Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be set close to the bed allows parents to keep their child close during the night without risking the safety of their child. They are designed to be used by infants up until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed that has the ability to be lowered to allow parents to pick up their newborn during feeding times at night. However, the base won't fit under beds that are less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to monitor, comfort and feed their infants at night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleep is perfect for mothers who are 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.
The primary safety concern with this type of sleeping surface is that it is not an entirely secure barrier between the bed of the parent and the infant sleeping area which can lead to gaps that could cause dangers of suffocation to infants. In addition sharing a bed with an infant increases the body heat of the parent and raises the risk of overheating, which can lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers have a higher safety rating than traditional cribs, these products do not meet CPSC's safety standards. These products can have slats which allow a baby's legs or head to be caught. Their attachment mechanisms may be unstable, leading to separation.
A lot of these surfaces have bedding that is loose that could cause the risk of suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to remove themselves from soft bedding. The gaps between the mattress and frame can create a suffocation risk. Some of these items have a hard bottom that can cause injury to a baby when they fall on it. One user suggested that the CPSC include pictograms as warnings for these products. This will lower the risk that caregivers overlook crucial elements. Sleepers at the bedside need a smooth transition system that stops the baby from falling off the parent's mattress.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper) allows babies to sleep beside their parents' beds, while maintaining a separate space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping infants close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a baby who sleeps at night can include crib sheets, bumpers, blankets, and stuffed animals. Be sure that the bedding you choose fits the sleeping baby's bed in a proper way. bedside crib or cot will prevent pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Make sure the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeping baby is firm and firmly fitted without gaps around the edges.
When selecting a bedding set, search for a set that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your infant has accidents or spits during the night. You may also want to think about a travel bag for your sleeper at night, so that you can easily take it out and back when you travel with your family or visit your grandparents home.
When your baby is no longer a bedside sleeper, you can move your child to a crib or toddler that is on its own. When you transition to a crib, take it away from the parents' bed over a period of time, either weeks or months, to let your child learn to sleep in their own space, but still feel connected to them. Be sure to choose a crib that is able to fold easily for storage and transport. Some cribs can be converted into play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who are new and love to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also referred to as the bassinet, is a piece of furniture that is attached to the bed's side for adults. One side is lower than the other to allow parents to reach their child at night. It may also have a tilt function that can aid in easing reflux in babies. Many parents report that this feature can help their children sleep better. However it is important to keep in mind that a slanted or elevated sleeping surface may encourage your baby to sleep in a risky chin-to-chest posture. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
A suitable mattress is also crucial in deciding on a crib for your child's bed. It must be flat and firm as well as ventilated. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and be able to fit within the frame. It is recommended to purchase a new mattress for the crib, as a second-hand mattress can increase the risk of SIDS. If you can, it's best to buy mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bedframes.
4-in-1 bedside crib for bedside use, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked under your bed to maximize space while bringing your child closer. Some beds are too narrow to be able to accommodate this type of crib. Additionally, the BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It is also difficult to slide it under a divan bed which could cause it to rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use like the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be placed next to your mattress but are not capable of tilting. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib could encourage your baby to slide into a risky position, increasing the chance of being suffocated.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside baby bed, also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a compact crib that is attached to the edge of a bed for an adult. This allows parents to access their child at any time at night. These beds are generally larger than the traditional cots and bassinets. Some have a lower side that forms an unintentional separation between the sleeping spaces. These beds are constructed from solid materials and have wheels to make them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs with a bedside have a tilt function which can assist infants with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It is important to utilize this feature with extreme care and at a slight angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. If you're unsure about whether you should utilize this feature, speak to your physician or health care professional for guidance.
The mattress is another important safety consideration to make when choosing a crib for your child's bedside. The mattress should be smooth, firm and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can result in a clogged airway, which is dangerous for babies. A breathable mattress will also ensure that your baby stays cool throughout the night, which can decrease the chance of overheating.
It is recommended that you put your baby to bed in a secure sleeping space, such as either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. While it might seem appealing to sleep with your child in a bed, it poses a serious risk of SIDS. You should wait until your baby is able to sleep independently before attempting to sleep with them. If you must, make sure your bedroom is smokefree to shield your baby from second-hand smoke. Plunket can assist with a bassinet or crib if you have a low-income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who want to save money might be enticed by a secondhand crib, bassinet or cradle they acquire from a relative or friend. But, cribs are among of the leading causes of death due to nursery products particularly when older models have damaged or missing parts or have wider spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). In addition, older mattresses may create dips and other conditions which could be dangerous for your child. If 4-in-1 bedside crib is old enough to predate current safety regulations, it could be tainted by lead paint, and could contain other toxic chemicals.
If you are considering purchasing a crib that is used, be sure to check if it has been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Make sure the crib was coated with water-based paint since this is safer for infants. Make sure the mattress is firm, and that it fits snugly. Babies can easily slip out of mattresses with soft surfaces as well as pose suffocation risks.
Pay particular attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles as well as play yards. They should all be JPMA certified, and have no sharp elements that your child could scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid adding pillows, toys or blankets to these products. They could pose an entrapment hazard.
Children have died in cribs that were tampered with or altered, and most of the incidents occurred when caregivers and parents attempted to make the cribs more useful or attractive by adding items or altering them in a way. Since 1973, crib manufacturers and the CPSC have worked together to establish mandatory standards for safer cribs, addressing things like side height, slat spacing, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts on end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have dropped from around 150 to 200 deaths per year to around 50.