Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be placed near the bed will allow parents to keep their child close at night, without compromising the safety of their child. They are made for use by babies from 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed that has an end that can be pulled down to let parents pick up their infant during nighttime feedings. The base will not fit under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed allows parents to keep their babies close for evening feedings, comforting and monitoring without leaving their sleeping arrangements. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or those who have mobility issues. It may also help parents to sleep better at night. It is crucial to think about the safety aspects when purchasing a bedside crib.
The main safety concern with this type of sleep surface is that it's not a complete barrier between the bed of the parent and the baby's sleeping space, resulting in gaps that could cause suffocation risks to young infants. In addition sharing a bed with an infant can increase the body heat of the parents and raises the risk of overheating, which can lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers have a higher safety rating than traditional cribs, these devices are not subject to CPSC's safety standards. They may include slats that allow a baby's legs or head to become caught. The attachment mechanisms could also be unstable, resulting in separation.
A lot of these surfaces have loose bedding, which can lead to the risk of suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to remove their bodies from the soft bedding. Gaps between the frame and mattress can create a suffocation risk. Some of these items have a hard bottom that can injure a baby should they fall upon it. One user suggested that the CPSC add pictograms as warnings to these products. This would lower the risk that caregivers overlook crucial elements. Moreover, bedside sleepers should come with an easy transition mechanism to keep the baby from sliding off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or a co-sleeper, allows babies to sleep on their parents' beds, while having an individual sleeping space. bedside crib that turns into cot of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arms' reach for middle-of-the-night feedings or for comforting.
Baby bedding to sleep in the bed can include bumpers and crib sheets. They can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Be sure that any bedding you select fits the bedside sleeper properly to avoid bulges and pockets which could hinder the baby's breathing. Also, ensure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits comfortably without gaps around the edges.
When you are choosing 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 during the night. Consider an item for travel to simplify the process of packing and unpack your bedside sleeping set while you're away to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.
If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition the child to a crib, or a toddler that is on its own. When transitioning to a crib, take it away from the parents' bed over a period of weeks or months so that your child can become comfortable sleeping in his own space but still feel connected to them. Select a crib which can be folded away for storage and transport. Some models can be converted into a play area or a larger bassinet. This makes them an excellent option for parents who frequently travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, sometimes referred to as the bassinet, is a bassinet connected to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other to allow parents to reach their baby at night. It may also have tilt features that help ease reflux in infants. Some parents have reported that this feature helps their babies sleep better. It is important to note that a slanted, or elevated, sleeping surface may encourage your baby's chin to chest position. This could result in 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 must be firm, flat and airy. The mattress should be exactly the same size as the crib and fit snugly into the frame. A second-hand mattress could increase the chance of SIDS and it is recommended to buy new crib mattresses. Some retailers offer mattresses made for specific bed frames, therefore it is recommended to use these if possible.
Some cribs designed for bedside are made to be tucked under your bed to conserve space and bring your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. However some beds are too low for this type of crib. The BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide under some beds. It may be difficult to tuck the BassiNest under divans, which could cause it to move or rock out of line with your mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs such as the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be placed next to your mattress, but aren't able to tilt. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to fall into a dangerous position which increases the risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper or a bassinet is a crib that is attached to a side of a bed designed for adults. This lets parents have access to their child at any time during the night. These beds are generally larger than the traditional cots and bassinets, and some have an upper side that creates a short barrier between the sleeping spaces. These beds are made from sturdy materials and most have wheels to make them easier to move around the home.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilt features that can aid children with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It is important to use the tilt feature with care and only at a very small angle to prevent from suffocation. Talk to your doctor or health visitor if you are unsure whether to use the feature.
Another important safety consideration when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. The mattress must be smooth, firm and breathable to reduce the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can result in an obstruction in the airway of newborns, which is dangerous. A mattress that is breathable can aid your baby in staying cool during the night, which will decrease the chance of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a safe sleeping area - a cot, crib or Moses basket. Although it may be appealing to sleep with your baby in a bed, this is a major risk of SIDS. It's best to wait until your baby is old enough to sleep independently before you attempt to co-sleep. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is smoke-free in order to ensure your child is safe from secondhand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a crib or bassinet if you have a low-income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to purchase or take a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle for a gift from a friend or relative. Cribs are among the baby products that could cause death, especially when older cribs are damaged or missing parts, or have a wider space between the slats. Older mattresses may also develop dips and other conditions that are dangerous for your child. If a crib is old enough to predate current safety regulations, it could be tainted by lead paint, and could contain other harmful chemicals.
Examine whether the crib has been recalled. Make sure the crib was painted with water-based paint, because this is safer for infants. Also, ensure that the mattress is sturdy and snugly fits. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to slip off and present a risk of suffocation.
Pay particular attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles and play yards. They must all be JPMA certified, and have no sharp edges that your child can scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid adding pillows, toys or blankets to these products. They can become dangers to entrapment.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered or played with. Most of these accidents were caused by caregivers or parents who tried to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by adding or altering things. Since 1973, crib manufacturers and the CPSC have teamed up to establish standards that are mandatory for cribs that are safer, and have addressed issues like side height, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts in the end panels. In the past few years the number of crib-related deaths has decreased from 150 to 200 per year to just 50.