Bedside Baby Beds
Baby bedside cribs let parents keep their baby close to them at night without compromising safety. They are made to be used by newborns up to 4-6 months old.
The Halo Bassinest swivels over the bed of the parent. It features a push-down side that allows parents to scoop up their newborn to feed them during the night. The base will not fit under beds lower than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to monitor, soothe and feed their infants throughout the night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleep is perfect for new mothers recovering from childbirth, or who are unable to move around. It can also help parents stay more rested throughout the night. It is important to consider safety features when purchasing the bedside crib.
The primary safety concern with this type of sleep surface is that it is not a complete barrier between the parent's bed and the infant's sleeping area, resulting in gaps that could pose dangers of suffocation to infants. Sharing a bed increases the body heat of the parent, which can 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 covered by the CPSC safety standards. These cribs may include slats that allow babies' legs or heads to get stuck. The attachment mechanisms could also be unstable, leading to separation.
Additionally, many of these sleep surfaces contain loose bedding that could cause the suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to free themselves from bedding that is soft. The gaps between the frame and mattress can also create a suffocation risk. Some of these items have a hard bottom that can cause injury to a baby when they fall on it. One user suggested that CPSC add pictograms to its warnings on these products, which will reduce the chances of caregivers missing key elements. Bedside sleepers need to have a smooth transition system that stops the baby from sliding off the parent's mattress.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet) lets babies sleep in their parents' beds while maintaining a separate space. This method of sleeping in a safe manner reduces the chance of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping children close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a sleeper in the bed can include bumpers and crib sheets. It can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Make sure that the bedding you select fits the bedside sleeper properly to avoid bulges or pockets that might impede the baby's breathing. Make sure that the mattress you choose for your bedside sleeping baby is firm and fits tightly without any gaps around the edges.
When you are choosing a bedding set, look for a set that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your infant is having accidents or spits up at night. It is also a good idea to think about a travel kit for your bedside sleeper, so that you can easily carry it around when you go on family vacations or visit grandparents' homes.
When your child is no longer a bedside sleeper, you can transition them to a standalone toddler or a crib. When you transition, make sure to remove the crib from the bed of the parent for several months or weeks to allow your child to be comfortable sleeping in their own space while still feeling a sense of connection to their parents. Pick a crib that is able to be folded up for storage and transport. Some cribs can be transformed into a play yard, or a more substantial bassinet. This makes them a great choice for parents who frequently travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that connects to the side of a bed for adults and has one side higher than the other which allows parents to reach over to take care of their child at night. It could also have an adjustable tilt feature that can help ease reflux in babies. Many parents report that this feature helps their children sleep better. However it is important to keep in mind that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface may encourage your child to roll into an unsafe chin-to-chest position. This can lead to the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.
A good mattress is crucial in deciding on a crib for your child's bed. It should be flat, firm and breathable. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. It is recommended to purchase a new mattress for the crib since a second-hand one could increase the risk of SIDS. Some retailers offer mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames therefore it is recommended to choose them if you can.
Some bedside cribs, like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked away under your bed to maximize space while bringing your baby closer. However, some beds are too low for this type of crib. Additionally, the BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It is also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed, which could cause it to slide or sway out of alignment with the mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use, such as the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be placed next to your mattress, but they aren't in a position to tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents only use these beds when they have a firm, breathable bed. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to slide into a risky position which increases the risk of suffocation.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside baby bed also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a tiny crib that attaches to the side of an adult's bed. It 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 that creates a barrier between the sleeping areas. These beds are constructed from sturdy materials, and many have wheels to make them easier to move around the house.
Some bedside cribs come with a tilt feature that can aid babies suffering from digestive issues, such as reflux or colic. It is essential to use the tilt feature with care and only at a very small angle to avoid suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether to utilize this feature, speak to your doctor or health care professional for guidance.
The mattress is a further safety factor to take into account when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. To decrease the risk of SIDS, the mattress must be flat, firm and ventilated. A mattress that is too soft can result in obstruction of the airway in newborns, which can be dangerous. A mattress that is breathable can help your child remain cool during the night, which reduces the chance of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a secure sleeping space - crib, cot, or Moses basket. It may seem appealing to sleep in the same bed as your baby however this could result in SIDS. You should wait until your baby is able to sleep independently before attempting to sleep with them. If bedside cot wooden must ensure that your bedroom is not smoky to shield your child from second-hand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you might be eligible for help with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are frugal may be enticed to purchase or accept an old crib, bassinet or cradle from a friend or relative. Cribs are among the nursery products that can cause death, especially if older cribs have damaged or missing parts or have larger spaces between the slats. Mattresses that are older can also develop dips and other conditions that could be hazardous for your child. If your crib is not old enough to meet current safety standards, it may be contaminated by lead paint or other harmful chemicals.
If you're considering buying a used crib, always be sure to check if it has been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It's also a good idea to check whether the crib has been painted with water-based paint, which is much safer for infants than phthalic or oil paint. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is firm and fits snugly. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to slip off and pose a suffocation risk.
Be especially cautious of second-hand bassinets and cradles and play yards. All of them must be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges that could hurt or poke your baby. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these products which could create dangers for entrapment.
Infants have died 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 a way. Since 1973 crib makers and the CPSC collaborated to create the standards that are mandatory for safe cribs for infants. These standards addressed issues like side heights, spacing between slats, corner posts, mattress fits, and cutouts on end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have decreased from 150 to 200 per year to about 50.