Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be set next to the bed allow parents to keep their child close during the night without risking security. They are specifically designed for infants and can be used up to 6 to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed with a side that can be pushed down to let parents pick up their newborn during feeding time at night. The base cannot be placed under beds that are lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside crib lets parents keep their babies close to them for evening feedings, comforting and monitoring without leaving their beds. This type of arrangement is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or those with limited mobility and may help parents remain more relaxed throughout the night. It is important to consider the safety aspects when purchasing a bedside crib.
The primary safety concern with this type of sleep surface is that it's not a complete barrier between the parent's bed and the baby's sleeping space and can result in gaps that could cause suffocation risks to young infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent and can increase the risk of overheating. This can lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers to be safer than cribs, they are not subject to the CPSC safety standards. These products may have the slats which allow babies' legs or heads to be snagged, and their attachment mechanisms can be unstable, and could cause separation.
Many of these surfaces also have bedding that is loose, which can lead to the risk of suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to untangle themselves from soft bedding. Gaps between the frame and mattress can also pose an entrapment risk. Some of these products have a hard base that could cause injury to a baby should they fall on it. One commenter suggested the CPSC include pictograms in warnings on these products. This could decrease the likelihood that caregivers overlook crucial elements. Additionally, bedside sleepers should come with an easy transition mechanism that can keep the baby from sliding off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet allows infants to sleep next to their parents' beds while maintaining a separate sleeping space. This method of sleeping in a safe manner helps reduce the chance of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping children close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a bedside sleeper could include crib sheets blankets, bumpers and toys. Make sure the bedding you choose fits the bedside sleeping baby properly. bedside crib to cot will prevent pockets or bulges from blocking 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.
If you're in search of bedding sets to keep your baby clean in case they have accidents or spit up in the night, select a set that is simple to wash and dry. It is also a good idea to think about a travel kit for your bedside sleeper, to make it easy to pack and unpack it when you travel with your family or visit your grandparents at their homes.
If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition him or her to a crib or toddler that is on its own. When transitioning, make sure to move the crib away from the bed of your parent over several months or weeks to allow your child to get used to sleeping in their own space while still feeling connected to their parents. Also, be sure to choose a crib that is able to fold up easily for storage and transport. Some cribs can be transformed into a play yard or a more substantial bassinet. This makes them an ideal option for parents who are new and are keen to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also referred to as a bassinet is a bassinet connected to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other side to enable parents to reach their child at the end of the night. It may also have a tilt feature that helps alleviate reflux in infants. Some parents find this feature can help their child sleep more comfortably. However it is important to note that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface can cause your child to roll into an unsafe chin-to-chest posture. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
A mattress that is suitable for your child is an important factor when choosing the crib for your child's bed. It should be firm, flat and airy. The size should correspond to the dimensions of the crib and fit snugly in the frame. It is recommended to purchase a new mattress for the crib as a second-hand one can increase the risk of SIDS. If you can, it's best to buy mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames.
Some cribs designed for bedside are made to fit under your bed to save space and bring your child close, like the Halo BassiNest. However certain beds are too low for this kind of crib. In addition, the BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide under some beds. It can be difficult to secure the BassiNest underneath a divan, which could cause it to move or move out of alignment with your mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs, such as the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be placed next to your mattress, but they aren't able to tilt. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet could cause your child to slide into a dangerous position, increasing the danger of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper, or bassinet, is a small crib that is attached to the side of an adult's bed. This allows parents to access their child easily 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 areas. They are constructed of sturdy materials and most come with wheels, making them easier to move around the home.
Some bedside cribs have a tilt function that can aid children with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It is essential to use the tilt function with care and at a moderate angle to prevent the risk of suffocation. Talk to your doctor or health visitor if you are unsure about using the feature.
The mattress is a further safety factor to consider when choosing a crib for your child's bedside. To minimize the risk of SIDS, the mattress must be firm, flat and airy. A mattress that's too soft can cause a blocked airway in newborns, which is dangerous. A mattress that is breathable can aid your baby in staying cool throughout the night, which can lower the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a secure sleeping space such as a cot, crib or Moses basket. It might be appealing to sleep in the same bed as your baby but this could lead to SIDS. You should wait until your baby is able to be able to sleep on his own before trying to co-sleep. If you must, make sure your bedroom is not smoky to safeguard your child from second-hand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a crib or bassinet in the event that you are a low-income parent.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to buy or accept a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle for a gift from a friend or relative. Cribs are among the baby products that could cause death, especially if older cribs have broken or missing parts, or have wider spaces between the slats. Mattresses that are older can also develop dips and other conditions that could be dangerous for your baby. If your crib is too old to meet the safety standards of today it could be contaminated by lead paint or contain other toxic chemicals.
If you are considering purchasing a used crib, be sure to check whether it's been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is also recommended to verify whether the crib was painted with water-based paint which is more safe for infants than phthalic or oil-based paint. Be sure that the mattress is firm and that it is fitted snugly. Babies can easily slide out of mattresses with soft surfaces and also pose suffocation risks.
In addition to cribs, pay close attention to any secondhand bassinets, cradles, and play yards. They should all be JPMA-certified and free from sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid putting pillows, toys or blankets to these products. They could pose an dangerous for entrapment.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered or interfered with. Most of these incidents occurred when caregivers or parents attempted to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by adding or modifying things. Since 1973, crib manufacturers and the CPSC have collaborated to set mandatory standards for cribs that are safer, and have addressed things like side heights, slat spacing, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts in the end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have dropped from about 150 to 200 per year to around 50.