Bedside Baby Beds
Baby bedside cribs let parents keep their baby close to them at night without compromising on safety. They are specifically designed for infants and can be used up to 4 to 6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed with a side that can be pulled down so that parents can pick up their newborn during feeding times at night. The base is not suitable under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed lets parents keep their babies close for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without leaving their own bed. This sleep arrangement is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or with limited mobility and may also help parents stay more well-rested throughout the night. It is essential to think about safety features when purchasing the bedside crib.
This kind of sleeping surface is a safety risk because it does not provide an adequate barrier between the parents' sleeping space as well as the infant's sleeping space. This could result in gaps which can pose suffocation hazards to young infants. In addition, sharing the bed with an infant increases the parent's body heat and increases the risk of overheating which could lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they're not covered by the CPSC safety standards. They could have the slats which allow a baby's head or legs to be snagged and their attachment mechanisms may be unstable, and could cause separation.
Many of these surfaces have loose bedding that could cause the possibility of suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to free themselves from bedding that is soft. Gaps between the mattress and frame can create an entrapment risk. Some of these products have a hard base that could cause injury to a baby if they fall upon it. One user suggested that CPSC include pictograms in its warnings on these products, which would reduce the chances of caregivers missing key elements. Sleepers at the bedside need an easy transition system to prevent the baby from sliding off the mattress of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet allows infants to sleep next to their parents' beds and still have an independent sleeping space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the risks of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies close to their parents and within arm's reach for middle-of-the-night feedings or for comforting.
Baby bedding for a sleeper beside the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. It can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Make sure the bedding you select fits the bedside sleeping baby properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Make sure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeping baby is firm and firmly fitted without any gaps around the edges.
When choosing bedding sets, look for something that's easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your child has accidents or spits up during the night. You might also want to think about a travel bag for your sleeper at night, to make it easy to carry it around when you go on family vacations or visit the grandparents at their homes.
If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper, you can move the child to a crib or toddler that is its own. When transitioning, make sure to remove the crib from the parent's bed over several months or even weeks so that your child can become comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still feeling a sense of connection to their parents' presence. Select a crib which can be folded to be stored and transported. Some cribs can be converted into a play yard or deeper bassinet. This makes them an excellent choice for parents who frequently travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, sometimes referred to as the bassinet, is a bassinet connected to the bed's side for adults. One side is lower than the other side to allow parents to reach their baby at the end of the night. It may also have a tilt feature that helps reduce reflux in babies. Many parents report that this feature can help their babies sleep better. It is important to note that a slanted, or elevated, sleeping surface may encourage your baby's chin to the chest position. This could result in the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.
Choosing a suitable mattress is another key factor when selecting a crib for your bed. It should be firm and flat as well as breathable. The mattress should be exactly the same size as the crib and fit snugly into the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the risk of SIDS and it is recommended to purchase an entirely new crib mattress. Some retailers offer mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames, so it is best to stick with those if you can.
Some cribs for bedside use, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be placed under your bed to save space while bringing your baby closer. However some beds are too low for this kind of crib. The BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It isn't easy to place the BassiNest in a divan, which could cause it to shift or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other bassinets for bedside use, like the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be set close to your mattress but they cannot tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds if they have a solid and breathable mattress. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib could encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous position which increases the risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a small crib that can be attached to the edge of a bed for an adult. This lets parents have access to their child at any time during the night. They are generally larger than the traditional cots or bassinets. Some have a lower edge, which creates an obstacle between the sleeping areas. They are usually made of durable materials, and a lot of them have wheels to make it easy to move throughout the home.
Some bedside cribs have a tilt function which can assist infants with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. But, it's crucial to utilize this feature with extreme care and at a very slight angle to avoid being suffocated. If you're not sure whether or not to utilize this feature, speak to your GP or health professional for guidance.
Another important safety consideration when selecting a crib for your bed is the mattress. To decrease the risk of SIDS, the mattress should be firm, flat and ventilated. A mattress that is too soft can cause a blocked airway in infants, which can lead to danger. A breathable mattress will also help your baby stay cool during the night, which will reduce the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a secure sleeping space - crib, cot, or Moses basket. It could be tempting to share a bed as your baby, but this can lead to SIDS. It is best to wait until your baby is old enough to sleep independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to ensure your child is safe from second-hand smoke. If small bedside cot on a lower income, you might be eligible for help with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who want to save money may be enticed by a used bassinet, crib or cradle they acquire from a relative or friend. Cribs are among the baby products that could cause death, especially in older cribs that have broken or missing parts, or have wider spaces between the slats. Mattresses that are older can also develop dips or other conditions that are hazardous for your baby. If your crib is old enough to predate the current safety standards the crib could be contaminated by lead paint and may contain other toxic chemicals.
If you are considering purchasing a used crib, look to see if it has been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is also a good idea to check 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. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to slip out and also pose a suffocation risk.
Be especially cautious of second-hand bassinets and cradles, and play yards. All of them must be JPMA-certified and free of sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these products which could create dangerous entrapment risks.
Children 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 incorporating or altering items. Since 1973, crib manufacturers and the CPSC have worked together to establish mandatory standards for cribs that are safer, and have addressed things like side height, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts in the end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have dropped from about 150 to 200 deaths per year to around 50.