Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs in bed let parents keep their newborn close at night without compromising on safety. They are designed for newborns and can be used until 6 to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the parent's bed and has a push-down side that lets parents take their newborn baby in for feedings in the middle of the night. The base is not suitable under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to monitor, soothe and feed their infants at night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for mothers who are recovering from birth or for those with limitations in mobility. It may also help parents to sleep better at night. It is crucial to think about the safety features when buying a bedside crib.
The main safety issue with this type of sleeping surface is that it's not a complete barrier between the parent's bed and the baby's sleeping space which can lead to gaps that could cause the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed increases the body heat of the parent and could increase the risk of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that co-sleepers for bedside use to be safer than cribs, they aren't subject to the CPSC safety standards. These cribs may include slats that allow the baby's head or legs to be caught. The attachment mechanisms could also be unstable, resulting in separation.
A lot of these surfaces contain loose bedding that could cause suffocation. Babies do not have the muscle or coordination to remove themselves from the tangles of soft bedding and the gaps between the mattress and the frame could cause a suffocation risk. Some of these products also have a hard bottom that could injure a baby if they fall onto it. One commenter suggested that CPSC include pictograms in its warnings about these products, which will reduce the chances of caregivers not knowing the most important elements. Moreover, bedside sleepers must have an easy transition mechanism that can keep the baby from sliding off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows infants to sleep beside their parents' beds, while still occupying a separate space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risks of entrapment, suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies close to their parents and within arm's reach for mid-night meals or comforting.
Baby bedding for a sleeper beside the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. It could also include stuffed animals and blankets. Be sure that any bedding you choose to use fits the bedside sleeper properly to avoid bulges and pockets that might impede the baby's breathing. Make sure the mattress you purchase for your sleeping baby is firm and fits tightly with no gaps around the edges.
When you are choosing bedding sets, look for something that's easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your infant has accidents or spits in the night. You may also want to think about a travel bag for your child's bedside sleeper to make it easy to take it out and back when you go on family vacations or visit grandparents home.
When your child is no longer a bedside sleeper, you can change them to a stand-alone toddler or crib. When you transition to a crib, remove it from the parents' bed over a period of time, either weeks or months, to allow your child to become comfortable sleeping in his own space and still feel a sense of connection to them. Also, be sure to choose a crib that is able to fold easily for storage and transportation. Certain models can be transformed into a play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who are new and like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that is attached to the side of an adult bed and has one side lower than the other and allows parents to reach out to take care of their child throughout the night. It may have a tilt feature to help ease reflux in infants. bedside crib to cot find this feature helps their baby sleep more comfortably. However, it is important to remember that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface can encourage your baby to roll into an unsafe chest-to-chin position. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
Choosing a suitable mattress is a further important factor to consider when choosing a bedside crib. It must be flat and firm, as well as breathable. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and fit snugly into the frame. A second-hand mattress could increase the chance of SIDS which is why it is recommended to purchase an entirely new crib mattress. Certain retailers sell mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bed frames so it is best to choose them if you can.
Some bedside cribs are designed to be tucked under your bed in order to save space and keep your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. However, some beds are too low for this type of crib. The feet that are splayed out of the BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath certain beds. It's also difficult to slide it under a divan bed which could cause it slide or sway out of alignment with the mattress.
Other bassinets for bedside use, like the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be placed on top of your mattress, however, they aren't able to tilt. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib can encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous position which increases the risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or co-sleeper is a crib that is attached to the side of a bed for adults. It allows parents to reach their child with ease at night. These beds are generally larger than traditional cots or bassinets, and some have a lower side that forms a short separation between the sleeping spaces. They are typically made of durable materials, and many have wheels for easy transport around the home.
Some bedside cribs have tilt functions which can assist children with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It is important to use the tilt feature with care and at a small angle to prevent from suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether you should utilize this feature, speak to your doctor or health professional for advice.
Another important safety consideration when choosing a crib for a bedside is the mattress. To decrease the risk of SIDS, the mattress should be flat, firm and airy. A mattress that is too soft can lead to a trapped airway, which is extremely dangerous for babies. A mattress that is breathable will help your baby stay cool during the night, which can reduce the risk of overheating.
It's recommended that you put your baby to sleep in their own safe sleeping space - a crib, cot or Moses basket. It could be tempting to share a bed with your baby, but this can cause SIDS. It is recommended to wait until your baby is old enough to sleep independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you have to, make sure your bedroom is smoke-free to protect your child from second-hand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a bassinet or a crib for those with a low income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are frugal may be enticed to purchase or take a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle for a gift from a family member or friend. However, cribs are one of the most common causes of death due to nursery products, especially when older ones have missing or damaged parts or wider spaces between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). Additionally, older mattresses can develop dips and other conditions which could be dangerous for your baby. If your crib is too old to meet the safety standards of today it could be contaminated with lead paint or have other harmful chemicals.
If you're considering buying purchasing a crib that is used, be sure to check whether it's been recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Verify if the crib has been coated with water-based paint since this is safer for babies. Be sure that the mattress is firm, and that it is fitted snugly. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to slip out and 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 of sharp edges that could hurt or poke your baby. Avoid putting pillows, toys or blankets with these products. They can become dangerous for entrapment.
Infants have died from cribs that were altered or interfered with. Most of these accidents occurred when parents or caregivers tried to make the cribs functional or more attractive by adding or modifying things. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to create the standards that are mandatory for safe infant cribs. These standards dealt with things like side heights, spacing between slats, corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts for end panels. As the result, deaths attributed to cribs have dropped from about 150 to 200 per year to about 50.