Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that are placed close to the bed allows parents to keep their baby close at night, without risking the safety of their child. They are made to be used by newborns up until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed that has a side that can be lowered to allow parents to pick up their newborn during feeding times at night. The base is not suitable under beds that are lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A crib at bedside allows parents to monitor, comfort, and feed their babies at night without having leave their bed. This sleep arrangement is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or those who are unable to move around. It can help parents stay relaxed throughout the night. It is crucial to think about safety features when purchasing an infant crib.
The primary safety concern for this type of sleep surface is that it's not an entirely secure barrier between the bed of the parent and the infant's sleeping area, resulting in gaps that could cause dangers of suffocation to infants. In addition sharing a bed with a child increases the body heat of the parent and raises the risk of overheating, which can lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they aren't covered by the CPSC safety standards. They may include slats that allow the baby's head or legs to become stuck. The attachment mechanisms could also be unstable, resulting in separation.
Furthermore, a lot of mattresses contain loose bedding that could cause the suffocation. Babies don't have the muscle or coordination to remove themselves from the tangles of soft bedding and gaps between the mattress and the frame could cause a danger of suffocation. Some of these items have a hard bottom that can cause injury to a baby when they fall on it. One user suggested that the CPSC include pictograms as warnings for these products. This would lower the risk that caregivers miss key elements. Additionally, bedside sleepers should have an easy transition mechanism that can prevent the baby from slipping off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or co-sleeper allows infants to sleep on their parents' beds and still have an independent sleeping space. This form of safe co-sleeping reduces the risks 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 sleeper beside the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. It could also include stuffed animals and blankets. Be sure that the bedding you choose is suitable for the sleeping baby's bed in a proper way. This will stop pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Make sure that the mattress you purchase for your sleeping baby is firm and firmly fitted with no gaps around the edges.
When you are choosing a bedding set, look for a set that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your child is having accidents or spits up during the night. You may also want to think about a travel kit for your sleeper at night, so you can easily carry it around when you travel with your family or visit the grandparents' homes.
When your child is no longer a bedside sleeper, you can transition them to a standalone toddler or crib. When you transition to a crib, remove it from the bed of your parents over the course of time, either weeks or months, so that your child can get used to sleeping in his own space but still feel connected to them. Select a crib which can be folded to be stored and transported. Some cribs can be converted to a play yard or deeper bassinet. This makes them a perfect option for parents with young children who love to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that is attached to the side of the adult bed and has one side lower than the other which allows parents to reach over to care for their child throughout the night. It may also have tilt features that help alleviate reflux in babies. Some parents have found that this feature can help their child sleep better. However, it is important to note that a sloped or elevated sleeping surface could cause your child to fall into a dangerous chin-to-chest posture. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
A good mattress is a key factor in choosing the crib for your child's bed. It must be flat and firm and airy. The mattress should be the same size as the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. It is recommended to buy a new mattress for your crib, as a second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS. If you can, it's best to buy mattresses that are made for specific bedframes.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to fit under your bed to save space and bring your baby close, like the Halo BassiNest. However some beds are too low for this type of crib. In addition, the BassiNest's legs with splayed feet make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It is also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed which could cause it rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use like the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be placed beside your mattress, but aren't able to tilt. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilting of a bassinet may cause your child to fall into a risky position, increasing the risk of suffocation.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or co-sleeper, is a small crib that is attached to the side of a bed designed for adults. This allows parents to be able to easily access their child throughout the night. These beds are usually larger than the traditional cots or bassinets. Some have a lower edge that creates an obstacle between the sleeping areas. These beds are constructed from sturdy materials, and many have wheels to make them easier to move around the house.
Some bedside cribs come with tilting features that help babies who suffer from digestive issues like reflux or colic. It is essential to use the tilt feature with care and at a very small angle to prevent the risk of suffocation. Talk to your doctor or health care professional if are unsure about using the feature.
Another crucial safety factor to consider when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. To minimize the risk of SIDS, the mattress should be firm, flat and ventilated. A mattress that is too firm could 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 could decrease the chance of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a secure sleeping area - a cot, crib or Moses basket. It may seem appealing to sleep in the same bed with your baby, but this can cause SIDS. You should wait until your baby is able to be able to sleep on his own before trying to sleep together. If bedside crib that turns into cot have to, make sure that your bedroom is smoke-free in order to protect your child from second-hand smoke. Plunket might be able to help with a crib or bassinet in the event that you are a low-income parent.
Second-hand cribs
Parents looking to save money might be attracted by a used bassinet, crib or cradle they acquire from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the leading causes of deaths involving nursery products particularly when older models have damaged or missing parts or if they have more space between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Additionally, older mattresses can develop dips and other issues that can be hazardous for your child. And if a crib is older than the current safety standards the crib could be contaminated by lead paint, and could contain other toxic chemicals.
If you're considering buying purchasing a crib that is used, be sure to check if it has been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Check if the crib was painted with water-based paint, since this is safer for babies. Ensure that the mattress is firm, and that it fits comfortably. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to slip out, and they also can pose a danger of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay particular attention to any secondhand bassinets, cradles, and play yards. All of them should be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these products, which can become entrapment hazards.
Infants have been killed in cribs that had been tampered with or modified and most of the incidents were caused by caregivers and parents who attempted to make the cribs more useful or attractive by incorporating items or modifying them in some 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 mattress fits, corner posts and cutouts for end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have decreased from 150 to 200 deaths per year to less than 50.