Bedside Baby Beds
Baby bedside cribs allow parents to keep their newborn close during the night without compromising safety. They are designed specifically for newborns and can be used until 4 to 6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the bed of the parent and has a push-down side that allows parents to take their newborn baby in for middle-of-the-night feedings. The base will not be able to fit under beds less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to monitor, soothe and feed their infants at night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleep is perfect for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those with limited mobility and may also help parents stay more relaxed throughout the night. It is crucial to think about the safety features when buying the bedside crib.
The main safety issue with this type of sleep surface is that it is not an entirely secure barrier between the parent's bed and the baby's sleeping space which can lead to gaps that could pose dangers of suffocation to infants. Additionally sharing a bed with an infant can increase the body heat of the parents and raises the risk of overheating, which 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. They could have slats that permit babies' legs or heads to become trapped and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable and lead to separation.
Many of these surfaces have loose bedding that could cause the risk of suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to free themselves from soft bedding. The gaps between the frame and the mattress can create a suffocation risk. Some of these items have a hard bottom that could injure a baby if they fall onto it. One user suggested that CPSC add pictograms to the warnings for these products, which would reduce the chances of caregivers not knowing the most important elements. Bedside sleepers need to have an easy transition system to prevent the baby from sliding off the mattress of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or a co-sleeper lets babies sleep beside their parents' beds while maintaining a separate sleeping space. This form 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 baby who sleeps at night can include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers, and toys. 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. Also, ensure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and snugly fits without gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for a bedding set to keep your baby clean in the event that they have accidents or spit up during the night, select a set that is simple to wash and dries. It is also a good idea to think about a travel bag 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.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, you can change them to a stand-alone toddler or a crib. When you transition to a crib, remove it from the bed of your parents over a period of time, either weeks or months, to let your child get used to sleeping in his own space but remain connected to them. Also, be sure to select a crib that you can fold up easily for storage and transportation. Some models can even be converted into a play yard or deeper bassinet. This makes them a perfect option for parents who are new and like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which attaches to the side of an adult bed and has one side higher than the other, allowing parents to reach over to take care of their child during the night. It may also have a tilt feature to help ease reflux in babies. Some parents have reported that this feature can help their babies sleep better. It is important to keep in mind that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface may encourage your baby's chin to the chest position. This could lead to death and should be avoided.
A good mattress is a key factor in choosing the crib for your child's bed. It should be flat, firm and breathable. The size should correspond to the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably within the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS, so it is recommended to purchase a new crib mattress. If you can, it's recommended to purchase mattresses that are designed for specific bedframes.
Some cribs for bedside use, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked away under your bed to make space while bringing your baby closer. However, some beds are too low for this kind of crib. Additionally, the BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It isn't easy to place the BassiNest in a divan, and this could cause it to move or rock out of line with your mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets such as the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be placed close to your mattress however they aren't able tilt. CHOICE advises large bedside crib to only use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilting of a bassinet may cause your child to fall into a dangerous position, increasing the risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside baby bed, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a tiny crib that is attached to the edge of a bed for an adult. This allows parents to easily access their child during the night. These beds are typically larger than standard cots or bassinets, and some have a lower side that forms a short separation between the sleeping spaces. They are usually made of durable materials, and some come with wheels that allow for easy transportation throughout the home.
Some bedside cribs have a tilt function that can aid children with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It is important to utilize this feature with extreme care and at a small angle to avoid suffocation. If you're not sure whether or not to make use of this feature, talk to your physician or health visitor for advice.
The mattress is another important safety factor to consider when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress needs to be firm, flat and breathable. A mattress that is too soft may cause a blocked airway, which is extremely dangerous for babies. A mattress that is breathable can help your baby stay cool throughout the night, which can lower the risk of overheating.
It's recommended that you put your baby to bed in a secure sleeping area - either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. While it might seem appealing to sleep with your child in a bed, this is a major risk of SIDS. Wait until your baby can be able to sleep on his own before trying to sleep with them. If you need to, make sure your bedroom is smokefree to shield your child from second-hand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you could be eligible for assistance with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are frugal may be enticed to purchase or accept a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle as a hand-me-down from a family member or friend. Cribs are one of many nursery items that could lead to death, especially if older cribs have damaged or missing parts, or have larger spaces between the slats. Additionally, older mattresses can develop dips and other issues which could be dangerous for your baby. And if a crib is old enough to predate current safety regulations, it could be tainted by lead paint and could contain other toxic chemicals.
Examine if the crib has been recalls on the crib. Verify if the crib has been painted with water-based paint, since this is safer for infants. Additionally, make sure the mattress is firm and secure. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to fall out and present a risk of suffocation.
Pay special attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles and play yards. They should all be JPMA certified, and have no sharp elements that your child could poke or scratch themselves on. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these items which could create entrapment hazards.
Infants have died from cribs that were altered or tampered with. Most of these incidents occurred when parents or caregivers attempted to make the cribs functional or more attractive by incorporating or altering things. Since 1973 crib makers and CPSC worked together to establish standard requirements for safer infant cribs. These standards dealt with things like side heights, spacing between slats, corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts for end panels. In the past few years the number of crib-related deaths has decreased from 150-200 per year to 50.