Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs for bedside use allow parents to keep their infant close during the night without compromising safety. They are designed to be used by newborns from 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the parent's bed and comes with a push-down feature that lets parents scoop their baby up for feedings in the middle of the night. The base is not suitable under beds lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to watch, comfort and feed their infants at night without having leave their bed. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those who have mobility issues. It can also assist parents sleep better at night. It is important to consider the safety aspects when purchasing an infant crib.
The primary safety concern with this type of sleeping surface is that it is not a complete barrier between the bed of the parent and the infant sleeping area and can result in gaps that could pose suffocation risks to young infants. Additionally sharing the bed with an infant increases the parent's body heat and increases the risk of overheating, which can contribute to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that co-sleepers for bedside use to be safer than cribs, they are not subject to the CPSC safety standards. They could have slats that permit babies' legs or heads to become trapped and their attachment mechanisms may be unstable and cause separation.
Many of these surfaces have loose bedding, which can lead to the possibility of suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to free their bodies from the soft bedding. The gaps between the frame and mattress can create the risk of suffocation. Some of these products also have a hard bottom that could cause injury to a baby should they fall upon it. One user suggested that the CPSC add pictograms as warnings on these products. This could reduce the chance that caregivers overlook crucial elements. In addition, bedside cribs must have an easy transition mechanism to stop the baby from slipping off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or co-sleeper, allows babies to sleep beside their parents' beds, while having a separate 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 to sleep in the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. They can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Make sure the bedding you select fits the sleeping baby's bed in a proper way. This will stop pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Also, make sure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits comfortably without gaps around the edges.
When you are choosing a bedding set, search for one that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your infant has accidents or spits up at night. Consider a travel kit to simplify the process of packing and unpack your bedside sleeping set when you're to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.
When your baby outgrows the bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition your child to a crib, or a toddler that is its own. When transitioning, be sure to move the crib away from the parent's bed over several months or weeks so that your child can be comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still being a part of their parents. Choose a crib that can be folded for storage and transportation. Some cribs can even be converted to an outdoor play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a perfect option for parents with young children who like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that connects to the side of a bed for adults and has one side lower than the other which allows parents to reach over to take care of their child during the night. It may also have an adjustable tilt feature that can help alleviate reflux in infants. Some parents report that this feature helps their children sleep better. However it is crucial to remember that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface could encourage your child to sleep in a risky chin-to-chest posture. This can lead to the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is another key factor when choosing a bedside crib. It should be flat, firm and ventilated. The size should match the dimensions of the crib and fit snugly in the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the chance of SIDS and it is recommended that you purchase a new crib mattress. Some retailers offer mattresses designed for specific bed frames, so it is best to choose these if possible.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to be tucked under your bed to save space and bring your child close, like the Halo BassiNest. However some beds are too low for this kind of crib. 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 shift or move out of alignment with your mattress.
cotsfortots for bedside use, such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be placed next to your mattress, but aren't in a position to tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds when they have a sturdy air-conditioned bed. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib can encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous position which increases the chance of the possibility of suffocation.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or a bassinet is a crib attached to the side of a bed for adults. This lets parents easily access their child during the night. They are usually larger than standard cots or bassinets, and some have an upper side that creates a short barrier between the sleeping spaces. They are usually constructed from durable materials, and a lot of them have wheels to make it easy to move throughout the house.
Some cribs for bedside use tilt functions which can assist children with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It's important to use the tilt function with care and at a very small angle to prevent suffocation. If you're unsure about whether or not to utilize this feature, speak to your doctor or health professional for advice.
Another important safety consideration when selecting a crib for your bed is the mattress. The mattress must be firm, flat and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can lead to a trapped airway, which is dangerous for newborns. A mattress that is breathable will help your baby stay cool during the night, which could lower the risk of overheating.
It's recommended that you put your baby to bed in their own secure sleeping space - either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. It could be appealing to share a bed as your baby however this could result in SIDS. You should wait until your baby is able to sleep independently before attempting to sleep together. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free in order to ensure your child is safe from secondhand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you could be eligible for help with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents looking to save money could be attracted by a used crib, bassinet or cradle they get from a family member or friend. But, cribs are among of the most common causes of death due to nursery products especially if they have damaged or missing parts or if they have wider spaces between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). Additionally, older mattresses could develop dips and other issues that can be hazardous for your child. And if a crib is old enough to be predated by the current safety standards, it could be tainted by lead paint and may contain other toxic chemicals.
If you are considering purchasing a crib that is used, look to see whether it's been recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is also recommended to verify whether the crib was painted with water-based paint which is much safer for infants than phthalic or oil paint. Ensure that the mattress is firm, and that it is fitted snugly. Soft mattresses can cause babies to slip off and also pose a suffocation risk.
Pay special attention to used bassinets and cradles and play yards. All of them must be JPMA-certified and free of sharp edges that could scratch or poke your baby. Avoid adding pillows, toys, or blankets to these products. They could be a potential dangerous for entrapment.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered with or altered, and most of the incidents occurred when caregivers and parents tried to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding items or modifying them in a way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC collaborated to create the standards that are mandatory for safe infant cribs. These standards addressed things like side heights, slat spacings, mattress fits, corner posts and cutouts on the end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have decreased from 150 to 200 deaths per year to less than 50.