Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be set close to the bed allows parents to keep their baby close during the night without compromising safety. They are designed specifically for newborns and are suitable for use up to 4 to 6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the parent's bed and has a push-down side that allows parents to take their newborn baby in to feed them during the night. The base is not suitable under beds lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to monitor, comfort, and feed their babies at night without having leave their bed. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those who have limited mobility. It may also help parents sleep better at night. It is crucial to think about the safety aspects when purchasing an infant crib.
This kind of sleeping surface is a safety risk because it does not provide a complete barrier to the sleeping area of the parent and the infant's sleep area. This could result in gaps that can cause suffocation hazards to young infants. In addition sharing a bed with a child can increase the body heat of the parents and increases the chance of overheating which can lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim co-sleepers for bedside use to be safer than cribs, they're not covered by the CPSC safety standards. They could have the slats which allow babies' legs or heads to be snagged, and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable, and could cause separation.
Additionally, many of these mattress frames contain loose bedding that could cause suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to remove their bodies from the soft bedding. There are gaps between the mattress and frame can also create the risk of suffocation. Some of these items have a hard bottom that can hurt a child if they fall onto it. One user suggested that CPSC include pictograms on the warnings for these products, which will reduce the chances of caregivers not knowing the most important elements. Moreover, bedside sleepers should come with an easy transition mechanism to prevent the baby from sliding off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows babies to sleep beside their parents' beds while still occupying a separate space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of entrapment, suffocation, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arms' reach for feedings during the night or comforting.
Baby bedding for a bedside sleeper could include crib sheets bumpers, blankets, and stuffed animals. Make sure that the bedding you use is suitable for the bedside sleeper to avoid pockets or bulges that might impede the baby's breathing. Make sure that the mattress you choose for your sleeping baby is sturdy and secure with no gaps around the edges.
When choosing a bedding set, search for a set that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your child is having accidents or spits up in the night. You may also want to think about a travel bag for your bedside sleeper, to make it easy to pack and unpack it when you travel with your family or visit your grandparents' homes.
When your child is no longer a bedside sleeper, you are able to move them to a separate toddler or crib. When transitioning, make sure to move the crib away from the bed of the parent for several months or even weeks so that your infant can get used to sleeping in their own space while still feeling connected to their parents' presence. Be sure to select a crib that you can fold up easily for storage and transportation. Some models can be converted into a play yard, or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a great choice for parents who travel often.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which connects to the side of a bed for adults and has one side higher than the other which allows parents to reach over to care for their child at night. It may have tilt features that help alleviate reflux in babies. Many parents report that this feature helps their babies sleep better. However it is crucial to keep in mind that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface may encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous chin-to-chest posture. This could lead to death and should be avoided.
Selecting a mattress that is suitable is a different aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed. It must be firm, flat and airy. The size should correspond to the dimensions of the crib and be able to fit in the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the risk of SIDS, so it is recommended to buy new crib mattresses. Some retailers offer mattresses made specifically for specific bed frames so it is best to stick with these if possible.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to fit under your bed in order to save space and keep your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds are too low to accommodate this type of crib. The splayed feet of the BassiNest make it difficult to slide underneath some beds. It can be difficult to secure the BassiNest underneath a divan, which could cause it to move or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be placed next to your mattress but are not in a position to tilt. CHOICE suggests that parents only use these beds if they have a solid air-conditioned bed. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to slide into a risky position which increases the chance of being suffocated.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside baby bed also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a small crib that attaches to the side of a bed for an adult. This lets parents have access to their child at any time during the night. These beds are typically larger than standard cots or bassinets. Some have an upper side that creates an elongated barrier between the sleep spaces. They are usually constructed of durable materials, and a lot of them have wheels for easy transport throughout the home.
Some cribs for bedside use a tilt function which can assist infants with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It is important to use the tilt function with care and at a small angle to prevent suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether you should make use of this feature, talk to your doctor or health professional for advice.
Another crucial safety factor to consider when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. The mattress should be firm, flat and breathable to reduce the risk of SIDS. A mattress that's too soft can result in an obstruction in the airway of infants, which can lead to danger. A breathable mattress will also aid your baby in staying cool during the night, which will decrease the chance of overheating.
co sleeper bedside cot is recommended to place your baby in a secure sleeping space such as a cot, crib or Moses basket. While it might seem appealing to sleep with your baby in a bed, it is a major risk of SIDS. Make sure your baby is able to sleep independently before attempting to sleep with them. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to ensure your child is safe from second-hand smoke. If you're on a lower income, you might be eligible for help with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Frugal-minded parents may be tempted to purchase or accept a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle as a hand-me-down from a family member or friend. Cribs are one of many baby products that could cause death, particularly when older cribs are damaged or missing parts or have wider spaces between the slats. Mattresses that are older can also develop dips and other issues that can be hazardous for your child. And if a crib is old enough to be predated by the safety guidelines in place the crib could be contaminated by lead paint, and could contain other toxic chemicals.
If you're considering buying purchasing a used crib, be sure to check whether it's been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Verify if the crib has been coated with water-based paint as this is safer for infants. Be sure that the mattress is firm, and that it fits comfortably. Babies can easily slide out of mattresses with soft surfaces, which also present a risk of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay particular attention to any used bassinets, cradles or play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and have no sharp edges that your child could scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these products which could create dangerous entrapment risks.
Children have died in cribs that were altered or interfered with. Most of these incidents occurred when parents or caregivers tried to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by adding or modifying items. Since 1973, crib manufacturers and the CPSC have collaborated to establish mandatory standards for safer cribs, addressing issues like side height, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts on end panels. In the past few years the number of crib-related deaths has decreased from 150 to 200 a year to around 50.