Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that are placed next to the bed allow parents to keep their baby close at night, without compromising safety. They are made to be used by newborns up to 4-6 months old.
The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the bed of the parent and comes with a push-down feature that lets parents scoop up their newborn to feed them during the night. However, the base won't be able to fit under beds less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A crib at bedside allows parents to watch, comfort, and feed their babies throughout the night without having to leave their bed. This type of arrangement is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those who have limited mobility. It could help parents remain more relaxed throughout the night. It is, however, essential to consider safety features prior to purchasing a bedside baby bed.
The primary safety concern with this type of sleeping surface is that it is not an entirely secure barrier between the bed of the parent and the infant's sleeping area, resulting in gaps that could cause suffocation risks to young infants. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent and could increase the risk of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are safer than traditional cribs, they are not subject to the safety standards of the CPSC. These products can include slats that allow the baby's head or legs to be caught. The attachment mechanisms could also be unstable, resulting in separation.
Furthermore, a lot of mattresses contain loose bedding that could cause death. Babies don't have the muscle or coordination to remove themselves from the tangles of soft bedding and gaps between the mattress and the frame could cause a danger of suffocation. Some of these products have a tough base that could cause injury to a baby should they fall onto it. One commenter suggested that the CPSC add pictograms as warnings on these products. This could decrease the likelihood that caregivers overlook crucial elements. Moreover, bedside sleepers should come with a smooth transition mechanism to prevent the baby from falling off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or co-sleeper lets babies sleep on their parents' beds while maintaining an individual sleeping space. This safe form of co-sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation as well as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping children close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a bedside sleeper could include crib sheets bumpers, blankets, and stuffed animals. Be sure that any bedding you use fits the bedside sleeper properly to avoid bulges or pockets which could hinder 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.
If you're looking for a bedding set that will keep your baby clean in the event that they get sick or vomit up during the night, choose something that is simple to wash and dry. You might also want to think about a travel bag for your bedside sleeper, so you can easily pack and unpack it when you travel with your family or visit your grandparents at their homes.
When your baby is no longer a bedside sleeper you can transition the child to a crib or a toddler that is all on its own. When transitioning, make sure to remove the crib from the bed of your parent over several months or even weeks to allow your child to get used to sleeping in their own space while still feeling connected to their parents' presence. Select a crib which can be folded away for storage and transport. Some cribs 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 is a bassinet that is attached to the side of an adult bed and has one side higher than the other which allows parents to reach out to take care of their child throughout the night. It may also have a tilt feature to help reduce reflux in infants. Some parents feel this feature helps their child sleep more comfortably. It is important to keep in mind that a slanted, or elevated, mattress can stimulate your baby's chin into a the chest. This could result in the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.
Selecting bedside co sleeper that is suitable is a different aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib. It should be flat, firm and breathable. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably in the frame. It is recommended to purchase a new mattress for the crib, as a second-hand mattress can increase the risk of SIDS. If you can, it's recommended to purchase mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bed frames.
Some cribs that are bedside, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be placed under your bed in order to make space while bringing your child closer. 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 slide underneath certain beds. It's also a challenge to place it under a divan bed which could cause it slide or sway out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets, like the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be positioned on top of your mattress, but they cannot be slanted. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds when they have a sturdy air-conditioned bed. The tilting of a bassinet could cause your child to fall into a dangerous position, increasing the risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside crib, also known as 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 easily access their child during the night. These beds are typically larger than standard cots or bassinets, and some even have a a lower side that forms a short barrier between the sleeping spaces. They are typically made of durable materials, and a lot of them have wheels to make it easy to move throughout the house.
Some bedside cribs come with tilting features that help babies who suffer from digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It is important to utilize this feature with extreme care and at a very gentle angle to avoid the risk of the risk of suffocation. If you're not sure whether you should make use of this feature, talk to your GP or health professional for advice.
The mattress is a further safety factor to take into account when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. To minimize the risk of SIDS, the mattress should be firm, flat and airy. A mattress that is too soft could cause a blocked airway, which is dangerous for babies. A mattress that is breathable can help your baby stay cool during the night, which can lower the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you put your baby to bed in a secure sleeping area - such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. It might be tempting to share a bed as your infant, but this can result in SIDS. It is recommended to wait until your baby is old enough to sleep independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you need to ensure that your bedroom is not smoky to safeguard your baby from second-hand smoke. Plunket might be able to help with a bassinet or a crib if you have a low-income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to buy or accept a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle from a friend or relative. Cribs are one of many nursery items that could lead to death, particularly if older cribs have damaged or missing parts or have wider spaces between the slats. Mattresses that are older can also develop dips or other conditions that could be dangerous for your child. And if a crib is old enough to predate current safety regulations, it could be tainted by lead paint and may contain other toxic chemicals.
If you're thinking of buying a used crib, always look to see whether it's been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is also an excellent idea to determine whether the crib has been painted with water-based paint which is much safer for infants than phthalic or oil paint. Make sure the mattress is firm and that it fits snugly. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to fall out and can pose a danger of suffocation.
Pay particular attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles, as well as play yards. They should all be JPMA certified, and have no sharp elements that your baby can scratch or poke at. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these products, which can become dangerous entrapment risks.
Infants have died from cribs that were altered or tampered with. The majority of these deaths were caused by caregivers or parents who attempted to make the cribs functional or more attractive by incorporating or modifying things. Since 1973, crib manufacturers and the CPSC have collaborated to set mandatory standards for cribs that are safer, and have addressed things like side heights, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts in the end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have decreased from 150-200 per year to around 50.