Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that are placed near the bed will allow parents to keep their baby close at night, without any risk to the safety of their child. They are specifically designed for infants and can be used until 6 to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the bed of the parent. It comes with a push-down feature that lets parents scoop their baby up to feed them during the night. The base is not suitable under beds that are lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to keep their babies close for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without leaving their own bed. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for new mothers recovering from birth or for those with limitations in mobility. It may also help parents sleep better at night. It is crucial to think about the safety aspects when purchasing a bedside crib.
This kind of sleeping surface poses a safety concern because it does not provide a complete barrier to the sleeping area of the parent as well as the infant's sleeping space. This could result in gaps that can cause the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent, which can increase the risk of overheating. This can lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they are not subject to the CPSC safety standards. They could have slats that allow a baby's head or legs to become trapped and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable and cause separation.
Many of these surfaces have loose bedding, which can lead to suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to free their bodies from the soft bedding. The gaps between the mattress and frame can also pose a suffocation risk. Some of these products have a hard base that could cause injury to a baby if they fall upon it. One commenter suggested the CPSC include pictograms as warnings for these products. This could reduce the chance that caregivers miss key elements. In addition, bedside cribs should have a smooth transition mechanism to stop the baby from falling off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows babies to sleep in their parents' beds while maintaining a separate space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation as well as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping infants close to their parents.
Baby bedding to sleep beside the bed can include bumpers and crib sheets. It can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Make sure that the bedding you choose to use fits the bedside sleeper properly to avoid bulges and pockets that might impede the baby's breathing. Also, make sure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits snugly without gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for a bedding set to keep your baby clean in case they fall or spill up during the night, choose something that is simple to wash and dries. Consider an item for travel to simplify the process of packing and unpack your bedside sleeping set while you're away to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, it is possible to change them to a stand-alone toddler or a crib. When transitioning, make sure to remove the crib from the bed of the parent for several months or even weeks to allow your child to get used to sleeping in their own space while still being a part of their parents' presence. Choose a crib that can be folded to be stored and transported. Certain models can be transformed into a play yard or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a perfect option for parents who are new and like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which is attached to the side of an adult bed and has one side higher than the other which allows parents to reach over to care for their child during the night. It may also have an adjustable tilt feature that can help ease reflux in babies. Some parents find this feature helps their child sleep better. It is important to keep in mind that a slanted or elevated, mattress can cause your baby's chin to shift to the chest position. This can lead to death and should be avoided.
A suitable mattress is also a key factor in choosing a crib for your child's bed. It must be flat and firm and ventilated. The mattress should be the same size as the crib and fit snugly into the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS which is why it is recommended that you purchase an entirely new crib mattress. If possible, it is best to buy mattresses designed specifically 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. Some beds aren't tall enough to accommodate this type of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath some beds. It is also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed which could cause it to slide or sway out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be placed beside your mattress but are not able to tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds when they have a firm air-conditioned bed. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib can encourage your baby to slide into a risky position, increasing the chance of the possibility of suffocation.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside baby bed also called a co-sleeper, or bassinet, is a compact crib that is attached to the sides of an adult's bed. This allows parents to be able to easily access their child 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 spaces. baby bedside co sleeper are typically made of durable materials, and some have wheels for easy transport throughout the home.
Some bedside cribs come with a tilt feature that can aid babies suffering from digestive issues like colic or reflux. It is essential to use the tilt function with caution and at a very small angle to prevent suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether you should make use of this feature, talk to your GP or health visitor for guidance.
The mattress is an additional safety consideration to make when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. The mattress should be firm, flat and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft may cause a blocked airway, which can be dangerous for newborns. A mattress that is breathable can aid your child in staying cool at night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It's recommended that you put your baby to sleep in a secure sleeping area - either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. Although it may be tempting to put your baby in a bed, it could be a risky way to get SIDS. It is recommended to wait until your baby is old enough to go to bed independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you must ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to safeguard your child from second-hand smoke. If you're on a low income, you might be eligible for assistance with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents looking to save money could be tempted by a second-hand bassinet, crib, or cradle that they acquire from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the most common causes of deaths involving nursery products particularly when older models are damaged or missing parts or larger spaces between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). Mattresses that are older can also develop dips and other issues that can be hazardous for your child. If your crib is not old enough to meet the current safety standards, it may be contaminated with lead paint or contain other harmful chemicals.
Examine if the crib has been recalls on the crib. Verify if the crib has been coated with water-based paint as this is safer for infants. Be sure that the mattress is firm and that it fits snugly. Babies are prone to slip out of mattresses with soft surfaces and also pose suffocation risks.
In addition to cribs, pay special attention to any secondhand bassinets, cradles or play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and have no sharp edges that your child could poke or scratch themselves on. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these products that could become dangers for entrapment.
Infants have been killed in cribs that were tampered with or modified, and most of the incidents occurred when parents and caregivers tried to make the cribs more useful or attractive by adding items or modifying them in a way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have collaborated to set mandatory standards for cribs that are safer, and have addressed issues like side height, slat spacing, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts in end panels. In the last few years the number of deaths attributed to cribs has dropped from 150 to 200 per year to around 50.