Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs for bedside use let parents keep their newborn close at night without compromising safety. They are made to be used by infants up to 4-6 months old.
The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the bed of the parent and comes with a push-down feature that lets parents take their newborn baby in for middle-of-the-night feedings. The base will not fit under beds that are less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to monitor, soothe and feed their children at night without having leave their bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering after childbirth or those who have mobility issues. It can also assist parents to sleep better at night. It is essential to think about safety features when purchasing an infant crib.
This type of mattress poses a safety concern because it does not provide an entirely secure barrier between 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. Sharing a bed increases the body heat of the parent and could increase the risk of overheating. This can lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they're not required to meet the CPSC safety standards. These products may have the slats which allow a baby's head or legs to become trapped and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable, and could cause separation.
Additionally, many of these sleep surfaces contain loose bedding that could cause the suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to untangle themselves from bedding that is soft. There are gaps between the frame and mattress can also pose the risk of suffocation. Some of these products also have a hard bottom that could hurt a child when they fall on it. One commenter suggested the CPSC add pictograms as warnings to these products. This would lower the risk that caregivers are unaware of key components. Moreover, bedside sleepers should come with an easy transition mechanism that can prevent the baby from slipping off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or co-sleeper allows infants to sleep on their parents' beds and still have an independent sleeping space. This form of safe co-sleeping reduces the risks of entrapment, suffocation, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies close to their parents and within arms' reach for middle-of-the-night feedings or for comforting.
Baby bedding for a sleeper on the bed could include crib sheets and bumpers. It can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Be sure that the bedding you choose fits the baby's bed properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Also, ensure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits comfortably without gaps around the edges.
If you're in search of a bedding set to keep your baby clean in case they get sick or vomit up during the night, choose something that is simple to wash and dry. You may also want to think about a travel bag for your sleeper at night, so you can easily carry it around when you go on family vacations or visit the grandparents home.
When your baby outgrows the bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition your 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 to allow your child to become comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still feeling a sense of connection to their parents' presence. Select a crib which can be folded up to be stored and transported. Some cribs can be converted into play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them a perfect option for parents with young children who love to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, sometimes referred to as a bassinet, is a bassinet connected to the bed's side for adults. One side is lower than the other to let parents access their infant at the end of the night. It could also come with a tilt function that can help alleviate reflux in babies. cots4tots have found that this feature helps their child sleep more comfortably. It is important to keep in mind that a slanted, or elevated, sleeping surface could cause your baby's chin to shift to the chest. This could result in death and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is another key factor when selecting a crib for your bed. It must be firm, flat and breathable. The size should correspond to the dimensions of the crib and be able to fit in the frame. It is best to purchase an entirely new mattress for the crib since a second-hand one could increase the chance of SIDS. Certain retailers sell mattresses that are designed for specific bed frames, so it is best to choose these if possible.
Some cribs for bedside use, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be placed under your bed to maximize space while bringing your child closer. Some beds are too low to accommodate this kind of crib. The feet that are splayed out of the BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath certain beds. It's also difficult to slide it under a divan bed which could cause it rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be placed next to your mattress, but aren't able to tilt. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet can encourage your child to fall into a risky position, increasing the risk of suffocation.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper, or bassinet, is a tiny crib that attaches to the side of a bed for an adult. This lets parents access their child easily during the night. They are usually larger than the traditional cots and bassinets. Some have an lower part that creates an elongated barrier between the sleep spaces. These beds are constructed from sturdy materials, and many have wheels that make them easier to move around the home.
Some cribs for bedside use tilt features, which can help babies with digestive issues like reflux or colic. However, it's important to make use of this feature with utmost care and at a slight angle to avoid suffocation. If you're not sure whether you should use this feature, speak to your doctor or health visitor for guidance.
The mattress is a further safety factor to consider when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. The mattress should be smooth, firm and breathable, to lower the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can cause a blocked airway, which can be dangerous for infants. A breathable mattress can also help your child remain cool at night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a safe sleeping space - a cot, crib or Moses basket. Although it may be tempting to put your child in a bed, it poses a serious risk of SIDS. It's best to wait until your baby is old enough to go to bed independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you must ensure that your bedroom is not smoky to shield your baby from second-hand smoke. If you're on a lower income, you might be eligible for assistance with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are looking to save money might be tempted by a used crib, bassinet or cradle they acquire from a relative or friend. Cribs are just one of the nursery items that could lead to death, especially in older cribs that have damaged or missing parts or have wider spaces between the slats. Mattresses that are older can also develop dips and other conditions that are risky for your child. If a crib is not old enough to meet current safety standards it could be contaminated with lead paint or other harmful chemicals.
Check whether the crib has been removed from the crib. It is also an excellent idea to determine whether the crib has been painted with water-based paint which is safer for babies than oil or phthalic paint. Also, ensure that the mattress is sturdy and snugly fits. Babies are prone to slip out of soft mattresses as well as present a risk of suffocation.
Pay special 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 child could poke or scratch themselves on. Avoid adding toys, pillows or blankets to these products. They can become dangers to entrapment.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered with or altered and most of the incidents occurred when parents and caregivers attempted to make the cribs more useful or attractive by incorporating items or modifying them in a way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC worked together to establish standard requirements for safer cribs for infants. These standards addressed issues like side heights, spacing between slats, mattress fits, corner posts and cutouts on the end panels. In the last few years the number of deaths attributed to cribs has dropped from 150 to 200 per year to 50.