Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs in bed allow parents to keep their newborn close during the night without compromising on safety. They are designed for newborns and are suitable for use up to 6 to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed with the ability to be pushed down to allow parents to pick up their infant during feeding time at night. The base cannot be placed under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A crib at bedside allows parents to monitor, comfort and feed their infants at night without having to leave their bed. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for new mothers recovering after childbirth or those who have mobility issues. It can also assist parents sleep better at night. It is, however, essential to consider safety features prior to purchasing a bedside baby bed.
This type of sleep surface is a safety risk because it does not provide a complete barrier to the sleeping area of the parent and the infant's sleeping area. This can lead to gaps that could pose suffocation hazards to young 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 to be safer than cribs, they're not covered by the CPSC safety standards. These products can have slats which allow babies' legs or heads to become stuck. Their attachment mechanisms may also be unstable, leading to separation.
Furthermore, a lot of sleep surfaces have loose bedding, which can cause suffocation. Babies don't have the muscle or coordination to remove themselves from the tangles of soft bedding, and gaps between the mattress and the frame could cause a danger of suffocation. Some of these items have a hard base that can cause injury to a baby should they fall onto it. One user suggested that the CPSC include pictograms in warnings to these products. This will lower the risk that caregivers are unaware of key components. In addition, bedside cribs should come with an easy transition mechanism to keep the baby from slipping off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or a co-sleeper allows infants to sleep beside their parents' beds while maintaining an independent sleeping 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 at night could include crib sheets bumpers, blankets, and stuffed animals. Be sure that the bedding you choose fits the bedside sleeping baby properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Make sure the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeping baby is sturdy and secure with no gaps around the edges.
If you're in search of a bedding set that will keep your baby clean in case they get sick or vomit up in the night, select a set that is easy to wash and dry. You may also want to think about a travel bag for your bedside sleeper, to make it easy to carry it around when you travel with your family or visit your grandparents' homes.
If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition your child to a crib or a toddler that is its own. When transitioning, be sure to remove the crib from the bed of the parent for several months or even weeks to allow your child to get used to sleeping in their own space while still being a part of their parents. Choose a crib that can be folded for storage and transportation. Some models can be converted into a play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who travel frequently.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, sometimes referred to as bassinet is a bassinet attached to the bed's side for adults. One side is lower than the other side to let parents reach their baby at the end of the night. It may have a tilt feature to help alleviate reflux in babies. Some parents report that this feature can help their babies sleep better. It is important to remember that a slanted, or elevated, mattress can stimulate your baby's chin into a chest position. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is a different aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed. It must be firm, flat and airy. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and fit snugly within the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS which is why it is recommended that you purchase an entirely new crib mattress. Some retailers offer mattresses made specifically for specific bed frames, so it is best to stick with these if possible.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to tuck under your bed to save space and bring your baby close, like the Halo BassiNest. However certain beds are too low for this kind of crib. The feet that are splayed out of the BassiNest make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It is also a challenge to place it under a divan bed, which could cause it to rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use like the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be placed next to your mattress, but aren't in a position to tilt. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. bedside baby sleeper tilting of a bassinet could cause your child to slide into a dangerous position, increasing the danger of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside baby bed , also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a tiny crib that attaches to the side of a bed for an adult. This allows parents to be able to easily access their child throughout the night. These beds are usually larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge that creates an obstacle between the sleeping spaces. They are typically made of sturdy materials, and some have wheels to make it easy to move around the home.
Some cribs for bed have tilting features that aid babies suffering from digestive issues, such as reflux or colic. It is important to utilize this feature with extreme care and at a very small angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. Consult your physician or health visitor if you are unsure about using the feature.
The mattress is a further safety consideration to make when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. To minimize the risk of SIDS, the mattress needs to be firm, flat and breathable. A mattress that is too soft can result in a clogged airway, which can be dangerous for infants. A mattress that is breathable will ensure that your baby stays cool throughout the night, which could decrease the chance of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a safe sleeping space - crib, cot, or Moses basket. It could be appealing to sleep in the same bed as your baby but this could cause SIDS. Make sure your baby is able to sleep independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is smoke-free to protect your child from secondhand smoke. If you're on a low income, you might be eligible for assistance with a crib or bassinet from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are frugal may be enticed to purchase or accept a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle for a gift from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the main causes of nursery-product related deaths particularly when older models have missing or damaged parts or if they have larger spaces between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). Additionally, older mattresses could develop dips and other issues that can be hazardous for your baby. If your crib is too old to meet current safety standards, it may be contaminated with lead paint or contain other toxic chemicals.
If you're thinking of buying purchasing a used crib, check to see whether it's been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Verify if the crib has been coated with water-based paint as this is safer for babies. Also, ensure that the mattress is sturdy and snugly fits. Babies can easily slip out of mattresses with soft surfaces, which also could pose a danger of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay particular attention to used bassinets, cradles, and play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and have no sharp edges that your child could scratch or poke at. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these products which could create dangerous entrapment risks.
Children have died in cribs that were altered or tampered with. The majority of these deaths were caused by caregivers or parents who tried to make the cribs functional or more attractive by incorporating or altering items. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC worked together to establish mandatory standards for safer infant cribs. These standards addressed things like side heights, slat spacings corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts for end panels. In the past few years, the number of crib-related deaths has dropped from 150 to 200 per year to around 50.