Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs for bedside use allow parents to keep their infant close during the night without compromising safety. They are designed to be used by infants up to 4-6 months old.
The Halo Bassinest swivels over the parent's bed and has a push-down side that lets parents scoop up their newborn for feedings in the middle of the 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 keep their babies close to them for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without leaving their sleeping arrangements. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering after childbirth or with mobility issues. It can also assist parents to sleep better at night. It is essential to think about the safety features when buying an infant crib.
This type of sleep surface poses a safety concern since it doesn't offer a complete barrier to the parents' sleeping space and the infant's sleep area. This can lead to gaps which can pose suffocation hazards to young infants. Sharing a bed increases the body heat of the parent and could increase the risk of overheating. This could result in SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they aren't subject to the CPSC safety standards. They may have slats which allow a baby's legs or head to be trapped. Their attachment mechanisms may also be unstable, resulting in separation.
Additionally, many of these mattresses contain loose bedding that could cause the suffocation. Babies don't have the strength or coordination to remove themselves from the tangles of soft bedding and gaps between the mattress and the frame can cause a suffocation risk. Some of these items have a hard bottom that could hurt a child when they fall on it. One commenter suggested the CPSC add pictograms as warnings on these products. This could reduce the chance that caregivers overlook crucial elements. Bedside sleepers need to have an easy transition system that stops the baby from slipping off the mattress of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet) lets babies sleep in their parents' beds, while maintaining a separate space. This safe form of co-sleeping helps reduce the risk of suffocation as well as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping babies close to their parents.
Baby bedding to sleep on the bed could include bumpers and crib sheets. bedside baby bed can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Be sure that any bedding you select fits the bedside sleeper properly to avoid bulges or pockets that could obstruct the baby's breathing. Make sure that the mattress you purchase for your baby's bed is firm and fits tightly without gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for bedding sets to keep your baby clean in the event that they fall or spill up in the night, choose something that is easy to clean and dry. You might also want to think about a travel bag for your sleeper at night, so that you can easily pack and unpack it when you go on family vacations or visit the grandparents at their homes.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, you can change them to a stand-alone toddler or a crib. When you transition to a crib, take it away from the bed of your parents over a period of weeks or months to allow your child to get used to sleeping in his own space but still feel connected to them. Pick a crib that is able to be folded for storage and transport. Some cribs can be transformed into a play yard or a deeper bassinet. This makes them an ideal option for parents who are new and like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that attaches to the side of a bed for adults and has one side lower than the other and allows parents to reach out to tend their baby at night. It could have a tilt feature to help reduce reflux in babies. Many parents report that this feature helps their children sleep better. It is important to remember that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface may encourage your baby's chin to the chest position. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
Selecting a mattress that is suitable is another key factor when choosing a bedside crib. It should be flat, firm and breathable. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably in the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the risk of SIDS and it is recommended to purchase new crib mattresses. Certain retailers sell mattresses that are designed for specific bed frames, therefore it is recommended to choose those if you can.
Some cribs for bedside use, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked away under your bed to maximize 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 underneath some 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 types of bedside bassinets such as the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be positioned close to your mattress but they cannot be slanted. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet could cause your child to roll into a dangerous position, increasing their risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a tiny crib that can be attached to the side of an adult's bed. It allows parents to reach their child at any time at night. These beds are usually larger than traditional bassinets or cots. Some have a lower edge that creates an enclosure between the sleeping spaces. They are usually constructed of durable materials, and some come with wheels that allow for easy transportation around the home.
Some cribs for bedside use tilt functions which can assist babies with digestive issues like colic or reflux. However, it's important to use this feature with great care and at a very small angle to avoid suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether or not to use this feature, speak to your doctor or health visitor for advice.
The mattress is another important safety factor to take into account when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. To decrease the risk of SIDS, the mattress must be firm, flat and breathable. A mattress that is too soft could cause a blocked airway, which can be dangerous for babies. A mattress that is breathable can ensure that your baby stays cool during the night, which could decrease the chance of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a safe sleeping space such as a cot, crib or Moses basket. It could be appealing to share a bed with your baby but this could cause SIDS. It is recommended to wait until your baby is old enough to sleep independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you have to, make sure your bedroom is smokefree to protect your baby from second-hand smoke. Plunket might be able to help with a crib or bassinet for those with a low income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to purchase or accept a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the most common 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 develop dips and other conditions which could be dangerous for your baby. And if a crib is older than the safety guidelines in place, it could be tainted by lead paint, and could contain other harmful chemicals.
Check if the crib has been recalls on the crib. It's also recommended to verify whether the crib was painted with water-based paint, which is safer for babies than oil or phthalic paint. Ensure that the mattress is firm and that it fits snugly. Babies can easily slip out of soft mattresses and also present a risk of suffocation.
Pay particular attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles, and play yards. They should all be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid putting pillows, toys or blankets with these products. They could pose an dangers to entrapment.
Children have died in cribs that were altered or played with. Most of these accidents were caused by caregivers or parents who attempted to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by incorporating or altering items. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC collaborated to create the standards that are mandatory for safe cribs for infants. These standards addressed issues like side heights, slat spacings mattress fits, corner posts and cutouts for end panels. In the last few years, the number of crib-related deaths has decreased from 150 to 200 a year to around 50.