Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs in bed allow parents to keep their newborn close at night without compromising safety. They are designed specifically for newborns and are suitable for use up to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the parent's bed and features a push-down side that lets parents take their newborn baby in for feedings in the middle of the night. The base will not fit under beds 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 beds. This type of arrangement is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those who are unable to move around. It can also help parents stay more well-rested throughout the night. It is, however, essential to consider safety features prior to purchasing a crib for your baby.
This kind of sleeping surface poses a safety concern because it does not provide a complete barrier to the parent's sleeping area and the infant's sleeping area. This could lead to gaps that could pose dangers of suffocation to infants. Sharing a bed increases the body heat of the parent and could increase the chance of overheating. This could result in SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they aren't covered by the CPSC safety standards. They may feature the slats which allow babies' legs or heads to become trapped and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable and cause separation.
Many of these surfaces have bedding that is loose which could lead to suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to untangle themselves from soft bedding. Gaps between the mattress and frame can also pose a suffocation risk. Some of these products have a hard base that can cause injury to a child if they fall on it. One commenter suggested that CPSC include pictograms on its warnings about these products, which would lower the risk of caregivers not knowing the most important elements. Moreover, bedside sleepers should have a smooth transition mechanism to prevent the baby from slipping off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper or bassinet allows infants to sleep beside their parents' beds, while having an individual sleeping space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risks of entrapment, suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies close to their parents and within arms' reach for feedings during the night or for comforting.
Baby bedding for a bedside sleeper can include crib sheets, bumpers, blankets, and stuffed animals. Make sure that any bedding you choose to use fits the bedside sleeper properly to avoid bulges or pockets which could hinder the baby's breathing. Make sure that the mattress you choose for your bedside sleeping baby is firm and fits tightly without any gaps around the edges.
If you're in search of a bedding set that will keep your baby clean in the event that they get sick or vomit up during the night, pick a bedding that is easy to wash and dry. Consider a travel kit to simplify the process of packing and take your bedside sleeper out of the bag while you're away to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.
If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition the child to a crib or toddler that is all on its own. When transitioning, be sure to remove the crib from the parent's bed over several months or even weeks so that your infant can be comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still feeling a sense of connection to their parents' presence. Select a crib which can be folded for storage and transportation. Some cribs can be converted to an outdoor play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them an ideal choice for new parents who love to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which connects to the side of a bed for adults and has one side lower than the other, allowing parents to reach out to care for their child at night. It could have a tilt feature that helps reduce reflux in infants. Many parents report that this feature can help their children sleep better. However, it is important to note that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface may encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous chest-to-chin position. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
Choosing a suitable mattress is another key factor when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It must be firm, flat and ventilated. The size should correspond to the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably in the frame. A second-hand mattress could increase the risk of SIDS which is why it is recommended to buy an entirely new crib mattress. If possible, it is best to buy mattresses designed for specific bedframes.
Some cribs for bedside use, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be placed under your bed to make space while bringing your child closer. However bedside crib that turns into cot are too low for this kind of crib. The feet that are splayed out of the BassiNest make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It isn't easy to place the BassiNest in a divan, and this could cause it to shift or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets, like the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be positioned next to your mattress, however they aren't able tilt. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilting of a bassinet may cause your child to roll into a risky position, increasing the chance of dying.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside crib, also called co-sleeper or bassinet, is a small crib that is attached to the side of a bed for adults. This lets parents access their child with ease throughout the night. These beds are typically larger than traditional cots or bassinets. Some have an lower part that creates a short barrier between the sleep spaces. These beds are constructed from sturdy materials and most have wheels to make them easier to move around the house.
Some bedside cribs have tilt features that can aid babies with digestive issues like reflux or colic. But, it's crucial to utilize this feature with extreme care and at a small angle to avoid being suffocated. Consult your physician or health care professional if aren't sure whether you should use the feature.
The mattress is another important safety consideration to make when selecting 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 firm could cause an obstruction in the airway of newborns, which is dangerous. A breathable mattress will also aid your baby in staying cool throughout the night, which could decrease the chance of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a secure sleeping area - crib, cot or Moses basket. It could be appealing to share a bed with your baby but this could lead to SIDS. It is recommended to wait until your baby is old enough to go to bed independently before you attempt to co-sleep. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to protect your child from second-hand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a crib or bassinet in the event that you are a low-income parent.
Second-hand cribs
Parents looking to save money could be tempted by a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle they receive from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the main causes of death due to nursery products especially if they have damaged or missing parts or have wider spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Older mattresses may also develop dips or other issues that can be risky for your child. If your crib is too old to meet current safety standards, it may be contaminated by lead paint or have other harmful chemicals.
If you're thinking of buying purchasing a used crib, check to see whether it's been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Check if the crib was painted with water-based paint, as this is safer for infants. Be sure that the mattress is firm and that it is fitted snugly. Babies can easily slip out of soft mattresses and also pose suffocation risks.
In addition to cribs, pay close attention to used bassinets, cradles, and play yards. All of them should be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges that could scratch or poke your baby. Avoid putting pillows, toys or blankets with these products. They could be a potential entrapment hazard.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered with or altered, and most of the incidents were caused by caregivers and parents who tried to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding items or modifying them in a way. Since 1973, the crib manufacturers and the CPSC have collaborated to establish standards that are mandatory for cribs that are safer, and have addressed things like side heights, slat spacing, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts in end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have dropped from about 150 to 200 per year to about 50.