Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be placed near the bed will allow parents to keep their child close during the night without risking security. They are designed for newborns and can be used until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the bed of the parent. It comes with a push-down feature that allows parents to scoop up their newborn for feedings in the middle of the night. However, the base won't fit under beds that are less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed allows parents to keep their infants close for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring, without having to leave their sleeping arrangements. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or with mobility issues. It could also help parents to sleep better at night. It is crucial to think about the safety aspects when purchasing the bedside crib.
The primary safety concern for this type of sleep surface is that it is not a complete barrier between the parent's bed and the infant sleeping area and can result in gaps that could lead to suffocation risks to young infants. In addition, sharing a bed with a child can increase the body heat of the parents and increases the chance of overheating which could lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers have a higher safety rating than traditional cribs, they are not subject to CPSC's safety standards. These cribs may include slats that allow the baby's head or legs to get trapped. The mechanisms for attachment could be unstable, leading to separation.
Additionally, many of these mattress frames contain loose bedding that could cause death. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to free themselves from bedding that is soft. There are gaps between the frame and mattress can create a suffocation risk. Some of these items have a hard base that could cause injuries to a baby should they fall on it. One user suggested that the CPSC include pictograms as warnings on these products. This will reduce the chance that caregivers overlook crucial elements. In addition, bedside cribs should have an easy transition mechanism that can prevent the baby from slipping off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper allows infants to sleep beside their parents' beds, while having a separate sleeping space. This type of safe co-sleeping helps reduce the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping infants close to their parents.
Baby bedding to sleep in the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. They can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Be sure that any bedding you use is appropriate for the bedside sleeper 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 sturdy and secure with no gaps around the edges.
When choosing a bedding set, search for a set that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your infant has accidents or spits up during the night. It is also a good idea to consider a travel kit for your bedside sleeper, so you can easily pack and unpack it when you go on family vacations or visit your grandparents home.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, it is possible to move them to a separate toddler or a crib. When transitioning to a crib, take it away from the parents' bed over the course of weeks or months so that your child can learn to sleep in his own space but remain connected to them. Select a crib which can be folded away to be stored and transported. Some cribs can even be converted into play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them a perfect choice for new parents who like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also known as the bassinet is a bassinet connected to the bed's side for adults. One side is lower than the other side to allow parents to reach their child at the end of the night. It could also have a tilt function that can help ease reflux in babies. Some parents have found that this feature helps their baby sleep better. However, it is important to remember that a sloped or elevated sleeping surface can encourage your child to fall into a dangerous chest-to-chin position. This can cause suffocation, and should be avoided.
A good mattress is an important factor when choosing the right crib for your child's bed. It should be flat, firm and breathable. The size should match the dimensions of the crib and fit snugly within the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the chance of SIDS which is why it is recommended to buy an entirely new crib mattress. Some retailers offer mattresses designed for specific bed frames, therefore it is recommended to choose them if you can.
Some cribs that are bedside, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked under your bed to make space while bringing your baby closer. Some beds are too narrow to accommodate this type of crib. The splayed feet of the BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath certain beds. It is also a challenge to place it under a divan bed which can cause it to rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress.
Other bassinets for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be placed on top of your mattress, however, they aren't able to be slanted. CHOICE suggests that bedside crib and cot use these beds when they have a sturdy air-conditioned bed. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib can encourage your baby to roll into an unsafe position which increases the risk of being suffocated.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also called a bassinet or co-sleeper, is a small crib that is attached to a side of a bed for adults. This lets parents access their child at any time at night. They are usually larger than traditional cots or bassinets, and some even have a an lower part that creates a short barrier between the sleeping spaces. These beds are constructed from solid materials and have wheels that make them easier to move around the home.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilt features that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues like reflux or colic. It is important to utilize this feature with extreme care and at a slight angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. Consult your physician or health visitor if you are unsure whether to use the feature.
Another important aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is the mattress. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress should be flat, firm and breathable. A mattress that's too soft could cause an obstruction in the airway of newborns, which can be dangerous. A mattress that is breathable will ensure that your baby stays cool throughout the night, which can reduce the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a safe sleeping space such as a cot, crib or Moses basket. It may seem tempting to share a bed with your baby however this could result in SIDS. It's best to wait until your baby is old enough to go to bed independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you have to, make sure your bedroom is not smoky to protect your baby from smoke from other rooms. If bedside crib with wheels on a low income, you could be eligible for assistance with a bassinet or crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Frugal-minded parents may be tempted to buy or accept a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle for a gift from a friend or relative. But, cribs are among of the leading causes of death due to nursery products especially if they have damaged or missing parts or if they have larger spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Mattresses that are older can also develop dips and other conditions that are risky for your child. If a crib is not old enough to meet the safety standards of today it could be contaminated by lead paint or contain other toxic chemicals.
Verify if the crib has been recalled. It is also recommended to verify whether the crib was painted with water-based paint which is more safe for infants than phthalic or oil paint. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is firm and secure. Babies can easily slide out of mattresses with soft surfaces as well as pose suffocation risks.
Pay special attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles and play yards. They should all be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges that could hurt or poke your baby. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these items which could create entrapment hazards.
Children have died in cribs that had been tampered with or altered and the majority of incidents occurred when caregivers and parents tried to make the cribs more useful or attractive by adding things or modifying them in a way. Since 1973, crib manufacturers and the CPSC have teamed up to establish standards that are mandatory for safer cribs, addressing things like side heights, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts in the end panels. As the result, deaths attributed to cribs have dropped from about 150 to 200 deaths per year to less than 50.