Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs for bedside use allow parents to keep their baby close during the night without compromising on safety. They are made to be used by newborns up until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest swivels over the bed of the parent and comes with a push-down feature that lets parents take their newborn baby in for middle-of-the-night feedings. The base is not suitable under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed lets parents keep their babies close for evening feedings, comforting and monitoring without leaving their own beds. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or with limitations in mobility. It could also help parents sleep better at night. It is essential to think about safety features when purchasing the bedside crib.
The main safety concern with this type of sleep surface is that it's not a complete barrier between the bed of the parent and the infant sleeping area, resulting in gaps that could pose the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent and can increase the risk of overheating. This can lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, these devices aren't subject to the CPSC's safety guidelines. These cribs may have slats that permit a baby's legs or head to get stuck. The mechanisms for attachment could also be unstable, leading to separation.
Furthermore, a lot of mattresses contain loose bedding that could cause the suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to free themselves from bedding that is soft. Gaps between the mattress and frame can also pose a suffocation risk. Some of these products have a hard base that could cause injury to a baby if they fall on it. One user suggested that the CPSC include pictograms as warnings for these products. This would reduce the chance that caregivers miss key elements. Additionally, bedside sleepers should have an easy transition mechanism that can prevent the baby from sliding off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, allows babies to sleep on their parents' beds while maintaining an individual sleeping space. This form of safe co-sleeping reduces the risks of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arms' reach for mid-night meals or for comforting.
Baby bedding for a sleeper beside the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. They can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Make sure that the bedding you choose is suitable for the baby's bed properly. This will stop pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Make sure the mattress you buy for your baby's bed is sturdy and secure without any gaps around the edges.
If you're in search of bedding sets to keep your baby clean in case they have accidents or spit up during the night, choose something that is easy to clean and dry. Consider the possibility of a travel kit that will simplify the process of packing and unpack your bedside sleeping set when you're on vacation or visiting grandparents.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, it is possible to change them to a stand-alone toddler or a crib. When transitioning to a crib, take it away from the parents' bed over a period of time, either weeks or months, so that your child can become comfortable sleeping in his own space but still feel connected to them. Be sure to select a crib that you can fold easily for storage and transport. Some cribs can even be converted to an outdoor play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a great choice for parents who frequently travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, sometimes referred to as the bassinet, is a bassinet attached to the bed's side for adults. One side is lower than the other side to let parents reach their child at the end of the night. It could also have a tilt function that can help alleviate reflux in babies. Some parents find this feature helps their baby sleep better. It is important to note that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface could encourage your baby's chin to the chest position. This could lead to death and should be avoided.
A good mattress is an important factor when choosing a crib for your child's bed. It should be firm, flat and breathable. The size should match the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably in 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's recommended to purchase mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bed frames.
Some bedside cribs, like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be placed under your bed to maximize space while bringing your baby closer. However, some beds are too low for this kind of crib. The BassiNest's legs with splayed feet make it difficult to slide under some beds. It may be difficult to place the BassiNest in a divan, which could cause it to move or move out of alignment with your mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets, like the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be positioned next to your mattress, however, they aren't able to be slanted. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. A bassinet that is tilted or placed next to a crib could encourage your baby to roll into an unsafe position, increasing the risk of being suffocated.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside crib, also called a bassinet or co-sleeper, is a small crib that is attached to a side of a bed designed for adults. It allows parents to reach their child easily at night. These beds are usually larger than traditional bassinets or cots. Some have a lower edge that creates an obstacle between the sleeping areas. These beds are constructed from sturdy materials and most have wheels that make them easier to move around the house.
Some bedside cribs have tilt features which can assist babies with digestive issues like colic or reflux. 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. Speak to your doctor or health professional if you are unsure whether to use the feature.
Another important aspect to consider when choosing a crib for a bedside is the mattress. To minimize the risk of SIDS, the mattress should be firm, flat and breathable. A mattress that is too soft could lead to a trapped airway, which can be dangerous for newborns. A mattress that is breathable will ensure that your baby stays cool throughout the night, which will decrease the chance of overheating.
It is recommended to put your baby to bed in their own secure sleeping space - either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. While it could be appealing to sleep with your child in a bed, this could be a risky way to get SIDS. Wait until bedside co sleeper can be able to sleep on his own before trying to co-sleep. If you must, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free in order to protect your child from secondhand smoke. If you're on a lower income, you may be eligible for help with a crib or bassinet from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are frugal may be enticed to purchase or accept a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the main causes of nursery-product related deaths particularly when older models are damaged or missing parts or wider spaces between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). In addition, older mattresses may develop dips and other issues that can be hazardous for your child. If your crib is not old enough to meet current safety standards, it may be contaminated with lead paint or contain other toxic chemicals.
Examine if the crib has been recalls on the crib. Check if the crib was painted with water-based paint, as this is safer for babies. Make sure the mattress is firm, and that it is fitted snugly. Soft mattresses can cause babies to slip off and also present a risk of suffocation.
Pay special attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles as well as play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp edges that your baby can poke or scratch themselves on. Avoid adding pillows, toys or blankets with these products. They could pose an entrapment hazard.
Infants have been killed in cribs that had been tampered with or altered, and most of the incidents occurred when caregivers and parents tried to make the cribs more useful or attractive by adding items or modifying them in some way. Since 1973, crib manufacturers and the CPSC have teamed up to establish standards that are mandatory for safer cribs, including issues like side height, slat spacing, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts on end panels. In the last few years the number of deaths attributed to cribs has decreased from 150 to 200 per year to just 50.