Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be placed next to the bed allow parents to keep their child close at night, without risking safety. They are designed for use by babies up until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the bed of the parent. It comes with a push-down feature that allows parents to scoop up their newborn for feedings in the middle of the night. But, the base won't fit under beds lower than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A crib at bedside allows parents to monitor, comfort 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 could also help parents to sleep better at night. It is nevertheless important to evaluate safety features before buying a bedside crib.
The main safety concern for this type of sleep surface is that it is not an entirely secure barrier between the parent's bed and the baby's sleeping space which can lead to gaps that could pose suffocation risks to young infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent and could increase the risk of overheating. This could result in SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, these products are not subject to CPSC's safety standards. They may feature slats that allow babies' legs or heads to become trapped, and their attachment mechanisms may be unstable, and could cause separation.
Additionally, many of these mattresses have loose bedding, which can cause suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to remove their bodies from the soft bedding. The gaps between the mattress and frame can create an entrapment risk. Some of these items have a hard base that can cause injury to a baby if they fall onto it. One commenter suggested that the CPSC include pictograms as warnings on these products. This would decrease the likelihood that caregivers overlook crucial elements. Moreover, bedside sleepers should have an easy transition mechanism to keep the baby from sliding off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a bassinet or co-sleeper) lets babies sleep beside their parents' beds but still having their own space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the risks of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arm's reach for middle-of-the-night feedings or comforting.
Baby bedding for a baby who sleeps at night could include crib sheets blankets, bumpers and stuffed animals. Be sure that the bedding you choose is suitable for the bedside sleeping baby properly. This will stop pockets or bulges from blocking 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 the event that they fall or spill up in the night, choose something that is easy to clean and dries. Consider a travel kit to simplify the process of packing and take your bedside sleeper out of the bag while you're away to visit grandparents or on vacation.
When your baby outgrows the bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition him or her to a crib or toddler that is its own. When you transition to a crib, take it away from the parents' bed over a period of weeks or months to let your child get used to sleeping in his own space but still feel connected to them. Choose a crib that can be folded up for storage and transportation. Some cribs can even be converted into a play yard or deeper bassinet. This makes them a great choice for parents who travel frequently.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also 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 enable parents to access their infant at the end of the night. It could have tilt features that help reduce reflux in infants. Some parents have reported that this feature can help their children sleep better. 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 position. This could lead to death and should be avoided.
Choosing a suitable mattress is another key factor when selecting a crib for your bed. It must be flat and firm as well as breathable. The size should correspond to the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably within the frame. It is recommended to buy a new mattress for the crib since a second-hand one can increase the risk of SIDS. Certain retailers sell mattresses that are designed for specific bed frames, therefore it is recommended to stick with these if possible.
Some cribs designed for bedside are made to be tucked under your bed in order to save space and bring your child close, like the Halo BassiNest. However certain beds are too low for this type of crib. The splayed feet of the BassiNest make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It may be difficult to place the BassiNest in a divan, and this could cause it to shift or move out of alignment with your mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets such as the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be placed on top of your mattress, however, they aren't able to be slanted. CHOICE recommends parents to use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilting of a bassinet may cause your child to fall into a risky position, increasing the chance of dying.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper or a bassinet, is a small crib attached to the side of a bed designed for adults. This lets parents be able to easily access their child throughout the night. These beds are typically larger than traditional cots or bassinets, and some have a lower side that forms an elongated barrier between the sleeping spaces. They are constructed of solid materials and come with wheels, making them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilting features that help babies who suffer from digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It is important to use the tilt function with care and only at a small angle to avoid suffocation. Speak to bedside crib co sleeper or health professional if you are unsure whether to use the feature.
Another important safety consideration when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. The mattress should be solid, flat and breathable, to lower the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can lead to a trapped airway, which is extremely dangerous for newborns. A mattress that is breathable can help your child remain cool at night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a safe sleeping area - a cot, crib or Moses basket. While it could be appealing to sleep with your child in a bed, it poses a serious risk of SIDS. It is recommended to wait until your baby is old enough to be able to sleep independently before you attempt to co-sleep. If you must, make sure your bedroom is smoke-free to shield your baby from second-hand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a bassinet or crib in the event that you are a low-income parent.
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 relative or friend. Cribs are one of many nursery items that could lead to death, particularly when older cribs are broken or missing parts, or have larger spaces between the slats. Additionally, older mattresses could create dips and other conditions that can be hazardous for your child. If a crib is old enough to be predated by current safety regulations the crib could be contaminated by lead paint and could contain other harmful chemicals.
Verify if the crib has been removed from the crib. Make sure the crib was painted with water-based, because this is safer for infants. Additionally, make sure the mattress is firm and fits snugly. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to fall out, and they also pose a suffocation risk.
Be especially cautious of used bassinets and cradles and play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp elements that your child could poke or scratch themselves on. Avoid adding pillows, toys, or blankets to these products. They could pose an entrapment hazard.
Infants have died in cribs that had been tampered with or modified and most of the incidents were caused by caregivers and parents who attempted to make the cribs more useful or attractive by adding things or altering them in a way. Since 1973, the crib manufacturers and the CPSC have teamed up to establish mandatory standards for cribs that are safer, and have addressed issues like side height, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts on end panels. In the last few years the number of crib-related deaths has decreased from 150 to 200 a year to just 50.