Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be placed close to the bed allows parents to keep their child close at night, without any risk to safety. They are made to be used by infants up until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the bed of the parent. It comes with a push-down feature that lets parents scoop their baby up for middle-of-the-night feedings. The base will not fit under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside crib lets parents keep their babies close to them for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without leaving their beds. This type of arrangement is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth, or with limited mobility and may help parents stay rested throughout the night. It is nevertheless important to consider safety features prior to purchasing a bedside baby bed.
This kind of sleeping surface poses a safety concern because it doesn't provide an adequate barrier between the sleeping area of the parent and the infant's sleep area. This could result in gaps which can pose suffocation hazards to young infants. Sharing a bed increases the body heat of the parent, which can increase the risk of overheating. This could result in SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim co-sleepers for bedside use to be safer than cribs, they're not subject to the CPSC safety standards. They may have slats that permit the baby's head or legs to be trapped. The attachment mechanisms could be unstable, resulting in separation.
Furthermore, a lot of mattresses have loose bedding, which can cause suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to remove themselves from soft bedding. Gaps between the frame and the mattress can create an entrapment risk. Some of these products also have an extremely hard bottom that could injure a baby when they fall on it. One user suggested that CPSC add pictograms to its warnings on these products, which would lower the risk of caregivers not knowing the most important elements. Additionally, bedside sleepers should come with an easy transition mechanism to prevent the baby from falling off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or a co-sleeper, allows babies to sleep next to their parents' beds and still have an individual sleeping space. This form of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of entrapment, suffocation, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies close to their parents and within arms' reach for middle-of-the-night feedings or comforting.
Baby bedding for a baby who sleeps at night can include crib sheets, bumpers, blankets, and stuffed animals. Make sure the bedding you select fits the baby's bed properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Also, ensure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits comfortably without gaps around the edges.
When selecting bedding sets, look for a set that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your child has accidents or spits up at night. Consider a travel kit to simplify the process of packing and take your bedside sleeper out of the bag when you're on vacation or visiting grandparents.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, you can transition them to a standalone toddler or a crib. When you transition to a crib, move it away from the parents' bed over a period of weeks or months so that your child can get used to sleeping in their own space, but remain connected to them. Also, be sure to choose a crib that is able to fold up easily for storage and transport. Some cribs can be converted to an outdoor play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who frequently travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, sometimes referred to as a bassinet is a bassinet attached to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other to let parents reach their child at night. It could also have a tilt function to help alleviate reflux in infants. Some parents have found that this feature can help their child sleep more comfortably. It is important to remember that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface could cause your baby's chin to shift to chest position. This can cause suffocation, and should be avoided.
A mattress that is suitable for your child is crucial in deciding on a crib for your child's bed. It should be flat, firm and airy. The size should correspond to the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably in the frame. It is recommended to purchase a new mattress for your crib as a second-hand one can increase the chance of SIDS. If you can, it's best to buy mattresses that are made specifically for specific bed frames.
twin bedside cot , like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked under your bed in order to make space while bringing your baby closer. Some beds aren't tall enough to accommodate this type of crib. Additionally, the BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It's also a challenge to place it under a divan bed, which can cause it to rock or move out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets, like the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be set on top of your mattress, however they aren't able tilt. CHOICE recommends parents to use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. The tilting of a bassinet can encourage your child to fall into a dangerous position, increasing their danger of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside baby bed also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a tiny crib that can be attached to the edge of an adult's bed. This allows parents to be able to easily access their child throughout the night. They are generally larger than the traditional cots or bassinets. Some have a lower edge, which creates an enclosure between the sleeping spaces. They are typically made of durable materials, and some have wheels for easy transport around the home.
Some bedside cribs have tilt features, which can help babies with digestive issues like reflux or colic. It is essential to use the tilt function with care and only at a moderate angle to avoid from suffocation. Consult your physician or health visitor if you are unsure whether to use the feature.
Another crucial safety factor to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is the mattress. The mattress should be smooth, firm and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft could result in a clogged airway, which can be dangerous for newborns. A mattress that is breathable can aid your baby in staying cool during the night, which can lower the risk of overheating.
It's recommended that you put your baby to sleep in a secure sleeping area - either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. It may seem 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 go to bed independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is smoke-free in order to ensure your child is safe from secondhand smoke. If you're on a low income, you may be eligible for assistance with a bassinet or crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who want to save money might be enticed by a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle they acquire from a relative or friend. Cribs are among the nursery items that could lead to death, especially in older cribs that have damaged or missing parts, or have a wider space between the slats. Older mattresses can also develop dips or other conditions that could be risky for your baby. If your crib is not old enough to meet the safety standards of today, it may be contaminated by lead paint or have other harmful chemicals.
If you are considering purchasing a crib that is used, check to see if it has been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Check if the crib was painted with water-based paint, because this is safer for babies. Be sure that the mattress is firm, and that it fits snugly. Babies can easily slide out of mattresses with soft surfaces as well as could pose a danger of suffocation.
Be especially cautious of second-hand bassinets and cradles, as well as play yards. They should all be JPMA-certified and free from sharp edges that could hurt or poke your baby. Avoid adding pillows, toys or blankets with these products. They could be a potential dangerous for entrapment.
Infants have died in cribs that had been 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 some way. Since 1973 crib makers and CPSC have worked together to create standard requirements for safer infant cribs. These standards addressed things like side heights, spacing between slats, corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts on the end panels. As the result, deaths attributed to cribs have dropped from around 150-200 per year to about 50.