Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs for bedside use allow parents to keep their infant close during the night without compromising safety. They are specifically designed for infants and can be used up to 6 to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel that can be swivel over the bed of that has an end that can be pulled down so that parents can pick up their newborn during feeding time at night. But, the base won't fit under beds that are less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to monitor, soothe, and feed their babies at night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleep is perfect for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or those with limited mobility and may help parents stay rested throughout the night. It is important to consider the safety features when buying an infant crib.
The main safety concern for 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 which can lead to gaps that could pose the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent and can increase the risk of overheating. This could result in SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers have a higher safety rating than traditional cribs, these devices aren't subject to the CPSC's safety guidelines. They could have slats that allow a baby's head or legs to be trapped, and their attachment mechanisms may be unstable and lead to separation.
Many of these surfaces have bedding that is loose which could lead to the possibility of suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to free their bodies from the soft bedding. The gaps between the mattress and frame can also pose a suffocation risk. Some of these products also have a hard bottom that can cause injury to a baby should they fall upon it. One user suggested that CPSC add pictograms to its warnings on these products, which will reduce the chances of caregivers missing key elements. Moreover, bedside sleepers must have an easy transition mechanism that can keep the baby from slipping off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a bassinet or co-sleeper) allows babies to sleep in their parents' beds, while still occupying a separate space. This safe form of co-sleeping reduces the chance of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping infants close to their parents.
Baby bedding to sleep in the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. bedside baby sleeper can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Be sure that any bedding you select fits the bedside sleeper properly to avoid bulges or pockets that could obstruct the baby's breathing. Make sure the mattress you choose for your sleeping baby is firm and firmly fitted with no gaps around the edges.
When you are choosing a bedding set, search for something that's easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your child is having accidents or spits up in the night. It is also a good idea to think about a travel kit for your bedside sleeper, so you can easily take it out and back when you travel with your family or visit your grandparents home.
If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper you can transition him or her to a crib or a toddler that is its own. When transitioning, make sure to move the crib away from the parent's bed over several months or even weeks so that your child can get used to sleeping in their own space while still feeling connected to their parents. Pick a crib that is able to be folded up to be stored and transported. Certain models can be transformed into a play yard, or a deeper bassinet. This makes them an excellent option for parents who travel often.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed for adults and has one side higher than the other and allows parents to reach over to take care of their child throughout the night. It could also have a tilt function that can help alleviate reflux in infants. Some parents find this feature can help their child sleep better. However it is important to remember that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface can encourage your baby to roll into an unsafe chest-to-chin position. This could result in the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.
A mattress that is suitable for your child is crucial in deciding on the crib for your child's bed. It must be flat and firm and ventilated. The size should match the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably within the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the risk of SIDS which is why it is recommended to purchase a new crib mattress. If you can, it is recommended to purchase mattresses that are made for specific bedframes.
Some bedside cribs, like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked away under your bed to maximize space while bringing your baby closer. However certain beds are too low for this kind of crib. The BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide under some beds. It can be difficult to place the BassiNest in a divan, and this could cause it to shift or rock out of line with your 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 tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds when they have a solid, breathable bed. The tilting of a bassinet could cause your child to fall into a dangerous position, increasing their danger of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside baby bed, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a compact crib that is attached to the edge of a bed for an adult. This allows parents to access their child with ease at night. The beds are typically larger than traditional bassinets or cots. Some have a lower edge that creates a barrier between the sleeping areas. They are typically made of durable materials, and many have wheels for easy transport around the home.
Some bedside cribs have tilt functions which can assist infants with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It's important to use the tilt feature with care and only at a moderate angle to prevent from suffocation. Consult your physician or health visitor if you are unsure about using the feature.
Another important aspect to consider when choosing a crib for a bedside is the mattress. To minimize the risk of SIDS, the mattress must be firm, flat and ventilated. A mattress that is too soft can cause a blocked airway, which is dangerous for newborns. A breathable mattress will also ensure that your baby stays cool throughout the night, which could lower the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you put your baby to sleep in a secure sleeping area - such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. While bedside baby sleeper might seem tempting to put your child in a bed, this poses a serious risk of SIDS. It is best to wait until your baby is old enough to be able to sleep independently before attempting to sleep with them. If you must ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to protect your baby from second-hand smoke. If you're on a lower income, you could 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 crib, bassinet or cradle as a hand-me-down from a friend or relative. Cribs are just one of the baby products that could cause death, especially in older cribs that have broken 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 a crib is older than current safety regulations the crib could be contaminated by lead paint and may contain other harmful chemicals.
If you're thinking of buying purchasing a crib that is used, be sure to check whether it's been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Verify if the crib has been coated with water-based paint because this is safer for babies. Make sure the mattress is firm and that it is fitted snugly. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to fall out, and they 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 contain no sharp elements that your baby can poke or scratch themselves on. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these items which could create dangerous entrapment risks.
Children have died in cribs that were altered with or modified and the majority of incidents occurred when parents and caregivers attempted to make the cribs more useful or attractive by adding items or altering them in a way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have teamed up to establish standards that are mandatory for safer cribs, including things like side heights, slat spacing, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts on end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have decreased from 150-200 per year to about 50.