Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs for bedside use let parents keep their newborn close to them at night without compromising safety. They are made to be used by newborns from 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed that has an end that can be pulled down to allow parents to pick up their newborn during feeding time at night. The base will not fit under beds lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to monitor, comfort, and feed their babies throughout the night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering after childbirth or with limitations in mobility. It may also help parents to sleep better at night. It is essential to think about safety features when purchasing an infant crib.
The main 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 which can lead to gaps that could cause the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent and can increase the chance of overheating. This can lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers to be safer than cribs, they are not subject to the CPSC safety standards. These cribs may have slats which allow the baby's head or legs to get caught. Their attachment mechanisms may also be unstable, leading to separation.
Furthermore, a lot of mattress frames contain loose bedding that could cause suffocation. Babies lack the muscle or coordination to free themselves from entanglement in soft bedding and gaps between the frame and the mattress can cause a suffocation risk. Some of these beddings have an extremely hard bottom that could injure a baby when they fall on it. One commenter suggested that the CPSC include pictograms in warnings on these products. This will decrease the likelihood that caregivers miss key elements. In addition, bedside cribs must have an easy transition mechanism that can keep the baby from sliding off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or a co-sleeper, allows babies to sleep next to their parents' beds and still have an independent sleeping space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risks of entrapment, suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arms' reach for feedings during the night or comforting.
Baby bedding for a bedside sleeper can include crib sheets, bumpers, blankets, and toys. Make sure the bedding you choose is suitable for the baby's bed properly. This will stop pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Also, make sure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits comfortably without gaps around the edges.
When choosing a bedding set, look for something that's easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your infant has accidents or spits at night. You may also want to think about a travel kit for your sleeper at night, so you can easily take it out and back when you travel with your family or visit the grandparents' homes.
If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper you can transition him or her to a crib or toddler that is on its own. When you transition, make sure to remove the crib from the bed of the parent for several months or weeks so that your child can get used to sleeping in their own space while still feeling a sense of connection to their parents' presence. Select a crib which can be folded away for storage and transport. Some cribs can even be converted to play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them an excellent choice for parents who frequently travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, sometimes referred to as the bassinet is a bassinet attached to the bed's side for adults. One side is lower than the other to enable parents to access their infant at night. It could also have an adjustable tilt feature that can help ease reflux in babies. Some parents find this feature helps their baby sleep more comfortably. However it is important to note that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface can encourage your child to sleep in a risky chest-to-chin position. This can cause suffocation, and should be avoided.
A suitable mattress is also a key factor in choosing a crib for your child's bed. It should be firm and flat and breathable. The size should correspond to the dimensions of the crib and be able to fit within the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the risk of SIDS and it is recommended to purchase an entirely new crib mattress. Some retailers offer mattresses made specifically for specific bed frames therefore it is recommended to choose 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 low to accommodate this type of crib. The splayed feet of the BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath some beds. It can be difficult to secure the BassiNest underneath divans, which could cause it to move or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs like the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be set up beside your mattress, but they aren't capable of tilting. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. The tilting of a bassinet can encourage your child to fall into a risky position, increasing the chance of dying.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside baby bed, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a tiny crib that attaches to the sides of a bed for an adult. This allows parents to have access to their child at any time during the night. They are usually larger than traditional cots or bassinets, and some even have a a lower side that forms an unintentional barrier between the sleeping spaces. They are constructed of sturdy materials and most come with wheels, making them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs for bedside use tilt features which can assist children with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It's important to use the tilt feature with care and at a moderate angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. If baby bedside sleeper whether you should use this feature, speak to your doctor or health visitor for guidance.
The mattress is a further safety factor to consider 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 lead to a trapped airway, which is extremely dangerous for babies. A mattress that is breathable can aid your child in staying cool during the night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in their own secure sleeping space, such as such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. While it might seem tempting to put your child in a bed, this could be a risky way to get SIDS. You should wait until your baby is able to be able to sleep on his own before trying 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 could be eligible for help with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who want to save money may be attracted by a used crib, bassinet or cradle they get from a family member or friend. But, cribs are among of the most common causes of deaths involving nursery products particularly when older models have damaged or missing parts or have more space between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). Mattresses that are older can also develop dips or other conditions that are dangerous for your baby. If a crib is not old enough to meet current safety standards, it may be contaminated by lead paint or contain other harmful chemicals.
Check if the crib has been removed from the crib. It is also recommended to verify whether the crib has been painted with water-based paint, which is much safer for infants than phthalic or oil paint. Make sure the mattress is firm and that it is fitted snugly. Babies are prone to slip off mattresses that are soft, which also could pose a danger of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay close attention to used bassinets, cradles or play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp parts that your baby can scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid adding pillows, blankets or toys to these products that could become entrapment hazards.
Children have died in cribs that were tampered with or modified and the majority of incidents occurred when caregivers and parents tried to make the cribs more useful or attractive by incorporating items or altering them in a way. Since 1973 crib makers and the CPSC worked together to establish standard requirements for safer cribs for infants. These standards dealt with things like side heights, slat spacings, corner posts, mattress fits, and cutouts on end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have dropped from around 150 to 200 deaths per year to less than 50.