Bedside Baby Beds
Baby bedside cribs allow parents to keep their newborn close during the night without compromising on safety. They are made to be used by infants up until 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 up their newborn to feed them during the night. However, the base won't fit under beds lower than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed lets parents keep their infants close for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without leaving their own bed. This sleep arrangement is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those who have limited mobility. It could also help parents stay more well-rested throughout the night. However, it is important to evaluate safety features before purchasing a bedside baby bed.
The main safety issue for this type of sleep surface is that it is not a complete barrier between the parent's bed and the infant sleeping area which can lead to gaps that could lead to dangers of suffocation to 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.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, these products are not subject to CPSC's safety standards. These products can have slats which allow the baby's head or legs to get trapped. The mechanisms for attachment could be unstable, resulting in separation.
A lot of these surfaces have loose bedding that could cause suffocation. Babies don't have the strength or coordination required to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding, and the gaps between the mattress and the frame could create a suffocation hazard. Some of these items have a hard bottom that could injure a baby when they fall on it. One commenter suggested the CPSC add pictograms as warnings for these products. This will reduce the chance that caregivers miss key elements. Bedside sleepers must have a smooth transition system that prevents the baby from sliding off the parent's mattress.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or a co-sleeper, allows babies to sleep beside their parents' beds while maintaining an individual sleeping space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of entrapment, suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies close to their parents and within arm's reach for mid-night meals or for comforting.
Baby bedding to sleep on the bed could include bumpers and crib sheets. They can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Make sure the bedding you select fits the bedside sleeping baby properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Also, make sure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits comfortably without gaps around the edges.
If you're in search of bedding sets to keep your baby clean in the event that they get sick or vomit up during the night, select a set that is easy to wash and dries. You might also want to consider a travel kit for your sleeper at night, to make it easy to pack and unpack it when you go on family vacations or visit your grandparents home.
If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition him or her to a crib or a toddler that is its own. When you transition to a crib, take it away from the parents' bed over a period of weeks or months to allow your child to get used to sleeping in his own space and still feel connected to them. Also, be bedside crib or cot to select a crib that you can fold up easily for storage and transport. Some cribs can be transformed into a play yard or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a perfect choice for new parents who love to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also referred to as the bassinet is a bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other side to let parents reach their child at the end of the night. It could have tilt features that help reduce reflux in infants. Some parents have reported that this feature helps their children sleep better. However, it is important to remember that a slanted or elevated sleeping surface could encourage your child to sleep in a risky chin-to-chest posture. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is a different aspect to consider when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It should be firm, flat and breathable. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and be able to fit within the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the chance of SIDS, so it is recommended to purchase a new crib mattress. If you can, it is recommended to purchase mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames.
Some cribs designed for bedside are made to be tucked under your bed to save space and keep your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds are too narrow to accommodate this kind of crib. The feet that are splayed out of the BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath certain beds. It can be difficult to tuck the BassiNest under a divan, which could cause it to move or rock out of line with your mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be placed beside your mattress, but they aren't capable of tilting. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib can encourage your baby to roll into an unsafe position which increases the chance of being suffocated.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper or a bassinet is a crib attached to the side of a bed designed for adults. This allows parents to access their child at any time at night. These beds are generally larger than traditional cots or bassinets, and some have an upper side that creates an unintentional barrier between the sleeping spaces. These beds are made from solid materials and have wheels to make them easier to move around the home.
Some cribs with a bedside have a tilt feature that can aid babies suffering from digestive issues, such as colic or reflux. It is important to use the tilt feature with caution and at a very small angle to avoid suffocation. If you're unsure about whether to utilize this feature, speak to your doctor or health visitor for guidance.
The mattress is a further safety consideration to make when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress must be firm, flat and ventilated. A mattress that is too soft may result in a clogged airway, which can be dangerous for babies. A mattress that is breathable will help your child remain cool during the night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a safe sleeping space - a cot, crib or Moses basket. While it might seem tempting to sleep with your child in a bed, this could be a risky way to get SIDS. Make sure your baby is able to be able to sleep on his own before trying to sleep together. If you must ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to protect your baby from smoke from other rooms. Plunket might be able to help with a crib or bassinet for those with a low income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are looking to save money might be attracted by a secondhand bassinet, crib, or cradle that they get from a family member or friend. Cribs are just one of the baby products that could cause death, particularly in older cribs that have damaged or missing parts or have larger spaces between the slats. Older mattresses can also develop dips or other conditions that could be hazardous for your baby. If your crib is old enough to predate the safety guidelines in place, it could be tainted by lead paint and could contain other toxic chemicals.
Examine if the crib has been recalls on the crib. It's also an excellent idea to determine whether the crib was painted with water-based paint which is more safe for infants than phthalic or oil-based paint. Ensure 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 special attention to any secondhand bassinets, 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, blankets or toys to these products, which can become dangers for entrapment.
Children have died in cribs that were altered or played with. Most of these incidents occurred when caregivers or parents tried to make the cribs functional or more attractive by adding or modifying items. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have teamed up to establish standards that are mandatory for safer cribs, including things like side heights, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts on end panels. In the last few years the number of deaths attributed to cribs has decreased from 150 to 200 a year to 50.