Bedside Baby Beds
Baby bedside cribs allow parents to keep their newborn close to them at night without compromising safety. They are designed specifically for newborns and can be used up to 6 to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed that has a side that can be pulled down to allow parents to take their baby into the crib during nighttime feedings. The base will not fit under beds lower than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to monitor, soothe and feed their infants at night without having to leave their bed. This sleep arrangement is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or who have limited mobility. It could help parents remain more well-rested throughout the night. However, it is important to consider safety features prior to buying a bedside crib.
This kind of sleeping surface presents a safety hazard since it doesn't offer a complete barrier to the parents' sleeping space and the infant's sleep area. This could result in gaps which can pose suffocation hazards to young infants. In addition, sharing a bed with an infant can increase the body heat of the parents and raises the chance of overheating which can contribute to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim co-sleepers for bedside use to be safer than cribs, they are not subject to 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 lead to separation.
Many of these surfaces have bedding that is loose that could cause the risk of suffocation. Babies don't have the muscle or coordination to remove themselves from the tangles of soft bedding, and the gaps between the mattress and the frame could cause a suffocation risk. Some of these beddings have an extremely hard bottom that could cause injury to a baby if they fall onto it. One user suggested that the CPSC add pictograms as warnings to these products. This will lower the risk that caregivers overlook crucial elements. In addition, bedside cribs must have an easy transition mechanism to prevent the baby from falling off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or bassinet) lets babies sleep beside their parents' beds, while still occupying a separate space. This form of safe co-sleeping reduces the risks of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies close to their parents and within arms' reach for mid-night meals or for comforting.
Baby bedding for a sleeper at night could include crib sheets blankets, bumpers, and stuffed animals. Be sure that the bedding you choose is suitable for the sleeping baby's bed in a proper way. This will prevent pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Also, ensure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits snugly without gaps around the edges.
When choosing a bedding set, look for one that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your baby has accidents or spits during the night. Consider the possibility of a travel kit that will simplify the process of packing and unpack your bedside sleeper when you're to visit grandparents or on vacation.
When your baby is no longer a bedside sleeper, you can move the child to a crib or a toddler that is all on its own. When transitioning to a crib, remove it from the parents' bed over a period of time, either weeks or months, to allow your child to learn to sleep in his own space but remain connected to them. Pick a crib that is able to be folded up for storage and transportation. Some cribs can be converted to a play yard or deeper bassinet. This makes them an ideal option for parents who are new and are keen to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which is attached to the side of a bed for adults and has one side higher than the other, allowing parents to reach out to take care of their child during the night. It may also have a tilt feature to help alleviate reflux in babies. Some parents find this feature can help their child sleep better. However it is crucial to note that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface can encourage your child to fall into a dangerous chin-to-chest posture. This could lead to death and should be avoided.
Selecting a mattress that is suitable is a further important factor to consider when choosing a bedside crib. It must be firm, flat and airy. The size should correspond to the dimensions of the crib and fit snugly in the frame. It is recommended to buy a new mattress for your crib, as a second-hand mattress could increase the chance of SIDS. Some retailers offer mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames therefore it is recommended to use those if you can.
Some bedside cribs, like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be placed under your bed to make space while bringing your child closer. However certain beds are too low for this kind of crib. The BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It is also a challenge to place it under a divan bed which can cause it to slide or sway out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets such as the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be positioned next to your mattress, however they aren't able be slanted. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilting of a bassinet can encourage your child to slide into a risky position, increasing their danger of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or co-sleeper, is a small crib attached to the side of a bed designed for adults. It allows parents to be able to easily access their child throughout the night. They are usually larger than the traditional cots and bassinets, and some have an lower part that creates a short separation between the sleeping spaces. These beds are constructed from solid materials and have wheels that make them easier to move around the house.
Some bedside cribs come with 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 care and only at a very small angle to avoid from suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether to utilize this feature, speak to your doctor or health professional for advice.
Another crucial safety factor to consider when choosing a crib for a bedside is the mattress. The mattress must be smooth, firm and breathable, to lower the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can result in a blocked airway in infants, which can lead to danger. A mattress that is breathable can help your child stay cool at night, reducing the chance of overheating.
It's recommended that you put your baby to sleep in their own safe sleeping space - a crib, cot or Moses basket. It could be tempting to share a bed as your infant but this could cause SIDS. You should wait until your baby is able to sleep independently before you attempt to co-sleep. If you must, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free in order to ensure your child is safe from secondhand smoke. If you're on a low income, you might be eligible for assistance with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents looking to save money may be enticed by a used crib, bassinet or cradle they receive from a relative or friend. But, cribs are among of the most common causes of deaths involving nursery products, especially when older ones are damaged or missing parts or more space between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Older mattresses can also develop dips or other issues that can be risky for your child. And if describes it is old enough to be predated by the current safety standards, it could be tainted by lead paint, and could contain other harmful chemicals.
Verify whether the crib has been removed from the crib. It is also an excellent idea to determine whether the crib has been painted with water-based paint which is much safer for infants than phthalic or oil paint. Be sure that the mattress is firm, and that it fits snugly. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to slip off and also can pose a danger of suffocation.
Pay particular attention to used bassinets and cradles and play yards. They should all be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid adding pillows, toys, or blankets to these products. They could be a potential entrapment hazard.
Infants have been killed in cribs that had been tampered with or modified and the majority of incidents occurred when parents and caregivers tried to make the cribs more useful or attractive by adding items or altering them in a way. Since 1973, crib manufacturers and the CPSC have worked together to establish standards that are mandatory for safer cribs, addressing issues like side height, slat spacing, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts in the end panels. In the last few years the number of crib-related deaths has decreased from 150 to 200 a year to just 50.