Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be placed close to the bed allows parents to keep their baby close during the night without compromising security. They are made for use by babies from 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel that can be swivel over the bed of with the ability to be pulled down to allow parents to pick up their newborn during feeding times at night. But, the base won't be able to fit under beds less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed allows parents to keep their babies close for feedings at night, comforting and monitoring without leaving their own beds. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for new mothers recovering from birth or for those with mobility issues. It could also help parents sleep better at night. It is, however, essential to evaluate safety features before buying a bedside crib.
This kind of sleeping surface is a safety risk since it doesn't offer an adequate barrier between the parent's sleeping area and the infant's sleep area. This could lead to gaps that could pose dangers of suffocation to infants. Sharing a bed increases the body heat of the parent and can increase the chance of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they're not subject to the CPSC safety standards. These cribs may include slats that allow a baby's legs or head to become caught. The attachment mechanisms could be unstable, resulting in separation.
Furthermore, a lot of sleep surfaces have loose bedding that can cause the suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to remove themselves from bedding that is soft. Gaps between the frame and the mattress can also pose an entrapment risk. Some of these items have a hard base that could cause injuries to a child if they fall onto it. One commenter suggested the CPSC include pictograms in warnings on these products. This could decrease the likelihood that caregivers overlook crucial elements. Additionally, bedside sleepers should have an easy transition mechanism to prevent the baby from falling off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper allows infants to sleep next to their parents' beds, while having a separate sleeping space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the chance of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping infants close to their parents.
Baby bedding to sleep in the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. They can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Make sure that any bedding you choose to use is appropriate for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges or pockets which could hinder the baby's breathing. Make sure the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeping baby is firm and firmly fitted with no gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for bedding sets to keep your baby clean in the event that they have accidents or spit up during the night, choose something that is simple to wash and dries. It is also a good idea to think about a travel kit for your bedside sleeper, so that you can easily pack and unpack it when you go on family vacations or visit grandparents at their homes.
If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper you can transition the child to a crib or toddler that is on its own. When check to a crib, move it away from the bed of your parents over a period of weeks or months to let your child learn to sleep in his own space and still feel connected to them. Also, be sure to select a crib that can fold up easily for storage and transportation. Some cribs can be converted into play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them an ideal choice for new parents who like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which is attached to the side of the adult bed and has one side lower than the other, allowing parents to reach over to care for their child during the night. It may also have a tilt function that can help alleviate reflux in babies. Some parents report that this feature can help their babies sleep better. However, it is important to keep in mind that a sloped or elevated sleeping surface may cause your child to roll into an unsafe chin-to-chest position. This can lead to the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is a different aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed. It should be firm and flat as well as breathable. The size should match the dimensions of the crib and fit snugly in the frame. It is best to purchase a new mattress for the crib as a second-hand one can increase the risk of SIDS. Some retailers offer mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames therefore it is recommended to stick with these if possible.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to tuck under your bed to save space and bring your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds aren't tall enough to be able to accommodate this type of crib. The feet that are splayed out of the BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath certain beds. It isn't easy to tuck the BassiNest under a divan, which could cause it to move or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use, such as the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be set up beside your mattress but are not capable of tilting. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds if they have a firm and breathable mattress. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to slide into a risky position, increasing the risk of the possibility of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside crib, also known as co-sleeper or bassinet is a crib that is attached to the side of a bed for adults. It allows parents to be able to easily access their child throughout the night. These beds are typically larger than standard cots or bassinets, and some have an lower part that creates an elongated separation between the sleeping spaces. They are typically made of sturdy materials, and many have wheels to make it easy to move around the home.
Some cribs for bed have tilting features that help babies who suffer from digestive issues like colic or reflux. It's important to use the tilt feature with care and at a small angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. If you're not sure whether or not to utilize this feature, speak to your physician or health professional for guidance.
The mattress is an additional safety consideration to make when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. The mattress must be smooth, firm and breathable, to lower the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too firm can result in obstruction of the airway in newborns, which is dangerous. A mattress that is breathable can help your child stay cool during the night, which reduces the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a safe sleeping space - a cot, crib or Moses basket. While it might seem tempting to sleep with your child in a bed, it poses a serious risk of SIDS. Make sure your baby is able to sleep independently before you attempt to sleep together. If you need to, make sure your bedroom is smoke-free to protect your child from second-hand smoke. Plunket might be able to help with a bassinet or crib in the event that you are a low-income parent.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are looking to save money could be enticed by a used crib, bassinet or cradle they receive from a relative or friend. But, cribs are among of the leading causes of nursery-product related deaths especially if they have damaged or missing parts or larger spaces between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). Older mattresses may also develop dips or other issues that can be risky for your child. If your crib is too old to meet the safety standards of today it could be contaminated by lead paint or other toxic chemicals.
Check whether the crib has been recalls on the crib. Make sure the crib was painted with water-based, since this is safer for infants. Make sure the mattress is firm, and that it fits snugly. Babies can easily slide out of soft mattresses, which also present a risk of suffocation.
Be especially cautious of second-hand bassinets and cradles, as well as play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp edges that your baby can poke or scratch themselves on. Avoid putting pillows, toys or blankets with these products. They could pose an entrapment hazard.
Children have died in cribs that were altered or tampered with. Most of these accidents occurred when caregivers or parents attempted to make the cribs functional or more attractive by incorporating or modifying things. Since 1973 crib makers and CPSC worked together to establish standard requirements for safer cribs for infants. These standards dealt with things like side heights, slat spacings, corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts on the end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have dropped from around 150-200 per year to around 50.