Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs for bedside use let parents keep their baby close to them at night without compromising safety. They are made to be used by infants up to 4-6 months old.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed with a side that can be lowered so that parents can pick up their newborn during feeding times at night. The base will not fit under beds that are lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to monitor, comfort and feed their children throughout the night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleep is perfect for new mothers recovering from childbirth, or who are unable to move around. It can also help parents stay more rested throughout the night. However, it is important to consider safety features prior to buying a bedside crib.
The main safety issue with this type of sleep surface is that it is not a complete barrier between the parent's bed and the infant's sleeping area, resulting in gaps that could pose the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed increases the body heat of the parent, which can increase the chance of overheating. This could result in SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that co-sleepers for bedside use to be safer than cribs, they aren't subject to the CPSC safety standards. These cribs may have slats which allow the baby's head or legs to get trapped. The mechanisms for attachment could be unstable, resulting in separation.
A lot of these surfaces contain loose bedding, which can lead to the risk of suffocation. Babies do not have the strength or coordination to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding, and gaps between the mattress and the frame can cause a suffocation risk. Some of these products have a hard base that could cause injuries 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 are unaware of key components. Sleepers at the bedside need a smooth transition system to prevent the baby from falling off the mattress of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows babies to sleep next to their parents' beds while maintaining a separate space. This form of safe co-sleeping reduces the risks of entrapment, suffocation, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arms' reach for feedings during the night or for comforting.
bedside cot wooden for a sleeper at night can include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers, and toys. Be sure that any bedding you use fits the bedside sleeper properly to avoid bulges and pockets which could hinder the baby's breathing. Make sure the mattress you buy for your sleeping baby is sturdy and secure without gaps around the edges.
When choosing a bedding set, look for a set that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your infant is having accidents or spits up at night. You might also want to think about a travel kit for your child's bedside sleeper so you can easily pack and unpack it when you go on family vacations or visit your grandparents' homes.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, you can change them to a stand-alone toddler or a crib. When transitioning to a crib, take it away from the bed of your parents over the course of weeks or months to let your child get used to sleeping in his own space but remain connected to them. Be sure to select a crib that you can fold up easily for storage and transportation. Some cribs can be transformed into a play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them an excellent choice for parents who travel often.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that connects to the side of a bed for adults and has one side higher than the other, allowing parents to reach out to take care of their child throughout the night. It may have a tilt feature to help reduce reflux in infants. Some parents have reported that this feature helps their children sleep better. However it is crucial to keep in mind 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.
A mattress that is suitable for your child is a key factor in choosing the crib for your child's bed. It should be firm and flat, as well as breathable. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and fit snugly in the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS and it is recommended to purchase new crib mattresses. If you can, it's best to buy mattresses that are designed for specific bedframes.
Some bedside cribs, like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be placed under your bed to make space while bringing your baby closer. However some beds are too low for this kind of crib. The splayed feet of the BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath some beds. It can be difficult to secure the BassiNest underneath a divan, which could cause it to shift or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets such as the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be positioned next to your mattress, but they cannot tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds if they have a sturdy air-conditioned bed. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to slide into a risky position and increase the chance of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside crib, also known as co-sleeper or bassinet, is a small crib attached to the side of a bed for adults. This lets parents access their child at any time throughout the night. They are generally larger than the traditional cots or bassinets. Some have a lower edge that creates an enclosure between the sleeping areas. They are usually made of durable materials, and some come with wheels that allow for easy transportation throughout the home.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilt functions which can assist infants with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. But, it's crucial to use this feature with great care and at a very gentle angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. Talk to your doctor or health care professional if aren't sure whether you should use the feature.
The mattress is a further safety consideration to make when choosing a crib for your child's bedside. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress should be firm, flat and airy. A mattress that is too soft can cause a blocked airway in newborns, which is dangerous. A mattress that is breathable will help your child stay cool at night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a secure sleeping area - either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. While it might seem appealing to sleep with your baby in a bed, this is a major risk of SIDS. Make sure your baby is able to sleep independently before attempting to sleep together. If you must, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free in order to ensure your child is safe from second-hand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a crib or bassinet if you have a low-income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to purchase or accept a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle as a hand-me-down from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the most common causes of death due to nursery products especially if they are damaged or missing parts or more space between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Older mattresses can also develop dips and other conditions that are risky for your baby. If your crib is too old to meet current safety standards it could be contaminated by lead paint or have other harmful chemicals.
Verify whether the crib has been recalled. It's also a good idea to check whether the crib has been painted with water-based paint, which is much safer for infants than oil or phthalic paint. Additionally, make sure the mattress is firm and secure. Soft mattresses can cause babies to slip off and also pose a suffocation risk.
In addition to cribs, pay close attention to any used bassinets, cradles or play yards. All of them should be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges that could scratch or poke your baby. Avoid adding pillows, blankets or toys to these items, which can become entrapment hazards.
Children have died in cribs that were altered or played with. Most of these accidents were caused by caregivers or parents who attempted to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by adding or altering items. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to create mandatory standards for safer infant cribs. bedside crib travel cot dealt with things like side heights, spacing between slats, mattress fits, corner posts and cutouts on the end panels. In the last few years the number of deaths attributed to cribs has dropped from 150-200 per year to around 50.