Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be placed next to the bed allow parents to keep their baby close during the night without any risk to safety. They are designed specifically for newborns and can be used up to 4 to 6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed with an end that can be lowered to let parents pick up their infant during feeding times at night. The base will not fit under beds that are less 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 beds. This sleep arrangement is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or who are unable to move around. It can help parents stay well-rested throughout the night. It is nevertheless important to evaluate safety features before buying a bedside crib.
The primary safety concern for this type of sleep surface is that it's not a complete barrier between the bed of the parent and the infant sleeping area and can result in gaps that could cause the risk of suffocation for infants. Additionally, sharing a bed with an infant increases the parent's body heat and raises the risk of overheating which could lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, these devices are not subject to CPSC's safety standards. They may feature slats that allow the baby's legs or head to become trapped, and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable, and could cause separation.
Furthermore, a lot of mattress frames contain loose bedding that could cause the suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to free their bodies from the soft bedding. The gaps between the frame and the mattress can create an entrapment risk. Some of these products also have a hard bottom that can injure a baby if they fall onto it. One user suggested that the CPSC include pictograms as warnings on these products. This will decrease the likelihood that caregivers miss key elements. Additionally, bedside sleepers should have an easy transition mechanism that can keep the baby from sliding off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a bassinet or co-sleeper) allows infants to sleep next to their parents' beds while maintaining a separate 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 feedings during the night or for comforting.
Baby bedding to sleep on the bed could include crib sheets and bumpers. They can also include blankets and stuffed animals. 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 blocking the baby's airway. Make sure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeping baby is firm and fits tightly with no gaps around the edges.
When you are choosing a bedding set, search for one that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your baby has accidents or spits during the night. Consider a travel kit to help you pack and unpack your bedside sleeper when you're going on vacation or visiting grandparents.
If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper you can transition your child to a crib, or a toddler that is on its own. When you transition to a crib, remove it from the parents' bed over a period of weeks or months so that your child can become comfortable sleeping in his own space and remain connected to them. Choose a crib that can be folded up for storage and transport. Some models can be converted into a play yard or a more substantial bassinet. This makes them a great choice for parents who frequently travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that attaches to the side of the adult bed and has one side higher than the other which allows parents to reach over to take care of their child at night. It may also have a tilt feature to help alleviate reflux in babies. Many parents report that this feature helps their babies sleep better. However it is crucial to note that a slanted or elevated sleeping surface can encourage your child to roll into an unsafe chest-to-chin position. 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 and flat and ventilated. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and be able to fit into the frame. It is recommended to purchase a new mattress for the crib, as a second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS. Some retailers offer mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames, therefore it is recommended to stick with those if you can.
Some cribs for bedside use, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked under your bed in order to make space while bringing your baby closer. Some beds are too narrow to be able to accommodate this type of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to slide underneath some beds. It's also difficult to slide it under a divan bed which could cause it to rock or move out of alignment with the mattress.
bedside cot sale for bedside use, like the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be positioned close to your mattress but they cannot tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents only use these beds when they have a sturdy air-conditioned bed. A bassinet that is tilted or placed next to a crib could encourage your baby to roll into an unsafe position which increases the chance of the possibility of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper or a bassinet is a crib attached to the side of a bed designed for adults. This lets parents access their child easily throughout the night. They are generally larger than traditional bassinets or cots. Some have a lower edge that creates an enclosure between the sleeping areas. They are constructed of sturdy materials, and many come with wheels, making them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilting features that help babies who suffer from digestive issues like reflux or colic. It is important to make use of this feature with utmost care and at a very gentle angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether you should utilize this feature, speak to your physician or health care professional for guidance.
Another important aspect to consider when choosing a crib for a bedside is the mattress. The mattress should be solid, flat and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft could lead to a trapped airway, which can be dangerous for babies. 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 space such as a cot, crib or Moses basket. While it could be tempting to put your baby in a bed, it is a major risk of SIDS. It is recommended to wait until your baby is old enough to sleep independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is smoke-free to protect your child from secondhand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a crib or bassinet if you have a low-income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are looking to save money may be enticed by a used crib, bassinet, or cradle that they receive from a relative or friend. Cribs are one of many nursery items that could lead to death, especially 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 risky for your child. If a crib is too old to meet the current safety standards it could be contaminated by lead paint or contain other toxic chemicals.
Verify if the crib has been removed from the crib. It is also an excellent idea to determine whether the crib was painted with water-based paint, which is much safer for infants than phthalic or oil paint. Also, ensure that the mattress is sturdy and snugly fits. Babies can easily slide off mattresses that are soft as well as pose suffocation risks.
In addition to cribs, pay special attention to any secondhand bassinets, cradles, and play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and have no sharp parts that your baby can scratch or poke at. Avoid adding toys, pillows, or blankets to these products. They can become dangers to entrapment.
Children have died in cribs that were altered or tampered with. The majority of these deaths occurred when parents or caregivers attempted to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by incorporating or modifying things. Since 1973 crib makers and the CPSC worked together to establish the standards that are mandatory for safe cribs for infants. These standards dealt with things like side heights, spacing between slats, corner posts, mattress fits, and cutouts on end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have dropped from about 150-200 per year to about 50.