Bedside Baby Beds
Baby bedside cribs allow parents to keep their newborn close at night without compromising on safety. They are designed specifically for newborns and can be used until 4 to 6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel that can be swivel over the bed of with a side that can be pushed down to allow parents to take their baby into the crib during feeding time at night. However, the base won't be able to fit under beds less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A crib at bedside allows parents to watch, comfort and feed their children throughout the night without having to leave their bed. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for new mothers recovering after birth or for those with limited mobility. It can also assist parents sleep better at night. It is, however, essential to look at safety features before purchasing a bedside baby bed.
The primary safety concern for this type of sleep surface is that it's not a complete barrier between the bed of the parent and the infant's sleeping area which can lead to gaps that could pose the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed increases the body heat of the parent and could increase the chance of overheating. This can lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are safer than traditional cribs, these products are not subject to CPSC's safety standards. They could have slats that allow the baby's legs or head to be trapped and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable, and could cause separation.
Additionally, many of these sleep surfaces have loose bedding, which can cause death. Babies lack the strength and coordination to free themselves from bedding that is soft. Gaps between the frame and the mattress can create an entrapment risk. Some of these products have a hard base that could cause injuries to a child if they fall upon it. One commenter suggested that the CPSC add pictograms as warnings for these products. This will decrease the likelihood that caregivers miss key elements. Bedside sleepers need to have an easy transition system to prevent the baby from slipping off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows infants to sleep beside their parents' beds, while maintaining a separate space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risks of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies close to their parents and within arm's reach for feedings during the night or comforting.
Baby bedding for a sleeper on the bed could include crib sheets and bumpers. It could also include blankets and stuffed animals. Make sure that the bedding you choose fits the baby's bed properly. This will stop pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Make sure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeping baby is firm and fits tightly with no gaps around the edges.
When choosing a bedding set, look for one that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your baby has accidents or spits in the night. Consider the possibility of a travel kit that will help you pack and take your bedside sleeper out of the bag when you're going to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, it is possible to change them to a stand-alone toddler or crib. When transitioning, make sure to remove the crib from the parent's bed over several months or even weeks to allow your child to become comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still feeling a sense of connection to their parents. Also, be sure to choose a crib that is able to fold easily for storage and transportation. Some cribs can be converted into play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them a great choice for parents who frequently travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which is attached to the side of an adult bed and has one side higher than the other and allows parents to reach out to take care of their child throughout the night. It could also come with a tilt function that can help alleviate reflux in infants. Some parents find this feature can help their child sleep better. However, it is important to note that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface can cause your child to fall into a dangerous chin-to-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 must be flat and firm and breathable. The mattress should be the same size as the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. It is recommended to purchase a new mattress for your crib, as a second-hand mattress could increase the risk of SIDS. Some retailers offer mattresses made for specific bed frames, therefore it is recommended to choose them if you can.
Some cribs that are bedside, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be placed under your bed to maximize space while bringing your child closer. Some beds are too low to accommodate this kind of crib. The BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It's also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed, which can cause it to slide or sway out of alignment with the mattress.
Other bassinets for bedside use, like the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be positioned next to your mattress, however they aren't able tilt. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. A bassinet that is tilted or placed next to a crib can encourage your baby to slide into a risky position and increase the risk of the possibility of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also called co-sleeper or bassinet, is a small crib that is attached to a side of a bed designed for adults. bedside rocking crib lets parents have access to their child at any time during the night. The beds are typically larger than the traditional cots or bassinets. Some have a lower edge, which creates an obstacle between the sleeping areas. These beds are made from sturdy materials, and many have wheels that 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 important to use the tilt feature with caution and at a moderate angle to avoid suffocation. If you're not sure whether you should utilize this feature, speak to your GP or health visitor for advice.
The mattress is another important safety consideration to make when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. The mattress must be smooth, firm and breathable, to lower the risk of SIDS. A mattress that's too soft can cause obstruction of the airway in newborns, which can be dangerous. A breathable mattress can also aid your child in staying cool at night, reducing 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, it poses a serious risk of SIDS. It is best to wait until your baby is old enough to be able to sleep independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you must, make sure your bedroom is smokefree to safeguard your baby from second-hand smoke. Plunket can assist with a bassinet or crib for those with a low income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents looking to save money could be attracted by a second-hand bassinet, crib, or cradle that they receive from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the leading causes of deaths involving nursery products especially if they have missing or damaged parts or wider spaces between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). Additionally, older mattresses could develop dips and other conditions that could pose danger to your baby. And if a crib is old enough to be predated by the current safety standards it may be contaminated by lead paint and may contain other harmful chemicals.
Check if the crib has been removed from the crib. Check if the crib was painted with water-based paint, as this is safer for babies. Ensure that the mattress is firm, and that it fits comfortably. Babies are prone to slip off mattresses that are soft and also could pose a danger of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay close attention to any used bassinets, cradles or play yards. All of them should be JPMA-certified and free of sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid adding toys, pillows or blankets with these products. They could be a potential dangers to entrapment.
Infants have died in cribs that were tampered with or modified, and most of the incidents were caused by caregivers and parents who attempted to make the cribs more functional or attractive by incorporating items or modifying them in some way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC worked together to establish standard requirements for safer infant cribs. These standards addressed issues like side heights, slat spacings, mattress fits, corner posts, and cutouts on end panels. In the past few years, the number of deaths attributed to cribs has dropped from 150 to 200 per year to just 50.