Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be set close to the bed allows parents to keep their child close at night, without risking the safety of their child. They are designed to be used by newborns up until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the parent's bed and features a push-down side that lets parents scoop up their newborn to feed them during the night. The base is not suitable under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to keep their babies close for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without leaving their beds. This type of arrangement is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or those who have limited mobility. It could also help parents stay more well-rested throughout the night. It is important to consider the safety aspects when purchasing a bedside crib.
The main safety issue with this type of sleeping surface is that it's not a complete barrier between the bed of the parent and the infant sleeping area, resulting in gaps that could cause suffocation risks to young infants. Additionally sharing the bed with an infant can increase the body heat of the parents and raises the risk of overheating which could lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, these products are not subject to CPSC's safety guidelines. They could have the slats which allow babies' legs or heads to be snagged and their attachment mechanisms may be unstable and lead to separation.
Additionally, many of these mattress frames have loose bedding that can cause the suffocation. Babies do not have the strength or coordination required to remove themselves from the tangles of soft bedding, and the gaps between the frame and the mattress can cause a danger of suffocation. Some of these products have a hard base that could cause injury to a baby if they fall on it. One commenter suggested the CPSC include pictograms as warnings to these products. This could decrease the likelihood that caregivers miss key elements. Moreover, bedside sleepers must have an easy transition mechanism to stop the baby from slipping off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, allows babies to sleep on their parents' beds while maintaining a separate sleeping space. This method of sleeping in a safe manner reduces the risk of suffocation as well as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping infants close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a sleeper in the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. They can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Make sure the bedding you select fits the sleeping baby's bed in a proper way. This will stop pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Also, ensure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and snugly fits without gaps around the edges.
When you are choosing a bedding set, look for one that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your infant has accidents or spits up at night. It is also a good idea to think about a travel bag for your bedside sleeper, to make it easy to pack and unpack it when you travel with your family or visit your grandparents at their homes.
When your baby outgrows the bedside sleeper you can transition the child to a crib or 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 time, either weeks or months, to let your child become comfortable sleeping in his own space but still feel connected to them. Also, be sure to select a crib that you can fold easily for storage and transportation. Certain models can be transformed into a play yard, or a deeper bassinet. This makes them an ideal option for parents who are new and love to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that attaches to the side of the adult bed and has one side higher than the other, allowing parents to reach out to care for their child at night. It could also have an adjustable tilt feature that can help ease reflux in infants. Some parents have found that this feature helps their child sleep better. However it is important to note that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface could cause your child to fall into a dangerous chin-to-chest position. This can cause suffocation, and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is a different aspect to consider when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It must be flat and firm, as well as airy. The mattress should be the same size as the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS, so it is recommended to buy a new crib mattress. If you can, it is recommended to purchase mattresses that are designed for specific bedframes.
Some cribs designed for bedside are made to tuck under your bed to save space and bring your baby close, like the Halo BassiNest. However, some beds are too low for this kind of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath some beds. It is also difficult to slide it under a divan bed which could cause it rock or move out of alignment with the mattress.
Other bassinets for bedside use, like the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be placed close to your mattress but they cannot be slanted. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. A bassinet that is tilted or placed next to a crib could cause your child to fall into a dangerous position which increases the risk of the possibility of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper, or bassinet, is a small crib that attaches to the sides of an adult's bed. This allows parents to easily access their child during the night. These beds are typically larger than standard cots or bassinets, and some have an lower part that creates a short barrier between the sleep spaces. These beds are made from solid materials and come with wheels, making them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs with a bedside have a tilt function which can assist children with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It is essential to use the tilt feature with care and at a very small angle to prevent suffocation. If you're not sure whether to use this feature, speak to your doctor or health visitor for advice.
The mattress is an additional safety consideration to make when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. The mattress must be solid, flat and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can cause obstruction of the airway in newborns, which can be dangerous. A mattress that is breathable will help your baby stay cool throughout the night, which can lower the risk of overheating.
bedside rocking crib 's recommended that you put your baby to bed in a secure sleeping space - a crib, cot or Moses basket. It may seem tempting to sleep in the same bed as your infant however this could cause SIDS. Make sure your baby is able to be able to sleep on his own before trying to sleep with them. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is smoke-free to protect your child from second-hand smoke. If you're on a low income, you might be eligible for help with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who want to save money may be enticed by a secondhand crib, bassinet, or cradle that they get from a family member or friend. But, cribs are among of the most common causes of nursery-product related deaths, especially when older ones have missing or damaged parts or if they have more space between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Older mattresses can also develop dips and other issues that can be dangerous for your child. If your crib is old enough to be predated by the current safety standards the crib could be contaminated by lead paint and could contain other toxic chemicals.
If you're thinking of buying a used crib, always be sure to check if it has been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Check if the crib was coated with water-based paint because this is safer for infants. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is firm and secure. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to fall out and also present a risk 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 edges that your baby can scratch or poke at. Avoid adding pillows, blankets or toys to these products, which can become dangers for entrapment.
Infants have died in cribs that had been tampered with or modified and the majority of incidents were caused by caregivers and parents who attempted to make the cribs more useful or attractive by adding things 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, mattress fits, corner posts and cutouts on the end panels. In the past few years, the number of deaths attributed to cribs has decreased from 150 to 200 per year to 50.