. It is important to remember that a slanted, or elevated, mattress can stimulate your baby's chin into a chest position. This could lead to the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.
Selecting a mattress that is suitable is a further important factor to consider when choosing a bedside crib. It should be flat, firm and ventilated. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and fit snugly within the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS, so it is recommended that you purchase a new crib mattress. If possible, it is best to buy mattresses that are made specifically for specific bed frames.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to fit under your bed in order to save space and bring your child close, like the Halo BassiNest. Some beds aren't tall enough to accommodate this type of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to slide underneath some beds. It may be difficult to secure the BassiNest underneath a divan, and this could cause it to move or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other bassinets for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be positioned next to your mattress, however they aren't able tilt. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to fall into a dangerous position, increasing the chance of suffocation.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or co-sleeper is a crib attached to the side of a bed designed for adults. This lets parents be able to easily access their child throughout the night. They are generally larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge that creates a barrier between the sleeping areas. They are typically made of sturdy materials, and a lot of them have wheels to make it easy to move around the home.
Some bedside cribs come with tilt features that can aid babies suffering from digestive issues, such as reflux or colic. It's important to use the tilt function with caution and at a very small angle to prevent the risk of suffocation. If you're not sure whether or not to utilize this feature, speak to your doctor or health care professional for guidance.
The mattress is another important safety consideration to make when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. bedside crib travel cot must be firm, flat and breathable to reduce the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft could cause a blocked airway in newborns, which can be dangerous. A breathable mattress can also aid your child in staying cool during the night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a secure sleeping area - a crib, cot or Moses basket. While it could be tempting to sleep with your child in a bed, it is a major risk of SIDS. Wait until your baby can sleep independently before attempting to sleep together. If you must, make sure your bedroom is smoke-free to protect your child from second-hand 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 looking to save money might be tempted by a secondhand bassinet, crib or cradle they acquire from a relative or friend. But, cribs are among of the most common causes of death due to nursery products particularly when older models have missing or damaged parts or wider spaces between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). Additionally, older mattresses can create dips and other conditions that could pose danger to your child. If a crib is old enough to predate current safety regulations the crib could be contaminated by lead paint and could contain other harmful chemicals.
Check whether the crib has been recalls on the crib. Check if the crib was painted with water-based, as this is safer for infants. Ensure that the mattress is firm, and that it is fitted snugly. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to slip out and also present a risk of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay special attention to used bassinets, cradles and play yards. All of them should be JPMA-certified and free of sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these products which could create dangerous entrapment risks.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered or interfered with. Most of these incidents occurred when caregivers or parents attempted to make the cribs functional or more attractive by adding or modifying items. Since 1973, the crib manufacturers and the CPSC have teamed up to establish mandatory standards for safer cribs, addressing issues like side height, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts in end panels. In the last few years the number of deaths attributed to cribs has decreased from 150 to 200 a year to 50.