Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be set near the bed will allow parents to keep their child close at night, without any risk to security. They are designed for newborns and can be used until 4 to 6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed that has an end that can be pushed down to allow parents to take their baby into the crib during feeding time at night. But, the base won't be able to fit under beds less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A crib at bedside allows parents to monitor, comfort and feed their infants throughout the night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or with limited mobility. It could also help parents to sleep better at night. It is essential to think about the safety features when buying the bedside crib.
The main safety concern for this type of sleep surface is that it's not a complete barrier between the parent's bed and the baby's sleeping space and can result in gaps that could pose dangers of suffocation to infants. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent and can increase the chance of overheating. This can lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are safer than traditional cribs, these devices are not subject to the safety standards of the CPSC. They could have the slats which allow the baby's legs or head to be trapped and their attachment mechanisms may be unstable, and could cause separation.
Many of these surfaces contain loose bedding that could cause the risk of suffocation. Babies do not have the strength or coordination required to remove themselves from the tangles of soft bedding, and the gaps between the frame and the mattress can cause a suffocation risk. Some of these beddings have a hard bottom that could injure a baby when they fall on it. One user suggested that CPSC include pictograms on the warnings for these products, which would reduce the chances of caregivers ignoring key elements. Additionally, bedside sleepers should have a smooth transition mechanism to stop the baby from falling off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a bassinet or co-sleeper) allows infants to sleep next to their parents' beds while still occupying a separate space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the chance of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping babies close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a sleeper at night can include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers and stuffed animals. Make sure that the bedding you use fits the bedside sleeper properly to avoid bulges or pockets that might impede the baby's breathing. Make sure that the mattress you buy for your baby's bed is firm and firmly fitted without any gaps around the edges.
When selecting a bedding set, look for one that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your baby has accidents or spits in the night. You may also want to consider a travel kit for your child's bedside sleeper to make it easy to take it out and back when you travel with your family or visit the grandparents at their homes.
If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition your child to a crib or toddler that is all on its own. When transitioning to a crib, take it away from the parents' bed over a period of a few weeks or even months so that your child can become comfortable sleeping in his own space but remain connected to them. Pick a crib that is able to be folded away for storage and transportation. Certain models can be transformed into a play yard or a more substantial bassinet. This makes them a great choice for parents who travel frequently.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also referred to as the bassinet, is a bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other to allow parents to reach their child at the end of the night. It may also have a tilt feature that helps ease reflux in infants. Some parents find this feature helps their baby sleep better. It is important to note that a slanted, or elevated, sleeping surface could stimulate your baby's chin into a chest position. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
best bedside cots that is suitable for your child is an important factor when choosing the crib for your child's bed. It must be firm, flat and ventilated. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and be able to fit within the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the chance of SIDS which is why it is recommended to purchase new crib mattresses. If possible, it is best to buy mattresses designed for specific bedframes.
Some cribs that are bedside, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked under your bed to maximize space while bringing your child closer. However, some beds are too low for this kind of crib. The splayed feet of the BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath certain beds. It is also difficult to slide it under a divan bed which could cause it slide or sway out of alignment with the mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be set up beside your mattress but are not able to tilt. CHOICE recommends parents to use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilt of a bassinet may cause your child to fall into a risky position, increasing the danger 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 sides of a bed for an adult. This allows parents to access their child at any time during the night. These beds are generally larger than the traditional cots and bassinets, and some have a lower side that forms an elongated barrier between the sleeping spaces. They are typically made of sturdy materials, and a lot of them have wheels for easy transport throughout the home.
Some bedside cribs come with a tilt feature that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues like colic or reflux. But, it's crucial to use this feature with great care and at a slight angle to avoid suffocation. Speak to your doctor or health care professional if are unsure about using the feature.
Another important safety consideration when choosing a crib for a bedside is the mattress. The mattress should be firm, flat and breathable to reduce the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can result in obstruction of the airway in newborns, which can be dangerous. A mattress that is breathable will aid your baby in staying cool throughout the night, which can decrease the chance of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a secure sleeping area - crib, cot or Moses basket. Although it may be appealing to sleep with your child in a bed, this is a major risk of SIDS. Make sure your baby is able to sleep independently before you attempt to sleep together. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is smoke-free to ensure your child is safe from second-hand smoke. If you're on a low income, you may be eligible for help with a crib or bassinet from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are looking to save money may be enticed by a used bassinet, crib or cradle they receive from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the most common causes of deaths involving nursery products particularly when older models have damaged or missing parts or if they have larger spaces between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). In addition, older mattresses may create dips and other conditions that can be hazardous for your child. If your crib is too old to meet the safety standards of today it could be contaminated by lead paint or contain other toxic chemicals.
If you are considering purchasing a crib that is used, be sure to check whether it's been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Check if the crib was painted with water-based, as this is safer for babies. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is firm and secure. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to slip off and pose a suffocation risk.
Pay special attention to used bassinets and cradles and play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and have no sharp elements that your baby can scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid adding pillows, toys or blankets with these products. They could be a potential entrapment hazard.
Infants have died in cribs that were tampered with or modified and the majority of incidents were caused by caregivers and parents who tried to make the cribs more functional or attractive by incorporating items or modifying them in a way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC collaborated to create mandatory standards for safer cribs for infants. These standards addressed things like side heights, slat spacings corner posts, mattress fits, and cutouts on end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have dropped from around 150 to 200 deaths per year to around 50.