bedside sleeper cot in bed let parents keep their infant close to them at night without compromising on safety. They are made for use by babies up until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed that has an end 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 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside crib 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 from childbirth or those who have limitations in mobility. It can also assist parents sleep better at night. However, it is important to consider safety features prior to buying a bedside crib.
This type of sleep surface poses a safety concern because it doesn't provide a complete barrier to 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. In addition sharing a bed with a child increases the body heat of the parent and increases the chance of overheating which could lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim co-sleepers for bedside use to be safer than cribs, they aren't subject to the CPSC safety standards. They may 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 have loose bedding, which can cause death. Babies don't have the strength or coordination to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding and gaps between the mattress and the frame can cause a suffocation risk. Some of these products have a tough base that can cause injury to a baby should they fall upon it. One commenter suggested that the CPSC include pictograms as warnings to these products. This would reduce the chance that caregivers miss key elements. Sleepers at the bedside need an easy transition system to prevent the baby from sliding off the mattress of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows babies to sleep in their parents' beds but still having their own space. This safe form of co-sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation as well as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping infants close to their parents.
bedside sleeper cot to sleep on the bed could include bumpers and crib sheets. They can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Make sure that the bedding you select fits the bedside sleeper properly to avoid bulges and pockets that might impede the baby's breathing. Also, ensure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits snugly without gaps around the edges.
When selecting a bedding set, search for something that's easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your child has accidents or spits up in the night. You might also want to consider a travel kit for your bedside sleeper, so that you can easily take it out and back when you go on family vacations or visit your grandparents at their homes.
If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper, you can move the child to a crib, or a toddler that is its own. When transitioning, be sure to move the crib away from the bed of the parent for several months or even weeks so that your infant can get used to sleeping in their own space, while still being a part of their parents' presence. Select a crib which can be folded away to be stored and transported. Certain models can be transformed into a play yard or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a perfect option for parents with young children who like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which attaches to the side of the adult bed and has one side higher than the other which allows parents to reach out to tend their baby throughout the night. It may have a tilt feature that helps ease reflux in infants. Some parents feel this feature helps their child sleep better. It is important to note that a slanted, or elevated, sleeping surface may encourage your baby's chin to the chest position. This could lead to death and should be avoided.
Selecting a mattress that is suitable is another key factor when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It should be firm, flat and breathable. The mattress should be exactly the same size as the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS and it is recommended that you purchase an entirely new crib mattress. If you can, it is recommended to purchase mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bed frames.
Some bedside cribs, like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked under your bed in order to make space while bringing your baby closer. Some beds are too low to be able to accommodate this type of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to slide under some beds. It's also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed, which could cause it rock or move out of alignment with the mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use, such as the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be set up beside your mattress, but aren't in a position to tilt. CHOICE suggests that parents only use these beds if they have a firm and breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib can encourage your baby to slide into a risky position which increases the risk of suffocation.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or a bassinet is a crib that is attached to the side of a bed designed for adults. This lets parents access their child with ease during the night. These beds are usually larger than traditional bassinets or cots. Some have a lower edge that creates an enclosure between the sleeping areas. They are usually constructed of durable materials, and a lot of them have wheels for easy transport throughout the house.
Some bedside cribs come with tilt features that can aid babies suffering from digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It's important to use the tilt feature with care and at a moderate angle to avoid suffocation. If you're unsure about whether to make use of this feature, talk to your physician or health visitor for guidance.
Another important aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is the mattress. The mattress should be firm, flat and breathable, to lower the risk of SIDS. A mattress that's too soft can cause an obstruction in the airway of 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 secure sleeping space - crib, cot, or Moses basket. It might be tempting to sleep in the same bed as your baby however this could lead to SIDS. Wait until your baby can be able to sleep on his own before trying to sleep together. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to protect your child from secondhand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a crib or bassinet if you have a low-income.
Second-hand cribs
Frugal-minded parents may be tempted to purchase or accept an old crib, bassinet or cradle for a gift from a friend or relative. Cribs are just one of the baby products that could cause death, particularly when older cribs are broken or missing parts, or have a wider space between the slats. Older mattresses may also develop dips and other conditions that could be risky for your child. If a crib is old enough to predate the current safety standards, it could be tainted by lead paint, and could contain other harmful chemicals.
If you are considering purchasing a crib that is used, be sure to check if it has been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It's also a good idea to check whether the crib was 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 is fitted snugly. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to slip off, and they also present a risk of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay close attention to any used bassinets, cradles and play yards. All of them should be JPMA-certified and free of sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid adding toys, pillows or blankets to these products. They could pose an entrapment hazard.
Children have died in cribs that were tampered with or altered and most of the incidents occurred when parents and caregivers tried to make the cribs more useful or attractive by incorporating items or modifying them in a way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC collaborated to create the standards that are mandatory for safe infant cribs. These standards addressed things like side heights, slat spacings mattress fits, corner posts and cutouts for end panels. In the last few years the number of crib-related deaths has dropped from 150-200 per year to around 50.