Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be set next to the bed allow parents to keep their child close at night, without compromising security. They are designed for newborns and are suitable for use up to 6 to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel that can be swivel over the bed of that has the ability to be pushed down to let parents take their baby into the crib during nighttime feedings. However, the base won't fit under beds that are less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to keep their babies close for feedings at night, comforting and monitoring, without having to leave their own bed. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or those who have limitations in mobility. It may also help parents sleep better at night. It is, however, essential to look at safety features before buying a bedside crib.
This kind of sleeping surface presents a safety hazard since it doesn't offer a complete barrier to the parents' sleeping space as well as the infant's sleeping space. This could result in gaps that could pose dangers of suffocation to infants. In addition, sharing a bed with an infant increases the body heat of the parent and increases the risk of overheating, which could lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, these devices do not meet CPSC's safety guidelines. These cribs may have slats that permit a baby's legs or head to become stuck. The mechanisms for attachment could also be unstable, leading to separation.
A lot of these surfaces have loose bedding, which can lead to the risk of suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to untangle their bodies from the soft bedding. Gaps between the frame and the mattress can also pose a suffocation risk. Some of these products also have an extremely hard bottom that could hurt a child when they fall on it. One user suggested that the CPSC add pictograms as warnings for these products. This will lower the risk that caregivers miss key elements. Bedside sleepers need to have a smooth transition system that stops the baby from falling off the parent's mattress.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or bassinet) lets babies sleep in their parents' beds while maintaining a separate space. This method of sleeping in a safe manner helps reduce 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 crib sheets and bumpers. It can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Make sure that the bedding you select is appropriate for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges and pockets which could hinder the baby's breathing. Make sure the mattress you purchase for your sleeping baby is firm and fits tightly with no gaps around the edges.
When choosing a bedding set, search for a set that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your child has accidents or spits in the night. It is also a good idea to think about a travel kit for your child's bedside sleeper to make it easy to pack and unpack it when you travel with your family or visit grandparents at their homes.
If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition your child to a crib or toddler that is on its own. When transitioning to a crib, take it away from the bed of your parents over the course of weeks or months to allow your child to get used to sleeping in their own space, but still feel a sense of connection to them. Choose a crib that can be folded away to be stored and transported. Some cribs can even be converted to play yard or a larger bassinet. cot bedside makes them a great option for parents who are new and are keen to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which connects to the side of a bed for adults and has one side lower than the other and allows parents to reach over to take care of their child throughout the night. It could have a tilt feature to help alleviate reflux in babies. Some parents have reported that this feature can help their children sleep better. However it is crucial to remember that a sloped or elevated sleeping surface can encourage your baby to sleep in a risky chest-to-chin position. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is a different aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib. It should be firm and flat and ventilated. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and be able to fit in the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the risk of SIDS, so it is recommended to purchase new crib mattresses. If possible, it is recommended to purchase mattresses that are made specifically for specific bedframes.
Some cribs that are bedside, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked away under your bed to make space while bringing your child closer. However certain beds are too low for this kind of crib. The feet that are splayed out of the BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath some beds. It's also a challenge to place it under a divan bed, which could cause it to slide or sway out of alignment with the mattress.
Other bassinets for bedside use, like the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be positioned on top of your mattress, however they aren't able be slanted. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to roll into an unsafe position and increase the risk of being suffocated.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or a bassinet, is a small crib attached to the side of a bed for adults. This allows parents to access their child easily at night. These beds are usually larger than the traditional cots or bassinets. Some have a lower edge that creates a barrier between the sleeping areas. They are typically made of sturdy materials, and many have wheels to make it easy to move throughout the home.
Some bedside cribs come with a tilt feature that can aid babies suffering from digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It is essential to use the tilt feature with care and only at a moderate angle to prevent suffocation. Talk to your doctor or health professional if you aren't sure whether you should use the feature.
Another important safety consideration when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress needs to be firm, flat and airy. A mattress that is too firm can cause obstruction of the airway in infants, which can lead to danger. A mattress that is breathable will help your baby stay cool during the night, which can decrease the chance of overheating.
It is recommended to put your baby to bed in their own safe sleeping space, such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. While it might seem tempting to put your child in a bed, it could be a risky way to get SIDS. Wait until your baby can sleep independently before attempting to sleep with them. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free in order to protect your child from secondhand smoke. If you're on a lower income, you could be eligible for help with a crib or bassinet from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Frugal-minded parents may be tempted to buy or accept a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle as a hand-me-down from a relative or friend. Cribs are just one of the baby products that could cause death, especially when older cribs are damaged or missing parts or have larger spaces between the slats. Mattresses that are older can also develop dips or other issues that can be risky for your child. If a crib is not old enough to meet the safety standards of today it could be contaminated with lead paint or contain other harmful chemicals.
If you're considering buying purchasing a crib that is used, check to see if it has been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Verify if the crib has been coated with water-based paint because this is safer for babies. Additionally, make sure the mattress is sturdy and snugly fits. Soft mattresses can cause babies to slip off and can pose a danger of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay particular attention to any secondhand bassinets, cradles and play yards. All of them should be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges that could scratch or poke your baby. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these products that could become dangerous entrapment risks.
Children have died in cribs that had been tampered with or modified and the majority of incidents occurred when caregivers and parents tried to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding things or modifying them in a way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC collaborated to create standard requirements for safer infant cribs. These standards addressed things like side heights, slat spacings mattress fits, corner posts and cutouts for end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have dropped from around 150-200 per year to about 50.