Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be placed near the bed will allow parents to keep their child close at night, without compromising safety. They are made to be used by newborns up to 4-6 months old.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed that has the ability to be lowered so that parents can pick up their newborn during nighttime feedings. The base is not suitable under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to monitor, comfort and feed their infants at night without having leave their bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or with mobility issues. It may also help parents sleep better at night. It is crucial to think about the safety features when buying an infant crib.
This kind of sleeping surface poses a safety concern because it does not provide a complete barrier to the parents' sleeping space and the infant's sleep area. This could result in gaps that could pose the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent and could increase the chance of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers to be safer than cribs, they aren't covered by the CPSC safety standards. These products may have the slats which allow the baby's legs or head 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 could lead to the risk of suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to remove themselves from soft bedding. There are gaps between the frame and mattress can create an entrapment risk. Some of these products have a tough base that could cause injuries to a baby should they fall on it. One user suggested that CPSC add pictograms to the warnings for these products, which will reduce the chances of caregivers not knowing the most important elements. Moreover, bedside sleepers should come with an easy transition mechanism to stop the baby from slipping off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper allows infants to sleep on their parents' beds, while having an individual sleeping space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation and 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 could also include blankets and stuffed animals. Be sure that any bedding you choose to use is suitable for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges or pockets that could obstruct the baby's breathing. Make sure the mattress you buy for your baby's bed is sturdy and secure without any gaps around the edges.
When selecting a bedding set, search for something that's easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your baby is having accidents or spits up during the night. It is also a good idea to consider a travel kit for your sleeper at night, to make it easy to pack and unpack it when you go on family vacations or visit grandparents' homes.
When your baby is no longer a bedside sleeper, you can move the child to a crib or a toddler that is all on its own. When transitioning to a crib, remove it from the parents' bed over a period of weeks or months so that your child can get used to sleeping in his own space and remain connected to them. Also, make sure you select a crib that you can fold easily for storage and transport. Some cribs can be converted to an outdoor play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who travel often.
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 which allows parents to reach over to tend their baby throughout the night. It could also come with an adjustable tilt feature that can help ease reflux in babies. Some parents report that this feature helps their babies sleep better. However it is important to note that a slanted or elevated sleeping surface can cause your child to fall into a dangerous chest-to-chin position. This can cause suffocation, and should be avoided.
Selecting a mattress that is suitable is a different aspect to consider when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It should be firm and flat and airy. The size should correspond to the dimensions of the crib and fit snugly within the frame. It is best to purchase a new mattress for your crib, as a second-hand mattress can increase the risk of SIDS. Some retailers offer mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames therefore it is recommended to use them if you can.
Some bedside cribs are designed to fit under your bed in order to save space and bring your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds aren't tall enough to accommodate this type of crib. bedside crib that turns into cot splayed feet of the BassiNest make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It's also difficult to slide it under a divan bed which can cause it to slide or sway out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets such as the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be placed next to your mattress, but they cannot tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds if they have a sturdy and breathable mattress. A bassinet that is tilted or placed next to a crib could encourage your baby to roll into an unsafe position and increase the risk of being suffocated.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper, or bassinet, is a small crib that can be attached to the sides of an adult's bed. This lets parents have access to their child at any time during the night. These beds are usually larger than traditional bassinets or cots. Some have a lower edge that creates a barrier between the sleeping spaces. They are typically made from durable materials, and many come with wheels that allow for easy transportation around the home.
Some bedside cribs have tilt features that can aid infants with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It's important to use the tilt feature with caution and at a small angle to prevent suffocation. Speak to your doctor or health visitor if you are unsure about using the feature.
Another important safety consideration when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. The mattress must be smooth, firm and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that's too soft can result in obstruction of the airway in newborns, which can be dangerous. A breathable mattress will also help your baby stay cool during the night, which can reduce the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a secure sleeping area - crib, cot or Moses basket. It could be tempting to sleep in the same bed with your baby, but this can lead to SIDS. Wait until your baby can sleep independently before attempting to sleep together. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to protect your child from secondhand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a crib or bassinet if you have a low-income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who want to save money might be enticed by a used crib, bassinet, or cradle that they receive from a relative 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 create suffocation dangers). Mattresses that are older can also develop dips and other conditions that could be dangerous for your child. And if a crib is older than the current safety standards, it could be tainted by lead paint and may contain other harmful chemicals.
If you're thinking of buying purchasing a used crib, look to see whether it's been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Check if the crib was coated with water-based paint because this is safer for infants. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is firm and fits snugly. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to slip out and also present a risk of suffocation.
Be especially cautious of used bassinets and cradles as well as play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp parts that your child can scratch or poke at. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these items which could create dangerous entrapment risks.
Infants have been killed in cribs that had been tampered with or modified and most of the incidents occurred when caregivers and parents attempted to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding items or modifying them in a way. Since 1973 crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to create the standards that are mandatory for safe cribs for infants. These standards addressed issues like side heights, slat spacings, corner posts, mattress fits, and cutouts on end panels. In the past few years the number of deaths attributed to cribs has decreased from 150 to 200 per year to around 50.