Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be placed near the bed will allow parents to keep their baby close during the night without compromising the safety of their child. They are designed for newborns and can be used up to 4 to 6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed that has the ability to be pulled down so that parents can pick up their infant during feeding times at night. However, the base won't fit under beds that are less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A crib at bedside allows parents to watch, comfort and feed their children at night without having to leave their bed. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for new mothers recovering after childbirth or those who have limited mobility. It could also help parents to sleep better at night. It is, however, essential to look at safety features before purchasing a bedside baby bed.
The primary safety concern for this type of sleep surface is that it is not a complete barrier between the bed of the parent and the baby's sleeping space and can result in gaps that could pose the risk of suffocation for infants. In addition sharing the bed with an infant increases the body heat of the parent and raises the risk of overheating, which can contribute to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that co-sleepers for bedside use to be safer than cribs, they're not required to meet the CPSC safety standards. These products may have slats that allow the baby's legs or head to be snagged and their attachment mechanisms can be unstable, and could cause separation.
Many of these surfaces have loose bedding which could lead to the risk of suffocation. Babies do not have the strength or coordination required to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding, and the gaps between the frame and the mattress can cause a suffocation risk. Some of these products have a tough base that can cause injury to a baby if they fall onto it. One user suggested that CPSC include pictograms in its warnings about these products, which would decrease the chance of caregivers not knowing the most important elements. Moreover, bedside sleepers must have an easy transition mechanism to keep the baby from falling off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or a co-sleeper allows infants to sleep on their parents' beds and still have an individual sleeping space. This safe form of co-sleeping helps reduce the chance of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping children close to their parents.
Baby bedding to sleep in the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. It could also include stuffed animals and blankets. Make sure that the bedding you choose fits the baby's bed properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. 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 bedding sets to keep your baby clean in case they have accidents or spit up during the night, pick a bedding that is easy to wash and dry. You may also want to think about a travel kit for your sleeper at night, to make it easy to take it out and back when you travel with your family or visit your grandparents' homes.
When your baby outgrows the bedside sleeper you can transition your child to a crib or a toddler that is all on its own. When transitioning, make sure to move the crib away from the parent's bed over several weeks or months so that your infant can be comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still feeling connected to their parents. Pick a crib that is able to be folded away for storage and transport. Some models can even be converted into an outdoor play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them an ideal choice for new parents who are keen to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also referred to as a bassinet is a bassinet attached to the bed's side for adults. One side is lower than the other to enable parents to reach their child at the end of the night. It may have a tilt feature that helps reduce reflux in babies. Some parents report that this feature helps their babies sleep better. However, it is important to note that a sloped or elevated sleeping surface can cause your child to roll into an unsafe chin-to-chest position. This could result in the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.
Choosing a suitable mattress is another key factor when selecting a crib for your bed. It must be firm, flat and breathable. The mattress should be exactly the same size as the crib and be able to fit into the frame. A second-hand mattress could increase the risk of SIDS which is why it is recommended that you purchase new crib mattresses. Some retailers offer mattresses made for specific bed frames, therefore it is recommended to stick with those if you can.
Some cribs that are bedside, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be placed under your bed to save space while bringing your baby closer. However, some beds are too low for this type of crib. The feet that are splayed out of the BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath some beds. It can be difficult to place the BassiNest in divans, which could cause it to move or rock out of line with your mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be placed beside your mattress, but they aren't capable of tilting. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds when they have a firm and breathable mattress. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib could encourage your baby to roll into an unsafe position and increase the chance of the possibility of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper or a bassinet, is a small crib that is attached to a side of a bed designed for adults. This allows parents to access their child easily during the night. They are generally larger than traditional bassinets or cots. Some have a lower edge that creates a barrier between the sleeping spaces. These beds are made from sturdy materials, and many come with wheels, making them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs for bedside use tilt features which can assist infants with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It is essential to use the tilt feature with care and at a moderate angle to avoid suffocation. If you're not sure whether to make use of this feature, talk to your GP or health visitor for guidance.
Another important safety consideration when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. The mattress should be solid, flat and breathable to reduce the risk of SIDS. A mattress that's too soft can result in a blocked airway in infants, which can lead to danger. A breathable mattress can also aid your child in staying cool during the night, reducing the chance of overheating.
It's recommended that you put your baby to bed in their own safe sleeping space - either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. While it could be tempting to put your child in a bed, it poses a serious risk of SIDS. It is best to wait until your baby is old enough to go to bed independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is smoke-free to ensure your child is safe from secondhand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a bassinet or crib for those with a low income.
Second-hand cribs
Frugal-minded parents may be tempted to purchase or accept a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle for a gift from a relative or friend. But, cribs are among of the most common causes of deaths involving nursery products, especially when older ones are damaged or missing parts or have wider spaces between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). In addition, older mattresses may develop dips and other issues which could be dangerous for your baby. And if a crib is old enough to predate current safety regulations, it could be tainted by lead paint and may contain other harmful chemicals.
If you're considering buying a used crib, always be sure to check if it has been recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Check if the crib was coated with water-based paint because this is safer for infants. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is sturdy and snugly fits. Babies can easily slide out of mattresses with soft surfaces and also could pose a danger of suffocation.
Pay particular attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles, and play yards. All of them should be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these products, which can become entrapment hazards.
Children have died in cribs that were tampered with or modified, and most of the incidents occurred when caregivers and parents tried to make the cribs more useful or attractive by adding items or modifying them in a way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to create the standards that are mandatory for safe infant cribs. These standards addressed issues like side heights, slat spacings, corner posts, mattress fits, and cutouts on end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have dropped from around 150 to 200 per year to around 50.