Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs in bed allow parents to keep their baby close during the night without compromising on safety. They are designed for newborns and can be used up to 6 to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed with an end that can be pushed down to allow parents to pick up their newborn during feeding times at night. However, the base won't be able to fit under beds less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside crib lets parents keep their babies close for feedings at night, comforting and monitoring without leaving their beds. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those who have limited mobility. It can also assist parents sleep better at night. However, it is important to consider safety features prior to purchasing a bedside baby bed.
This type of sleep surface is a safety risk since it doesn't offer a complete barrier to the parent's sleeping area and the infant's sleeping area. This could result in gaps which can pose suffocation hazards to young infants. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent and could increase the chance of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers to be safer than cribs, they are not required to meet the CPSC safety standards. They could have slats that allow the baby's legs or head to be trapped and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable and lead to separation.
Furthermore, a lot of mattresses contain loose bedding that could cause the suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to free themselves from bedding that is soft. There are gaps between the mattress and frame can also pose a suffocation risk. Some of these products have a hard base that can cause injury to a baby should they fall upon it. One user suggested that CPSC include pictograms on the warnings for these products, which would decrease the chance of caregivers ignoring key elements. Bedside sleepers must have an easy transition system that prevents the baby from sliding off the parent's mattress.
Bedding
bedside crib to cot , also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet allows infants to sleep on their parents' beds and still have a separate sleeping space. This form 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 arm's reach for middle-of-the-night feedings or comforting.
Baby bedding for a sleeper beside the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. They can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Make sure that the bedding you use fits the bedside sleeper properly to avoid pockets or bulges which could hinder the baby's breathing. Make sure the mattress you purchase for your baby's bed is firm and firmly fitted with no gaps around the edges.
When selecting a bedding set, look for a set that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your child has accidents or spits at night. Consider the possibility of a travel kit that will help you pack and take your bedside sleeper out of the bag when you're to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.
When your baby outgrows the bedside sleeper, you can move him or her to a crib or a toddler that is its own. When transitioning, make sure to move the crib away from the parent's bed over several weeks or months so that your child can be comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still being a part of their parents. Also, be sure to select a crib that can fold up easily for storage and transportation. Some cribs can be transformed into a play yard, or a larger bassinet. This makes them a perfect option for parents with young children who like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also known as the bassinet, is a bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other side to allow parents to reach their child at night. It may also have a tilt feature to help alleviate reflux in babies. Many parents report that this feature helps their children sleep better. It is important to remember that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface could cause your baby's chin to shift to the chest. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
Choosing a suitable mattress is a further important factor to consider when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It should be flat, firm and airy. The mattress should be exactly the same size as the crib and fit snugly into the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the risk of SIDS, so it is recommended to purchase a new crib mattress. If you can, it's recommended to purchase mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bed frames.
Some cribs designed for bedside are made to fit 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. In addition, the BassiNest's legs with splayed feet make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It's also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed which could cause it to rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use, such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be placed beside your mattress, but they aren't able to tilt. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet may cause your child to fall into a dangerous position, increasing their risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a small crib that can be attached to the sides of a bed for an adult. This allows parents to have access to their child at any time during the night. These beds are generally larger than traditional cots or bassinets, and some have an lower part that creates a short barrier between the sleep spaces. They are usually constructed of sturdy materials, and many have wheels to make it easy to move throughout the home.
Some bedside cribs come with a tilt feature that can aid babies suffering from digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It's important to use the tilt feature with care and at a small angle to prevent suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether to utilize this feature, speak to your physician or health care professional for guidance.
The mattress is a further safety factor to consider when choosing a crib for your child's bedside. The mattress should be smooth, firm and breathable to reduce the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft could cause a blocked airway, which is dangerous for babies. A mattress that is breathable will help your child stay cool during the night, which reduces the chance of overheating.
It is recommended that you put your baby to sleep in their own safe sleeping area - either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. While it might seem appealing to sleep with your baby in a bed, it is a major risk of SIDS. It's best to wait until your baby is old enough to be able to sleep independently before you attempt to co-sleep. If you need to ensure that your bedroom is smokefree to safeguard your baby from second-hand smoke. Plunket can assist with a bassinet or crib for those with a low income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who want to save money might be tempted by a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle they acquire from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the main causes of death due to nursery products, especially when older ones are damaged or missing parts or if they have wider spaces between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). Mattresses that are older can also develop dips or other conditions that could be dangerous for your baby. And if a crib is older than the safety guidelines in place it may be contaminated by lead paint, and could contain other toxic chemicals.
If you're thinking of buying a used crib, always look to see whether it's been recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Verify if the crib has been coated with water-based paint as this is safer for babies. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is firm and secure. Babies can easily slide out of mattresses with soft surfaces, which also pose suffocation risks.
Pay particular attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles, as well as play yards. All of them should be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these items that could become entrapment hazards.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered with or modified and the majority of incidents occurred when parents and caregivers tried to make the cribs more useful or attractive by adding things or modifying them in a way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have collaborated to set mandatory standards for safer cribs, including things like side heights, slat spacing, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts in the end panels. As the result, deaths attributed to cribs have decreased from 150 to 200 deaths per year to around 50.