Bedside Baby Beds
Baby bedside cribs let parents keep their newborn close to them at night without compromising on safety. They are specifically designed for infants and can be used until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed that has an end that can be lowered to allow parents to pick up their newborn during feeding times at night. The base is not suitable under beds lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed lets parents keep their babies close to them for evening feedings, comforting and monitoring without leaving their beds. This sleep arrangement is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or with limited mobility and may help parents remain more rested throughout the night. It is, however, essential to look at safety features before purchasing a bedside baby bed.
The main safety issue with this type of sleeping surface is that it is not a complete barrier between the bed of the parent and the baby's sleeping space, resulting in gaps that could cause dangers of suffocation to infants. In addition, sharing the bed with an infant increases the body heat of the parent and increases the risk of overheating which could lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are safer than traditional cribs, these devices do not meet CPSC's safety standards. They could have the slats which allow the baby's legs or head to be snagged and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable and cause separation.
Many of these surfaces also have bedding that is loose which could lead to suffocation. Babies do not have the muscle or coordination to free themselves from entanglement in soft bedding, and the gaps between the mattress and the frame could cause a suffocation risk. Some of these items have a hard bottom that can cause injury to a baby if they fall onto it. One user suggested that CPSC include pictograms in its warnings on these products, which will decrease the chance of caregivers missing key elements. Bedside sleepers need to have an easy transition system that stops the baby from sliding off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper lets babies sleep next to their parents' beds, while having an independent sleeping space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of entrapment, suffocation, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies close to their parents and within arms' reach for feedings during the night or comforting.
Baby bedding to sleep beside the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. They can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Make sure that the bedding you select fits the bedside sleeping baby properly. 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 comfortably without gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for bedding sets to keep your baby clean in case they have accidents or spit up in the night, choose something that is simple to wash and dries. Consider a travel kit to make it easier to pack and unpack your bedside sleeping set when you're to visit grandparents or on vacation.
If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper, you can move your child to a crib or a toddler that is all on its own. When transitioning to a crib, move it away from the bed of your parents over the course of a few weeks or even months to let your child learn to sleep in his own space but remain connected to them. Choose a crib that can be folded to be stored and transported. Some cribs can be converted to play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them an ideal choice for new parents who love to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, sometimes referred to as bassinet is a bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other to let parents reach their child at the end of the night. It may have a tilt feature that helps ease reflux in infants. Some parents have found that this feature helps their child 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 lead to death and should be avoided.
Selecting a mattress that is suitable is a further important factor to consider when selecting a crib for your bed. It should be firm and flat, as well as breathable. The mattress should be exactly the same size as the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. It is recommended to purchase an entirely new mattress for the crib, as a second-hand mattress can increase the risk of SIDS. If you can, it is best to buy mattresses that are made specifically for specific bedframes.
Some bedside cribs are designed to fit under your bed to save space and bring your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. However certain beds are too low for this type of crib. The splayed feet of the BassiNest make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It's also a challenge to place it under a divan bed which could cause it to rock or move out of alignment with the mattress.
Other bassinets for bedside use, like the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be set close to your mattress however they aren't able be slanted. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds when they have a sturdy, breathable bed. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib could encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous position which increases the risk of the possibility of suffocation.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper or a bassinet is a crib that is attached to the side of a bed designed for adults. This lets parents access their child easily during the night. These beds are generally larger than traditional cots or bassinets. Some have an upper side that creates an unintentional barrier between the sleeping spaces. They are usually made from durable materials, and many have wheels to make it easy to move throughout the home.
Some cribs with a bedside have a tilt function which can assist babies with digestive issues like reflux or colic. It is essential to use the tilt feature with caution and at a very small angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. If you're not sure whether you should make use of this feature, talk to your physician or health professional for guidance.
bedside baby sleeper to consider when choosing a crib for a bedside is the mattress. The mattress should be firm, flat and breathable, to lower the risk of SIDS. A mattress that's too soft could cause an obstruction in the airway of newborns, which can be dangerous. A mattress that is breathable can help your child remain cool at night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a safe sleeping space such as crib, cot or Moses basket. Although it may be tempting to put your baby in a bed, this poses a serious risk of SIDS. Wait until your baby can be able to sleep on his own before trying to sleep together. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is not 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 crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are looking to save money may be tempted by a secondhand crib, bassinet, or cradle that they receive from a relative or friend. But, cribs are among of the main causes of nursery-product related deaths, especially when older ones have damaged or missing parts or larger spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Additionally, older mattresses could create dips and other conditions which could be dangerous for your baby. If your crib is not old enough to meet the current safety standards it could be contaminated by lead paint or have other toxic chemicals.
If you're thinking of buying purchasing a crib that is used, be sure to check whether it's been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. 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-based paint. Ensure that the mattress is firm and that it is fitted snugly. Soft mattresses can cause babies to slip off and also can pose a danger of suffocation.
Pay particular attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles, and play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp parts that your baby can scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these items which could create dangers for entrapment.
Children have died in cribs that were altered or interfered with. Most of these accidents were caused by caregivers or parents who tried to make the cribs functional or more attractive by adding or altering things. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have collaborated to establish standards that are mandatory for cribs that are safer, and have addressed things like side heights, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts on end panels. In the last few years, the number of deaths attributed to cribs has decreased from 150-200 per year to just 50.