Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs for bedside use allow parents to keep their infant close during the night without compromising safety. They are designed for newborns and can be used up to 4 to 6 months.
The Halo Bassinest swivels over the bed of the parent and features a push-down side that lets parents take their newborn baby in for middle-of-the-night feedings. However, the base won't fit under beds that are less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed lets parents keep their babies close to them for feedings at night, comforting and monitoring without leaving their own bed. This arrangement of sleep is perfect for mothers who are recovering from childbirth, or who are unable to move around. It can help parents remain more rested throughout the night. It is crucial to think about the safety features when buying an infant crib.
The main safety concern for this type of sleep surface is that it is not an entirely secure barrier between the bed of the parent and the infant sleeping area and can result in gaps that could pose suffocation risks to young infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent and can increase the chance of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they are not covered by the CPSC safety standards. These cribs may have slats that permit a baby's legs or head to get trapped. The attachment mechanisms could be unstable, leading to separation.
Many of these surfaces have loose bedding, which can lead to suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to untangle themselves from soft bedding. There are bedside crib co sleeper between the frame and the mattress can also pose the risk of suffocation. Some of these products have a hard base that could cause injury to a baby if they fall on it. One user suggested that the CPSC add pictograms as warnings for these products. This could reduce the chance that caregivers miss key elements. Moreover, bedside sleepers should come with a smooth transition mechanism to stop the baby from falling off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or a co-sleeper allows infants to sleep next to their parents' beds while maintaining an independent sleeping space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arm's reach for mid-night meals or for comforting.
Baby bedding for a bedside sleeper can include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers, and toys. Be sure that the bedding you choose fits the baby's bed properly. This will stop pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Also, ensure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and snugly fits without gaps around the edges.
When choosing bedding sets, look for a set that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your infant has accidents or spits at night. Consider an item for travel to make it easier to pack and unpack your bedside sleeper while you're away to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.
If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper you can transition your child to a crib, or a toddler that is its own. When transitioning to a crib, remove it from the parents' bed over the course of a few weeks or even months to let your child learn to sleep in his own space but still feel connected to them. Choose a crib that can be folded to be stored and transported. Some models can even be converted into a play yard or deeper bassinet. This makes them an ideal option for parents with young children who love to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which connects to the side of an adult bed and has one side higher than the other and allows parents to reach over to tend their baby at night. It could also have a tilt function that can aid in easing reflux in infants. Some parents feel this feature can help their child sleep better. It is important to keep in mind that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface may cause your baby's chin to shift to the chest. This can lead to the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is a further important factor to consider when selecting a crib for your bed. It should be firm, flat and breathable. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably in the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the chance of SIDS, so it is recommended that you purchase new crib mattresses. If you can, it is recommended to purchase mattresses that are made for specific bedframes.
Some cribs that are bedside, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be placed under your bed in order to make space while bringing your child closer. However certain beds are too low for this type of crib. The BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It isn't easy to tuck the BassiNest under a divan, and this could cause it to shift or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be placed beside your mattress, but they aren't capable of tilting. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to slide into a risky position and increase the risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper or a bassinet, is a small crib that is attached to a side of a bed designed for adults. It allows parents to have access to their child at any time during the night. These beds are typically larger than standard cots or bassinets, and some have an upper side that creates a short barrier between the sleep spaces. They are typically made from durable materials, and many have wheels to make it easy to move throughout the home.
Some cribs with a bedside have a tilt feature that can aid babies suffering from digestive issues like colic or reflux. bedside cot co sleeper is important to use this feature with great care and at a very small angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether or not to utilize this feature, speak to your GP or health visitor for guidance.
The mattress is an additional safety factor to take into account when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. The mattress should be smooth, firm and breathable, to lower the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too firm can cause obstruction of the airway in infants, which can lead to danger. A breathable mattress will also aid your baby in staying cool throughout the night, which could lower the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a safe sleeping area - a cot, crib or Moses basket. Although it may be tempting to sleep with your child in a bed, this poses a serious risk of SIDS. You should wait until your baby is able to sleep independently before attempting to sleep together. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to ensure your child is safe from secondhand smoke. If you're on a low income, you may be eligible for assistance with a bassinet or crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are frugal may be enticed to purchase or accept an old crib, bassinet or cradle for a gift from a family member or friend. However, cribs are one of the main causes of deaths involving nursery products especially if they have missing or damaged parts or larger spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Additionally, older mattresses could develop dips and other issues that can be hazardous for your child. If your crib is old enough to be predated by current safety regulations the crib could be contaminated by lead paint, and could contain other toxic chemicals.
Verify if the crib has been recalled. Verify if the crib has been painted with water-based, as this is safer for babies. Additionally, make sure the mattress is firm and fits snugly. Babies can easily slide out of mattresses with soft surfaces as well as present a risk of suffocation.
Pay particular attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles as well as play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp edges that your child can scratch or poke at. Avoid putting blankets, pillows 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 caregivers or parents tried to make the cribs functional or more attractive by adding or modifying items. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to establish standards that are mandatory for safer cribs, including things like side height, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts in end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have dropped from about 150-200 per year to around 50.