Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be set close to the bed allows parents to keep their child close at night, without risking the safety of their child. They are made to be used by newborns up until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed that has the ability to be lowered so that parents can pick up their infant during feeding time at night. The base cannot be placed under beds that are lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to monitor, soothe and feed their children throughout the night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering from birth or for those with limited mobility. It can also assist parents sleep better at night. However, it is important to evaluate safety features before purchasing a crib for your baby.
The main 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 baby's sleeping space, resulting in gaps that could lead to the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent, which can increase the risk of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers have a higher safety rating than traditional cribs, these products do not meet CPSC's safety guidelines. They may feature the slats which allow the baby's legs or head to be snagged and their attachment mechanisms can be unstable, and could cause separation.
Additionally, many of these mattress frames contain loose bedding that could cause death. Babies lack the strength and coordination to free their bodies from the soft bedding. The gaps between the frame and mattress can create a suffocation risk. Some of these items have a hard base that can cause injury to a baby if they fall on it. One user suggested that the CPSC include pictograms as warnings to these products. This could lower the risk that caregivers miss key elements. Bedside sleepers need to have an easy transition system that prevents the baby from slipping off the parent's mattress.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet lets babies sleep on their parents' beds while maintaining an independent sleeping space. This safe form of co-sleeping helps reduce the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping children close to their parents.
Baby bedding for sleepers in the bed can include bumpers and crib sheets. It could also include blankets and stuffed animals. Be sure that any bedding you use is appropriate for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges or pockets that could obstruct the baby's breathing. Also, ensure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits comfortably without gaps around the edges.
If you're in search of a bedding set to keep your baby clean in the event that they have accidents or spit up during the night, choose something that is easy to clean and dry. You may also want to think about a travel bag for your sleeper at night, to make it easy to take it out and back when you travel with your family or visit the grandparents' homes.
When your baby outgrows the bedside sleeper, you can move your child to a crib, or a toddler that is all on its own. When transitioning, be sure to move the crib away from the bed of your parent over several months or weeks so that your infant can get used to sleeping in their own space, while still feeling a sense of connection to their parents. Also, be sure to select a crib that can fold up easily for storage and transportation. Some cribs can be converted to a play yard or deeper bassinet. This makes them a perfect choice for new parents who are keen to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that attaches to the side of an adult bed and has one side higher than the other and allows parents to reach over to care for their child during the night. It may have a tilt feature to help alleviate reflux in infants. Many parents report that this feature helps their children sleep better. However it is crucial to keep in mind that a slanted or elevated sleeping surface may encourage your baby to sleep in a risky chin-to-chest position. This could result in 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 and ventilated. The mattress should be exactly the same size as the crib and be able to fit into the frame. It is recommended to buy a new mattress for your crib, as a second-hand mattress could increase the chance of SIDS. Certain retailers sell mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bed frames so it is best to choose them if you can.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to tuck under your bed in order to save space and bring your baby close, like 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 some beds. It's also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed which could cause it rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be placed beside your mattress, but they aren't in a position to tilt. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. A bassinet that is tilted or placed next to a crib can encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous position which increases the risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside baby bed also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a tiny crib that attaches to the side of an adult's bed. It allows parents to reach their child easily during the night. These beds are typically larger than traditional cots or bassinets. Some have an upper side that creates an elongated barrier between the sleeping spaces. They are constructed of solid materials and have wheels to make them easier to move around the home.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilt functions which can assist babies with digestive issues like colic or reflux. It's important to use the tilt function with care and only at a moderate angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. If you're not sure whether or not to utilize this feature, speak to your GP or health professional for advice.
bedside crib or cot is a further safety factor to consider when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. The mattress must be firm, flat and breathable, to lower the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can lead to a trapped airway, which is dangerous for infants. A mattress that is breathable can ensure that your baby stays cool during the night, which can lower the risk of overheating.
It's recommended that you put your baby to bed in their own safe sleeping space - such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. While it might seem appealing to sleep with your child in a bed, this poses a serious risk of SIDS. Wait until your baby can sleep independently before you attempt to sleep together. If you have to ensure that your bedroom is not smoky to protect your baby from second-hand smoke. If you're on a low income, you might be eligible for assistance with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Frugal-minded parents may be tempted to purchase or take a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle from a friend or relative. Cribs are one of many nursery items that could lead to death, especially if older cribs have broken or missing parts, or have wider spaces between the slats. Additionally, older mattresses can create dips and other conditions that could pose danger to your baby. If a crib is old enough to predate the current safety standards it may be contaminated by lead paint, and could contain other toxic chemicals.
If you're considering buying purchasing a used crib, check to see if it has been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It's also recommended to verify whether the crib was painted with water-based paint which is safer for babies than phthalic or oil-based paint. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is firm and secure. Babies can easily slip out of mattresses with soft surfaces as well as pose suffocation risks.
In addition to cribs, pay special attention to used bassinets, cradles and play yards. They must all be JPMA certified, and have no sharp edges that your child can scratch or poke at. Avoid adding toys, pillows or blankets with these products. They could pose an entrapment hazard.
Children have died in cribs that were altered or interfered with. Most of these accidents occurred when caregivers or parents attempted to make the cribs functional or more attractive by incorporating or altering items. Since 1973 crib makers and CPSC collaborated to create standard requirements for safer cribs for infants. These standards addressed issues like side heights, slat spacings corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts for end panels. As the result, deaths attributed to cribs have dropped from about 150 to 200 per year to around 50.