Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs for bedside use let parents keep their infant close to them 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-over-the parent's bed with the ability to be pulled down to allow parents to pick up their infant during nighttime feedings. However, the base won't fit under beds that are less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed lets parents keep their babies close to them for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring, without having to leave their beds. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for new mothers recovering after birth or for those with mobility issues. It could also help parents to sleep better at night. It is important to consider the safety aspects when purchasing an infant crib.
The main safety issue with this type of sleeping surface is that it's not a complete barrier between the parent's bed and the infant's sleeping area which can lead to gaps that could pose suffocation risks to young infants. In addition sharing a bed with a child can increase the body heat of the parents and increases the risk of overheating, which can lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are safer than traditional cribs, these products are not subject to the safety standards of the CPSC. These products may have the slats which allow babies' legs or heads to be trapped, and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable, and could cause separation.
Additionally, bedside cot used of these sleep surfaces contain loose bedding that could cause the suffocation. Babies do not have the muscle or coordination to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding, and the gaps between the mattress and the frame could create a suffocation hazard. Some of these products also have a hard bottom that could cause injury to a baby if they fall onto it. One user suggested that CPSC include pictograms in its warnings about these products, which will decrease the chance of caregivers not knowing the most important elements. Moreover, bedside sleepers should have an easy transition mechanism that can stop the baby from sliding 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 sleeping space. This form of safe co-sleeping reduces the risks of entrapment, suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arms' reach for feedings during the night or for comforting.
Baby bedding for a sleeper at night can include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers and stuffed animals. Make sure that the bedding you use is appropriate for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges and pockets that could obstruct the baby's breathing. Also, ensure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits snugly without gaps around the edges.
When selecting a bedding set, look for a set that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your child is having accidents or spits up in the night. Consider an item for travel to simplify the process of packing and unpack your bedside sleeper while you're away to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.
If your child has outgrown their bedside sleeper, you are able to transition them to a standalone toddler or crib. When transitioning, make sure to remove the crib from the bed of the parent for several months or weeks so that your infant can become comfortable sleeping in their own space while still being a part of their parents' presence. Also, be sure to select a crib that can fold easily for storage and transportation. Some models can be converted into a play yard, or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a great 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 over to care for their child at night. It could also come with an adjustable tilt feature that can help ease reflux in infants. Some parents report that this feature can help their babies sleep better. However it is crucial to remember that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface may encourage your baby to roll into an unsafe chest-to-chin position. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
A good mattress is an important factor when choosing the right crib for your child's bed. It should be firm, flat and airy. The size should correspond to the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably within the frame. It is best to purchase a new mattress for the crib, as a second-hand mattress can increase the risk of SIDS. If possible, it is recommended to purchase mattresses that are made for specific bedframes.
Some cribs for bedside use, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked away under your bed in order to maximize space while bringing your baby closer. However, some beds are too low for this type of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath some beds. It isn't easy to tuck the BassiNest under divans, which could cause it to shift or rock out of line with your mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be placed next to your mattress, but aren't capable of tilting. CHOICE suggests that parents only use these beds when they have a sturdy air-conditioned bed. A bassinet that is tilted or placed next to a crib could encourage your baby to slide into a risky position which increases the chance of suffocation.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside baby bed also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a compact crib that can be attached to the sides of a bed for an adult. This lets parents access their child with ease during the night. The beds are typically larger than traditional bassinets or cots. Some have a lower edge that creates an enclosure between the sleeping spaces. They are usually constructed of sturdy materials, and many have wheels for easy transport around the home.
Some bedside cribs have tilt features that can aid children with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It's important to use the tilt function with caution and at a small angle to avoid suffocation. Talk to your doctor or health visitor if you are unsure whether to use the feature.
The mattress is a further safety factor to take into account when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. The mattress should be firm, flat and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can lead to a trapped airway, which is extremely dangerous for babies. A mattress that is breathable will help your baby stay cool during the night, which can decrease the chance of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a safe sleeping space such as crib, cot or Moses basket. While it could be appealing to sleep with your baby in a bed, it is a major risk of SIDS. It is recommended to wait until your baby is old enough to sleep independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to ensure your child is safe from second-hand smoke. If you're on a low income, you might be eligible for help with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to purchase or accept an old crib, bassinet or cradle from a friend or relative. Cribs are among the nursery products that can cause death, particularly when older cribs are damaged or missing parts or have wider spaces between the slats. Older mattresses may also develop dips and other conditions that could be hazardous for your baby. If your crib is too old to meet the safety standards of today it could be contaminated with lead paint or other toxic chemicals.
If bedside cot sale are considering purchasing a used crib, be sure to check whether it's been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Check if the crib was coated with water-based paint because this is safer for babies. Ensure that the mattress is firm and that it is fitted snugly. Babies are prone to slip out of soft mattresses as well as pose suffocation risks.
In addition to cribs, pay close attention to used bassinets, cradles and play yards. They must all be JPMA certified, and have no sharp elements that your child can scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid adding pillows, toys or blankets with these products. They could be a potential entrapment hazard.
Infants have died from cribs that were altered or interfered with. The majority of these deaths were caused by caregivers or parents who attempted to make the cribs functional or more attractive by adding or altering things. Since 1973 crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to create standard requirements for safer cribs for infants. These standards addressed things like side heights, slat spacings, mattress fits, corner posts and cutouts on the end panels. In the past few years, the number of crib-related deaths has dropped from 150 to 200 per year to 50.