Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that are placed close to the bed allows parents to keep their child close during the night without risking safety. They are specifically designed for infants and can be used until 4 to 6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the bed of the parent. It has a push-down side that lets parents take their newborn baby in for middle-of-the-night feedings. The base is not suitable under beds that are lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to monitor, comfort and feed their infants at night without having leave their bed. This arrangement of sleep is perfect for new mothers recovering from childbirth, or with limited mobility and may help parents stay well-rested throughout the night. It is important to consider safety features when purchasing an infant crib.
The main safety concern for this type of sleep surface is that it is not a complete barrier between the parent's bed and the infant sleeping area which can lead to gaps that could pose the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent, which can increase the risk of overheating. This could result in SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, they do not meet CPSC's safety guidelines. These cribs may include slats that allow babies' legs or heads to get trapped. The attachment mechanisms could also be unstable, leading to separation.
Furthermore, a lot of mattress frames contain loose bedding that could cause suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to untangle themselves from bedding that is soft. bedside cot co sleeper between the frame and mattress can also create an entrapment risk. Some of these items have a hard bottom that could injure a baby when they fall on it. One commenter suggested the CPSC include pictograms in warnings to these products. This could decrease the likelihood that caregivers overlook crucial elements. Bedside sleepers need to have an easy transition system to prevent the baby from slipping off the parent's mattress.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or co-sleeper lets babies sleep next to their parents' beds and still have an independent sleeping space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation as well as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping infants close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a sleeper beside the bed can include bumpers and crib sheets. It could also include blankets and stuffed animals. Be sure that the bedding you choose is suitable for the baby's bed properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Make sure that the mattress you choose for your baby's bed is firm and fits tightly without gaps around the edges.
When you are choosing a bedding set, look for one that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your infant has accidents or spits at night. Consider an item for travel to help you pack and take your bedside sleeper out of the bag while you're away to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.
When your baby outgrows the bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition your child to a crib, or a toddler that is all on its own. When transitioning to a crib, take it away from the parents' bed over the course of a few weeks or even months to allow your child to get used to sleeping in his own space and still feel connected to them. Be sure to choose a crib that is able to fold easily for storage and transportation. Some cribs can even be converted to play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them an excellent choice for parents who frequently travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that attaches to the side of an adult bed and has one side lower than the other which allows parents to reach over to care for their child during the night. It may have a tilt feature to help ease reflux in infants. Some parents feel this feature can help their child sleep more comfortably. It is important to remember that a slanted, or elevated, sleeping surface may stimulate your baby's chin into a chest position. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
A suitable mattress is also a key factor in choosing a crib for your child's bed. It should be firm, flat and breathable. The mattress should be the same size as the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. It is recommended to purchase an entirely new mattress for the crib as a second-hand one can increase the chance of SIDS. If you can, it's recommended to purchase mattresses that are made for specific bedframes.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to be tucked under your bed in order to save space and bring your child close, such as the Halo BassiNest. However, some beds are too low for this kind of crib. Additionally, the BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It's also difficult to slide it under a divan bed which could cause it to rock or move out of alignment with the mattress.
Other bassinets for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be set next to your mattress, but they cannot be slanted. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilt of a bassinet may cause your child to fall into a dangerous position, increasing the chance of dying.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside baby bed also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a compact crib that is attached to the side of a bed for an adult. It allows parents to easily access their child during the night. These beds are usually larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge that creates an obstacle between the sleeping spaces. These beds are made from solid materials and have wheels that make them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs for bedside use tilt features which can assist children with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. However, it's important to use this feature with great care and at a slight angle to avoid suffocation. Speak to your doctor or health care professional if are unsure about using the feature.
The mattress is an additional safety factor to consider when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. To minimize the risk of SIDS, the mattress needs to be flat, firm and airy. A mattress that is too soft may lead to a trapped airway, which is extremely dangerous for newborns. A mattress that is breathable will aid your child in staying cool during the night, which reduces the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in their own secure sleeping area - a crib, cot or Moses basket. Although it may be tempting to put your baby in a bed, it is a major risk of SIDS. Make sure your baby is able to sleep independently before attempting to sleep with them. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to protect your child from second-hand smoke. If you're on a low income, you may be eligible for help with a bassinet or crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who want to save money could be tempted by a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle they get from a family member or friend. But, cribs are among of the main causes of death due to nursery products, especially when older ones are damaged or missing parts or if they have wider spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Additionally, older mattresses can create dips and other conditions which could be dangerous for your baby. If your crib is not old enough to meet the safety standards of today it could be contaminated by lead paint or have other toxic chemicals.
If you're thinking of buying purchasing a crib that is used, check to see whether it's been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Make sure the crib was painted with water-based paint, because this is safer for infants. Be sure that the mattress is firm, and that it fits snugly. Babies can easily slide out of soft mattresses, which also pose suffocation risks.
In addition to cribs, pay particular attention to any secondhand bassinets, cradles, and play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and have no sharp elements that your child can scratch or poke at. Avoid adding pillows, blankets or toys to these products which could create dangers for entrapment.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered or interfered with. Most of these incidents occurred when parents or caregivers tried to make the cribs functional or more attractive by adding or altering items. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to set mandatory standards for safer cribs, including issues like side height, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts on end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have decreased from 150 to 200 per year to about 50.