Bedside Baby Beds
Baby bedside cribs allow parents to keep their newborn close at night without compromising on safety. They are specifically designed for infants and are suitable for use up to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed that has the ability to be lowered to let parents pick up their newborn during nighttime feedings. The base cannot be placed under beds lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside crib lets parents keep their babies close for feedings at night, comforting and monitoring, without having to leave their beds. This sleep arrangement is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those with limited mobility and may help parents stay rested throughout the night. It is essential to think about the safety aspects when purchasing the bedside crib.
cot for bedside of sleep surface is a safety risk since it doesn't offer an entirely secure barrier between the parents' sleeping space and the infant's sleep area. This can lead to gaps that can cause dangers of suffocation to infants. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent and could increase the chance of overheating. This could result in SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are safer 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 be trapped. The mechanisms for attachment could be unstable, resulting in separation.
Furthermore, a lot of mattress frames have loose bedding, which can cause suffocation. Babies do not have the muscle or coordination to free themselves from entanglement in soft bedding and gaps between the frame and the mattress can create a suffocation hazard. Some of these beddings have a hard bottom that could cause injury to a baby if they fall onto it. One commenter suggested that CPSC add pictograms to its warnings about these products, which would reduce the chances of caregivers ignoring key elements. Moreover, bedside sleepers should come with an easy transition mechanism to prevent the baby from falling off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows infants to sleep beside their parents' beds while still occupying a separate space. This form of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of entrapment, suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies close to their parents and within arm's reach for feedings during the night or for comforting.
Baby bedding for a sleeper at night could include crib sheets blankets, bumpers and toys. Make sure that any bedding you use fits the bedside sleeper properly to avoid bulges and pockets that could obstruct the baby's breathing. Make sure that the mattress you choose for your sleeping baby is sturdy and secure without gaps around the edges.
When you are choosing a bedding set, search for a set that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your baby is having accidents or spits up in the night. You may also want to consider a travel kit for your bedside sleeper, so you can easily pack and unpack it when you travel with your family or visit grandparents' homes.
When your baby is no longer a bedside sleeper, you can move him or her to a crib, or a toddler that is its own. When transitioning, make sure to remove the crib from the bed of your parent over several months or weeks to allow your child to get used to sleeping in their own space, while still being a part of their parents' presence. Be sure to select a crib that can fold up easily for storage and transportation. Some cribs can be converted into play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who travel frequently.
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 which allows parents to reach out to tend their baby throughout the night. It may have tilt features that help ease reflux in infants. Many parents report that this feature can help their children sleep better. However, it is important to note that a slanted or elevated sleeping surface may encourage your child to sleep in a risky chin-to-chest posture. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
Choosing a suitable mattress is another key factor when choosing a bedside crib. It should be firm and flat, as well as breathable. The size should match the dimensions of the crib and fit snugly in the frame. A second-hand mattress could increase the risk of SIDS which is why it is recommended that you purchase an entirely new crib mattress. Some retailers offer mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames, therefore it is recommended to stick with those if you can.
Some bedside cribs are designed to tuck under your bed to save space and keep your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds are too low to accommodate this kind of crib. The splayed feet of the BassiNest make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It is also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed, which can cause it to rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress.
Other bassinets for bedside use, like the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be placed next to your mattress, but they cannot be slanted. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet may cause your child to fall into a risky position, increasing the chance of dying.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside baby bed, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a tiny crib that can be attached to the sides of a bed for an adult. This allows parents to have access to their child at any time during the night. These beds are usually larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge, which creates a barrier between the sleeping spaces. They are usually made of sturdy materials, and a lot of them come with wheels that allow for easy transportation around the home.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilt features that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues, such as colic or reflux. It is important to utilize this feature with extreme care and at a very gentle angle to avoid the risk of the risk of suffocation. Talk to your doctor or health professional if you aren't sure whether you should use the feature.
The mattress is an additional safety factor to consider when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress should be flat, firm and airy. A mattress that is too soft could result in a clogged airway, which is dangerous for babies. A mattress that is breathable will help your child stay cool at night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a secure sleeping area - a crib, cot or Moses basket. It could be tempting to sleep in the same bed as your infant but this could result in SIDS. You should wait until your baby is able to sleep independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is smoke-free to protect your child from second-hand smoke. Plunket can assist with a crib or bassinet in the event that you are a low-income parent.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to buy or accept a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle as a hand-me-down from a family member or friend. But, cribs are among of the most common causes of death due to nursery products, especially when older ones have missing or damaged parts or have wider spaces between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). Mattresses that are older can also develop dips and other issues that can be dangerous for your child. If a crib is old enough to predate the safety guidelines in place, it could be tainted by lead paint and could contain other toxic chemicals.
If you're thinking of buying a used crib, always check to see whether it's been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Make sure the crib was painted with water-based, as this is safer for infants. Be sure that the mattress is firm, and that it is fitted snugly. Babies are prone to slip out of soft mattresses and also could pose a danger of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay close attention to any used bassinets, cradles or play yards. They should all be JPMA certified, and have no sharp elements that your baby can scratch or poke at. Avoid adding pillows, blankets or toys to these products which could create entrapment hazards.
Infants have died from cribs that were altered or tampered with. The majority of these deaths were caused by caregivers or parents who tried to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by incorporating or modifying things. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have collaborated to establish standards that are mandatory for safer cribs, addressing issues like side height, slat spacing, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts in the end panels. In the past few years the number of crib-related deaths has decreased from 150-200 per year to around 50.