Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs in bed allow parents to keep their newborn close during the night without compromising safety. They are designed for use by babies up until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed that has a side that can be lowered so that parents can take their baby into the crib during feeding time at night. The base will not fit under beds lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to watch, comfort and feed their children at night without having leave their bed. This sleep arrangement is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or who are unable to move around. It can also help parents stay more well-rested throughout the night. It is essential to think about safety features when purchasing the bedside crib.
The main safety concern for this type of sleep surface is that it is not an entirely secure barrier between the parent's bed and the infant's sleeping area and can result in gaps that could lead to suffocation risks to young infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent and could increase the chance of overheating. This could result in SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that co-sleepers for bedside use to be safer than cribs, they aren't required to meet the CPSC safety standards. These cribs may have slats that permit the baby's head or legs to become caught. The attachment mechanisms could also be unstable, leading to separation.
Furthermore, a lot of sleep surfaces have loose bedding that can cause the suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to remove themselves from soft bedding. There are gaps between the mattress and frame can create an entrapment risk. Some of these items have a hard bottom that could hurt a child if they fall onto it. One commenter suggested that CPSC include pictograms in the warnings for these products, which would reduce the chances of caregivers not knowing the most important elements. In addition, bedside cribs must have an easy transition mechanism to prevent the baby from sliding off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or a co-sleeper lets babies sleep on their parents' beds while maintaining an independent sleeping space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risks of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies close to their parents and within arm's reach for mid-night meals or for comforting.
Baby bedding for sleepers beside the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. They can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Make sure that the bedding you choose is suitable for the bedside sleeping baby properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Also, make sure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits comfortably without gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for bedding sets to keep your baby clean in case they get sick or vomit up in the night, select a set that is easy to clean and dry. Consider a travel kit to help you pack and unpack your bedside sleeper while you're away to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.
When your child is no longer a bedside sleeper, it is possible to move them to a separate toddler or a crib. When transitioning, be sure to remove the crib from the parent's bed over several weeks or months so that your child can become comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still feeling connected to their parents. Also, make sure you select a crib that can fold easily for storage and transport. Some cribs can be transformed into a play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them an excellent choice for parents who travel frequently.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also known as bassinet, is a bassinet connected to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other to enable parents to access their infant at the end of the night. It could have a tilt feature to help ease reflux in infants. Some parents have found that this feature can help their child sleep better. It is important to remember that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface could stimulate your baby's chin into a the chest position. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is a different aspect to consider when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It should be firm and flat as well as airy. The mattress should be the same size as the crib and fit snugly into the frame. It is recommended to buy an entirely new mattress for the crib since a second-hand one could increase the risk of SIDS. If you can, it's recommended to purchase mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bedframes.
Some cribs for bedside use, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked under your bed in order to maximize 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 isn't easy to place the BassiNest in divans, which could cause it to shift or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
twin bedside cot for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be placed beside your mattress but are not capable of tilting. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet may cause your child to slide into a dangerous position, increasing the chance of dying.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside baby bed also called a co-sleeper, or bassinet, is a compact crib that attaches to the side of a bed for an adult. It allows parents to reach their child with ease at night. They are generally larger than traditional bassinets or cots. Some have a lower edge, which creates a barrier between the sleeping spaces. These beds are made from solid materials and have wheels to make them easier to move around the home.
Some bedside cribs have a tilt function that can aid babies with digestive issues like colic or reflux. However, it's important to make use of this feature with utmost care and at a very small angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. If you're not sure whether to utilize this feature, speak to your GP or health care professional for advice.
Another important safety consideration when selecting a crib for your bed is the mattress. To minimize the risk of SIDS, the mattress needs to be firm, flat and breathable. A mattress that is too soft could cause an obstruction in the airway of newborns, which is dangerous. A breathable mattress will also ensure that your baby stays cool during the night, which will lower the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a safe sleeping space - crib, cot or Moses basket. While it could be tempting to put your baby in a bed, this poses a serious risk of SIDS. You should wait until your baby is able to sleep independently before attempting to sleep together. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to protect your child from secondhand smoke. If you're on a low income, you might be eligible for help with a crib or bassinet from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to purchase or take a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle from a family member or friend. But, cribs are among of the most common causes of nursery-product related deaths, especially when older ones are damaged or missing parts or wider spaces between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). Mattresses that are older can also develop dips or other conditions that could be dangerous for your baby. If your crib is too old to meet the current safety standards it could be contaminated by lead paint or have other toxic chemicals.
If you are considering purchasing a crib that is used, check to see whether it's been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is also an excellent idea to determine whether the crib was painted with water-based paint, which is safer for babies than oil or phthalic paint. Also, ensure that the mattress is firm and secure. Soft mattresses can cause babies to fall out and also pose a suffocation risk.
In addition to cribs, pay particular attention to any secondhand bassinets, cradles and play yards. They should all be JPMA-certified and free of sharp edges that could hurt or poke your baby. Avoid adding pillows, toys or blankets with these products. They could be a potential entrapment hazard.
Infants have died from cribs that were altered or interfered with. Most of these accidents occurred when parents or caregivers tried to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by adding or modifying things. Since 1973, crib manufacturers and the CPSC have worked together to set mandatory standards for cribs that are safer, and have addressed things like side heights, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts in the end panels. As the result, deaths attributed to cribs have dropped from around 150 to 200 deaths per year to about 50.