Bedside Baby Beds
Baby bedside cribs let parents keep their baby close to them at night without compromising on 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 the ability to be pulled down so that parents can pick up their newborn during feeding times at night. The base is not suitable under beds that are lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A crib at bedside allows parents to monitor, soothe, and feed their babies throughout the night without having to leave their bed. bedside crib and cot of arrangement is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or who are unable to move around. It can also help parents stay more relaxed throughout the night. However, it is important to look at safety features before purchasing a bedside baby bed.
The main safety issue with this type of sleeping surface is that it's not an entirely secure barrier between the parent's bed and the infant sleeping area, resulting in gaps that could cause the risk of suffocation for infants. In addition sharing the bed with an infant increases the parent's body heat and raises the risk of overheating which can contribute to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are safer than traditional cribs, these products are not subject to the safety standards of the CPSC. These products may have slats that allow babies' legs or heads to be snagged and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable and lead to separation.
A lot of these surfaces have bedding that is loose, which can lead to the possibility of suffocation. Babies do not have the muscle or coordination to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding and gaps between the frame and the mattress can cause a danger of suffocation. Some of these products have a tough base that could cause injury to a child if they fall on it. One commenter suggested that CPSC add pictograms to the warnings for these products, which would reduce the chances of caregivers ignoring key elements. Bedside sleepers need to have an easy transition system to prevent the baby from sliding off the mattress of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper) allows babies to sleep in their parents' beds, while still occupying a separate space. This method of sleeping in a safe manner reduces the chance of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping babies close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a sleeper in the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. It can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Make sure that the bedding you choose fits the bedside sleeping baby properly. This will stop pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Make sure that the mattress you choose for your bedside sleeping baby is firm and fits tightly without gaps around the edges.
When you are choosing bedding sets, look for a set that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your baby has accidents or spits up in the night. Consider a travel kit to simplify the process of packing and unpack your bedside sleeping set when you're going on vacation or visiting grandparents.
When your baby outgrows the bedside sleeper, you can move him or her to a crib or a toddler that is all on its own. When transitioning, make sure to move the crib away from the bed of your parent over several weeks or months so that your child can get used to sleeping in their own space while still feeling connected to their parents' presence. Select a crib which can be folded for storage and transportation. Some cribs can even be converted into play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them a great choice for new parents who love to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which attaches to the side of the adult bed and has one side higher than the other, allowing parents to reach over to care for their child during the night. It may have tilt features that help ease reflux in babies. Some parents feel this feature can help their child sleep more comfortably. It is important to note that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface could encourage your baby's chin to the chest. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
A mattress that is suitable for your child is crucial in deciding on the crib for your child's bed. It should be firm and flat as well as ventilated. The mattress should be exactly the same size as the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. It is recommended to buy an entirely new mattress for the crib as a second-hand one could increase the chance of SIDS. If possible, it is best to buy mattresses designed for specific bedframes.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to tuck under your bed in order to save space and keep your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. However, some beds are too low for this kind of crib. The BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide underneath 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 bassinets for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be positioned close to your mattress but they cannot tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds if they have a firm air-conditioned bed. A bassinet that is tilted or placed next to a crib could cause your child to slide into a risky position which increases the risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper, or bassinet, is a tiny crib that attaches to the side of a bed for an adult. It allows parents to reach their child with ease throughout the night. They are generally larger than traditional bassinets or cots. Some have a lower edge, which creates an enclosure between the sleeping spaces. They are typically made from durable materials, and a lot of them have wheels for easy transport throughout the home.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilting features that aid babies suffering from digestive issues like colic or reflux. It is important to use the tilt feature with care and only at a moderate angle to avoid suffocation. If you're not sure whether or not to make use of this feature, talk to your physician or health professional 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 should be flat, firm and breathable. A mattress that is too soft could cause a blocked airway, which can be dangerous for newborns. A mattress that is breathable can help your child stay cool at night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a safe sleeping area - a cot, crib or Moses basket. Although it may be tempting to sleep with your child in a bed, it is a major risk of SIDS. It's best to wait until your baby is old enough to sleep independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you must, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to ensure your child is safe from secondhand smoke. If you're on a low income, you may be eligible for assistance with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who want to save money could be enticed by a second-hand 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 when older cribs are damaged or missing parts or have wider spaces between the slats. In addition, older mattresses may develop dips and other conditions that can be hazardous for your baby. If your crib is old enough to predate current safety regulations it may be contaminated by lead paint and may contain other toxic chemicals.
If you are considering purchasing a used crib, look to see if it has been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Verify if the crib has been painted with water-based, because this is safer for infants. Make sure the mattress is firm, and that it fits snugly. Babies are prone to slip off mattresses that are soft and also pose suffocation risks.
Be especially cautious of used bassinets and cradles and play yards. They should all be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges that could scratch or poke your baby. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these items which could create dangers for entrapment.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered with or altered, and most of the incidents occurred when caregivers and parents attempted to make the cribs more useful or attractive by incorporating items or altering them in a way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have teamed up to establish mandatory standards for safer cribs, addressing issues like side height, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts on end panels. As the result, deaths attributed to cribs have dropped from around 150 to 200 per year to less than 50.