Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that are placed near the bed will allow parents to keep their child close during the night without any risk to security. They are designed for newborns and are suitable for use up to 4 to 6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed with a side that can be pulled down so that parents can take their baby into the crib during feeding time at night. But, the base won't be able to fit under beds less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to monitor, soothe, and feed their babies at night without having to leave their bed. This type of arrangement is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth, or who have limited mobility. It could help parents stay relaxed throughout the night. It is important to consider safety features when purchasing an infant crib.
The primary safety concern for this type of sleep surface is that it's not a complete barrier between the parent's bed and the infant sleeping area, resulting in gaps that could lead to the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent and could increase the chance of overheating. This could result in SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers to be safer than cribs, they are not covered by the CPSC safety standards. These products may have slats that allow babies' legs or heads to be snagged, and their attachment mechanisms can be unstable and lead to separation.
Many of these surfaces also contain loose bedding that could cause the possibility of suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to free their bodies from the soft bedding. There are gaps between the frame and mattress can create the risk of suffocation. Some of these items have a hard bottom that could hurt a child if they fall onto it. One user suggested that CPSC include pictograms on its warnings about these products, which will decrease the chance of caregivers ignoring key elements. Bedside sleepers must have an easy transition system that prevents the baby from slipping off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows babies to sleep next to their parents' beds while maintaining a separate space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the risks of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies close to their parents and within arms' reach for middle-of-the-night feedings or comforting.
Baby bedding for sleepers on the bed could include bumpers and crib sheets. They can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Make sure that the bedding you select fits the baby's bed properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Make sure that the mattress you choose for your baby's bed is firm and firmly fitted without gaps around the edges.
When selecting a bedding set, look for one that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your child has accidents or spits at night. Consider an item for travel to simplify the process of packing and take your bedside sleeper out of the bag when you're to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.
When your baby outgrows the bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition the child to a crib or toddler that is on its own. When you transition, make sure to move the crib away from the bed of your parent over several months or even weeks to allow your child to become comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still being a part of their parents' presence. Also, make sure you select a crib that can fold easily for storage and transportation. Some cribs can be transformed into a play yard, or a deeper bassinet. This makes them an excellent choice 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 take care of their child at night. It could also come with an adjustable tilt feature that can help alleviate reflux in infants. Many parents report that this feature helps their children sleep better. However, it is important to note that a slanted or elevated sleeping surface can encourage your child to fall into a dangerous chin-to-chest posture. This could lead to the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is a further important factor to consider when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It must be flat and firm, as well as airy. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS, so it is recommended to purchase new crib mattresses. Some retailers offer mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames so it is best to stick with those if you can.
Some cribs that are bedside, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked under your bed in order to make space while bringing your child closer. However some beds are too low for this type of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to slide under some beds. It's also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed which could cause it to rock or move out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs like the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be placed beside your mattress, but they aren't capable of tilting. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilt of a bassinet may cause your child to fall into a dangerous position, increasing the danger of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside baby bed also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a small crib that is attached to the sides of a bed for an adult. This lets parents be able to easily access their child throughout the night. They are generally larger than the traditional cots or bassinets. Some have a lower edge, which creates an obstacle between the sleeping areas. These beds are constructed from sturdy materials, and many have wheels to make them easier to move around the house.
Some bedside cribs come with tilting features that aid babies suffering from digestive issues such as reflux or colic. However, it's important to utilize this feature with extreme care and at a gentle angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. Speak to your doctor or health professional if you are unsure about using the feature.
Another crucial safety factor to consider when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. To minimize the risk of SIDS, the mattress should be flat, firm and ventilated. A mattress that's too soft can result in obstruction of the airway in infants, which can lead to danger. A mattress that is breathable can help your baby stay cool during the night, which can reduce the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a secure sleeping area - such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. It could be tempting to share a bed as your baby however this could lead to SIDS. It is recommended to wait until your baby is old enough to sleep independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you must, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to ensure your child is safe from second-hand smoke. Plunket might be able to help with a bassinet or crib for those with a low income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are looking to save money could be tempted by a secondhand crib, bassinet or cradle they get from a family member or friend. However, cribs are one of the most common causes of deaths involving nursery products particularly when older models have damaged or missing parts or more space between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Read the Full Content may also develop dips or other conditions that are dangerous for your child. If a crib is older than the safety guidelines in place, it could be tainted by lead paint and may contain other harmful chemicals.
Examine whether the crib has been recalled. Verify if the crib has been painted with water-based, because this is safer for babies. Be sure that the mattress is firm and that it fits snugly. Babies can easily slip out of mattresses with soft surfaces and also could pose a danger of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay close attention to used bassinets, cradles and play yards. All of them should be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid adding pillows, toys or blankets with these products. They could pose an dangers to entrapment.
Children have died in cribs that had been tampered with or modified and most of the incidents occurred when caregivers and parents tried to make the cribs more functional or attractive by incorporating items or altering them in a way. Since 1973, the crib manufacturers and the CPSC have worked together to establish standards that are mandatory for cribs that are safer, and have addressed issues like side height, mattress fit, corner posts 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 50.