Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs for bedside use allow parents to keep their newborn close to them at night without compromising safety. They are designed specifically for newborns and are suitable for use up to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the bed of the parent. It comes with a push-down feature that lets parents scoop up their newborn to feed them during the night. The base will not fit under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed lets parents keep their infants close for evening feedings, comforting and monitoring, without having to leave their sleeping arrangements. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering from birth or for those with limitations in mobility. It may also help parents to sleep better at night. It is crucial to think about safety features when purchasing a bedside crib.
This kind of sleeping surface presents a safety hazard since it doesn't offer an entirely secure barrier between the sleeping area of the parent as well as the infant's sleeping space. This could result in gaps that could pose dangers of suffocation to infants. In addition, sharing the bed with an infant increases the parent's body heat and increases the chance of overheating which could lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, they aren't subject to the CPSC's safety standards. These cribs may include slats that allow the baby's head or legs to get trapped. The mechanisms for attachment could be unstable, leading to separation.
Additionally, many of these mattresses have loose bedding that can cause suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to untangle themselves from bedding that is soft. The gaps between the frame and mattress can also pose a suffocation risk. Some of these products have a hard base that could cause injuries to a baby should they fall upon it. One commenter suggested that the CPSC add pictograms as warnings on these products. This will lower the risk that caregivers overlook crucial elements. In addition, bedside cribs should come with a smooth transition mechanism to stop the baby from slipping off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or a co-sleeper, allows babies to sleep on their parents' beds and still have a separate sleeping space. This method of sleeping in a safe manner helps reduce the risk of suffocation as well as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping babies close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a bedside sleeper can include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers and toys. Be sure that the bedding you select fits the baby's bed properly. This will stop pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Make sure that the mattress you purchase for your baby's bed is sturdy and secure without any gaps around the edges.
If you're in search of a bedding set to keep your baby clean in the event that they have accidents or spit up during the night, choose something that is easy to clean and dries. Consider an item for travel to make it easier to pack and unpack your bedside sleeping set while you're away to visit grandparents or on vacation.
When your baby outgrows the bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition the child to a crib or toddler that is its own. When transitioning to a crib, remove it from the bed of your parents over the course of time, either weeks or months, to let your child learn to sleep in his own space and still feel connected to them. Be sure to select a crib that can fold easily for storage and transport. Some models can even be converted to play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them an ideal choice for new parents who like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which is attached to the side of a bed for adults and has one side lower than the other, allowing parents to reach out to tend their baby during the night. It could also come with a tilt function that can help ease reflux in babies. Some parents find this feature helps their child sleep better. However it is important to note that a slanted or elevated sleeping surface could encourage your child to fall into a dangerous chest-to-chin position. This could lead to the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.
A good mattress is crucial in deciding on the crib for your child's bed. It must be firm, flat and ventilated. The size should match the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably within the frame. It is recommended to buy an entirely new mattress for the crib, as a second-hand mattress could increase the chance of SIDS. If you can, it is best to buy mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to tuck under your bed to save space and bring your child close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds aren't tall enough to accommodate this type of crib. Additionally, the BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It's also a challenge to place it under a divan bed, which can cause it to slide or sway out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets, like the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be positioned next to your mattress, but they cannot tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents only use these beds if they have a sturdy air-conditioned bed. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to roll into an unsafe position and increase the risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside baby bed, also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a compact crib that is attached to the sides of an adult's bed. This allows parents to access their child with ease at night. The beds are typically larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge, which creates an enclosure between the sleeping spaces. These beds are made from sturdy materials and most come with wheels, making them easier to move around the home.
Some bedside cribs have tilt functions which can assist infants with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. But, it's crucial to make use of this feature with utmost care and at a very slight angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. Consult your physician or health care professional if are unsure whether to use the feature.
Another important safety consideration when choosing a crib for a bedside is the mattress. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress should be firm, flat and breathable. A mattress that is too firm can result in an obstruction in the airway of infants, which can lead to danger. A mattress that is breathable will aid your baby in staying cool throughout the night, which will lower the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a safe sleeping area - crib, cot, or Moses basket. Although it may be tempting to put your baby in a bed, it is a major risk of SIDS. It is best to wait until your baby is old enough to be able to sleep independently before attempting to sleep with them. If you must, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to protect your child from secondhand smoke. If you're on a lower income, you may be eligible for help with a bassinet or crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents looking to save money could be attracted by a used crib, bassinet or cradle they acquire from a relative or friend. Cribs are one of many baby products that could cause death, especially if older cribs have broken or missing parts, or have wider spaces between the slats. Older mattresses can also develop dips or other conditions that could be hazardous for your baby. If your crib is old enough to predate the current safety standards, it could be tainted by lead paint and could contain other harmful chemicals.
If you're thinking of buying purchasing a used crib, be sure to check if it has been recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. bedside sleeper cot is also an excellent idea to determine whether the crib has been painted with water-based paint which is much safer for infants than oil or phthalic paint. Additionally, make sure the mattress is sturdy and snugly fits. Babies can easily slide out of soft mattresses and also present a risk of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay particular attention to any secondhand bassinets, cradles and play yards. They should all be JPMA-certified and free from sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid adding toys, pillows or blankets with these products. They can become dangers to entrapment.
Infants have been killed in cribs that were altered with or modified and the majority of incidents occurred when caregivers and parents attempted to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding items or modifying them in a way. Since 1973 crib makers and CPSC have worked together to create mandatory standards for safer cribs for infants. These standards dealt with things like side heights, slat spacings mattress fits, corner posts and cutouts on the end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have dropped from around 150 to 200 per year to around 50.