Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be placed near the bed will allow parents to keep their baby close at night, without risking safety. They are designed specifically for newborns and can be used up to 4 to 6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the parent's bed and features a push-down side that allows parents to scoop their baby up to feed them during the night. The base will not fit under beds lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to watch, comfort, and feed their babies at night without having to leave their bed. This type of arrangement is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth, or who have limited mobility. It could help parents stay rested throughout the night. It is crucial to think about the safety features when buying the bedside crib.
This type of sleep surface poses a safety concern because it doesn't provide a complete barrier to the parent's sleeping area as well as the infant's sleeping space. This could result in gaps which can pose the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent and can increase the risk of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers to be safer than cribs, they aren't subject to the CPSC safety standards. These cribs may have slats which allow babies' legs or heads to become trapped. The mechanisms for attachment could also be unstable, leading to separation.
Furthermore, a lot of sleep surfaces have loose bedding, which can cause death. Babies don't have the strength or coordination required to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding, and gaps between the mattress and the frame could cause a danger of suffocation. Some of these products also have a hard bottom that could injure a baby should they fall upon it. One user suggested that CPSC include pictograms in the warnings for these products, which will lower the risk of caregivers missing key elements. Moreover, bedside sleepers should have an easy transition mechanism to stop the baby from falling 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 still occupying a separate space. This safe form of co-sleeping helps reduce the risk of suffocation as well as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping babies close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a bedside sleeper can include crib sheets, bumpers, blankets, and toys. Be sure that any bedding you select is suitable for the bedside sleeper to avoid pockets or bulges which could hinder the baby's breathing. Also, make sure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits comfortably without gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for a bedding set that will keep your baby clean in case they have accidents or spit up during the night, select a set that is easy to wash and dries. Consider a travel kit to simplify the process of packing and unpack your bedside sleeper when you're going on vacation or visiting grandparents.
If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper, you can move him or her to a crib or toddler that is its own. When transitioning, make sure to move the crib away from the bed of the parent for several months or weeks so that your infant can get used to sleeping in their own space, while still feeling connected to their parents. Select a crib which can be folded to be stored and transported. Some models can even be converted into an outdoor play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them an ideal option for parents who are new and are keen to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, sometimes referred to as bassinet is a bassinet that is attached to the bed's side for adults. One side is lower than the other to enable parents to reach their child at the end of the night. It may also have an adjustable tilt feature that can aid in easing reflux in babies. Some parents report that this feature can help their children sleep better. It is important to remember that a slanted or elevated, mattress can stimulate your baby's chin into a the chest. This can cause suffocation, and should be avoided.
A mattress that is suitable for your child is an important factor when 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 fit snugly within the frame. It is best to purchase a new mattress for the crib as a second-hand one can increase the chance of SIDS. If you can, it's recommended to purchase mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames.
Some bedside cribs are designed to tuck under your bed to conserve space and bring your baby close, like the Halo BassiNest. However certain beds are too low for this type of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It's also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed, which could cause it rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress.
Other bassinets for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be placed close to your mattress however they aren't able tilt. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to roll into an unsafe position, increasing the risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a compact crib that attaches to the edge of an adult's bed. It allows parents to have access to their child at any time during the night. These beds are usually larger than traditional bassinets or cots. Some have a lower edge that creates a barrier between the sleeping spaces. They are usually constructed of durable materials, and a lot of them have wheels for easy transport throughout the house.
Some cribs for bed have tilting features that help babies who suffer from digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It is essential to use the tilt function with caution and at a small angle to prevent the risk of suffocation. If you're unsure about whether or not to use this feature, speak to your doctor or health professional for guidance.
Another important aspect to consider when choosing a crib for a bedside is the mattress. To decrease the risk of SIDS, the mattress must be firm, flat and airy. A mattress that is too firm could cause a blocked airway in infants, which can lead to danger. A mattress that is breathable will help your baby stay cool throughout the night, which could reduce the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a secure sleeping space - crib, cot or Moses basket. While bedside baby sleeper could be tempting to put your baby in a bed, it poses a serious risk of SIDS. It is best to wait until your baby is old enough to be able to sleep independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to ensure your child is safe from secondhand smoke. Plunket can assist with a bassinet or a crib if you have a low-income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who want to save money may be enticed by a second-hand crib, bassinet, or cradle that they get from a family member or friend. However, cribs are one of the leading causes of deaths involving nursery products particularly when older models have missing or damaged parts or more space between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). Additionally, older mattresses can develop dips and other conditions that can be hazardous for your child. If a crib is old enough to be predated by current safety regulations it may be contaminated by lead paint and may contain other toxic chemicals.
Check whether the crib has been recalled. Make sure the crib was painted with water-based paint, since this is safer for babies. Also, ensure that the mattress is firm and secure. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to slip off and also can pose a danger of suffocation.
Pay special attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles, as well as play yards. They should all be JPMA-certified and free from sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid adding toys, pillows, or blankets to these products. They could pose an dangerous for entrapment.
Children have died in cribs that were tampered with or modified, and most of the incidents occurred when caregivers and parents tried to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding items or modifying them in a way. Since 1973 crib makers and the CPSC worked together to establish mandatory standards for safer cribs for infants. These standards addressed issues like side heights, slat spacings, corner posts, mattress fits, and cutouts on end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have dropped from about 150-200 per year to less than 50.