Bedside Baby Beds
Baby bedside cribs let parents keep their infant close at night without compromising on safety. They are made to be used by newborns from 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest swivels over the parent's bed and comes with a push-down feature that allows parents to scoop their baby up for middle-of-the-night feedings. The base cannot be placed under beds that are lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed allows parents to keep their babies close to them for feedings at night, comforting and monitoring without leaving their beds. This sleep arrangement is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or those with limited mobility and may also help parents stay more relaxed throughout the night. It is nevertheless important to evaluate safety features before buying a bedside crib.
This type of sleep surface presents a safety hazard because it does not provide an entirely secure barrier between the sleeping area of the parent as well as the infant's sleeping space. This can lead to gaps that could pose suffocation hazards to young infants. Additionally, sharing a bed with a child increases the body heat of the parent and raises the risk of overheating, which can contribute to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are safer than traditional cribs, these devices aren't subject to the CPSC's safety guidelines. These products may have the slats which allow babies' legs or heads to be trapped, and their attachment mechanisms can be unstable and cause separation.
Many of these surfaces have loose bedding, which can lead to the risk of suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to untangle themselves from bedding that is soft. There are gaps between the frame and mattress can also create a suffocation risk. Some of these products have a tough base that could cause injuries to a child if they fall on it. One commenter suggested that CPSC include pictograms on its warnings about these products, which would reduce the chances of caregivers missing key elements. Sleepers at the bedside need an easy transition system to prevent the baby from sliding off the mattress of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper) lets babies sleep beside their parents' beds, but still having their own space. This type 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 arm's reach for feedings during the night or for comforting.
Baby bedding for a sleeper at night could include crib sheets bumpers, blankets, and toys. Make sure the bedding you choose fits the sleeping baby's bed in a proper way. This will stop pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Make sure that the mattress you buy for your baby's bed is firm and fits tightly without any gaps around the edges.
When choosing a bedding set, search for a set that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your baby has accidents or spits up during the night. It is also a good idea to think about a travel bag for your bedside sleeper, so that you can easily carry it around when you go on family vacations or visit the grandparents at their homes.
When your baby outgrows the bedside sleeper you can transition the child to a crib or a toddler that is its own. When newborn bedside cot to a crib, take it away from the bed of your parents over a period of time, either weeks or months, so that your child can learn to sleep in their own space, but remain connected to them. Select a crib which can be folded up for storage and transport. Some cribs can even be converted to a play yard or deeper bassinet. This makes them an excellent option for parents who travel frequently.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also referred to as a bassinet is a bassinet connected to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other side to enable parents to reach their baby at the end of the night. It could also have an adjustable tilt feature that can help alleviate reflux in infants. Some parents have found that this feature helps their baby sleep better. However, it is important to remember that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface could cause your child to fall into a dangerous chin-to-chest position. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
A mattress that is suitable for your child is a key factor in choosing the crib for your child's bed. It should be firm and flat as well as airy. The size should correspond to the dimensions of the crib and be able to fit within the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the risk of SIDS, so it is recommended that you purchase a new crib mattress. If possible, it is recommended to purchase mattresses designed for specific bedframes.
Some cribs designed for bedside are made to tuck under your bed to conserve space and keep your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. However, some beds are too low for this kind of crib. In addition, the BassiNest's legs with splayed feet make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It's also difficult to slide it under a divan bed which could cause it slide or sway 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 aren't able to tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents only use these beds if they have a sturdy, breathable bed. The tilt of a bassinet can encourage your child to fall into a risky position, increasing the chance of dying.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside baby bed, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a tiny crib that attaches to the edge of an adult's bed. This allows parents to access their child with ease at night. These beds are usually larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge that creates an obstacle between the sleeping spaces. These beds are constructed from sturdy materials, and many come with wheels, making them easier to move around the home.
Some bedside cribs have a tilt function that can aid children with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. However, it's important to use this feature with great care and at a slight angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. If you're not sure whether to utilize this feature, speak to your physician or health professional for advice.
The mattress is an additional safety consideration to make when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. To minimize the risk of SIDS, the mattress should be firm, flat and ventilated. A mattress that is too soft can cause obstruction of the airway in infants, which can lead to danger. A mattress that is breathable will help your baby stay cool during the night, which will reduce the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a safe sleeping area - 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 have to, make sure that your bedroom is smoke-free in order to protect your child 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 looking to save money might be attracted by a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle they get from a family member or friend. However, cribs are one of the main causes of nursery-product related deaths particularly when older models are damaged or missing parts or if they have wider spaces between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). Older mattresses can also develop dips or other conditions that are risky for your child. If a crib is older than current safety regulations it may be contaminated by lead paint and could contain other harmful chemicals.
If you're thinking of buying a used crib, always check to see whether it's been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Check if the crib was painted with water-based, as this is safer for infants. Make sure the mattress is firm, and that it fits comfortably. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to slip off and also pose a suffocation risk.
In addition to cribs, pay close attention to any secondhand bassinets, cradles or play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and have no sharp edges that your child could scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these items which could create dangerous entrapment risks.
Infants have been killed in cribs that were tampered with or modified and the majority of incidents occurred when parents and caregivers attempted to make the cribs more functional or attractive by incorporating items or modifying them in a way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to create mandatory standards for safer infant cribs. These standards addressed things like side heights, slat spacings, corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts for end panels. In the last few years, the number of deaths attributed to cribs has decreased from 150-200 per year to 50.