Bedside Baby Beds
Baby bedside cribs allow parents to keep their newborn close to them at night without compromising on safety. They are designed to be used by newborns up until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed with the ability to be pushed down to let parents pick up their infant during feeding time at night. The base cannot be placed under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A crib at bedside allows parents to monitor, soothe and feed their children throughout the night without having to leave their bed. This sleep arrangement is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those with limited mobility and may help parents stay rested throughout the night. It is nevertheless important to look at safety features before buying a bedside crib.
The main safety issue with this type of sleep surface is that it's not an entirely secure barrier between the parent's bed and the infant sleeping area and can result in gaps that could pose the risk of suffocation for infants. In addition sharing a bed with an infant can increase the body heat of the parents and increases the risk of overheating, which could lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, these devices aren't subject to the the safety standards of the CPSC. These products may have the slats which allow babies' legs or heads to become trapped, and their attachment mechanisms can be unstable and cause separation.
Many of these surfaces also have bedding that is loose that could cause suffocation. Babies lack the muscle or coordination to remove themselves from the tangles of soft bedding, and gaps between the mattress and the frame could cause a danger of suffocation. Some of these beddings have a hard bottom that could hurt a child when they fall on it. One commenter suggested that CPSC add pictograms to its warnings on these products, which will decrease the chance of caregivers ignoring key elements. Bedside sleepers need to have an easy transition system to prevent the baby from slipping off the mattress of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or co-sleeper allows infants to sleep beside their parents' beds while maintaining an individual sleeping space. This method of sleeping in a safe manner reduces the risk of suffocation as well as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping children close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a bedside sleeper could include crib sheets blankets, bumpers, and toys. Make sure that any bedding you select is appropriate for the bedside sleeper to avoid pockets or bulges that could obstruct the baby's breathing. Make sure the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeping baby is sturdy and secure with no gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for a bedding set to keep your baby clean in the event that they have accidents or spit up during the night, choose something that is easy to clean and dry. 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 go on family vacations or visit your grandparents at their homes.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, it is possible to change them to a stand-alone toddler or crib. When transitioning to a crib, move it away from the parents' bed over the course of a few weeks or even months to let your child become comfortable sleeping in their own space, but still feel a sense of connection to them. Also, make sure you select a crib that can fold easily for storage and transport. Certain models can be transformed into a play yard or a more substantial bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who frequently travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which attaches to the side of the adult bed and has one side lower than the other which allows parents to reach over to take care of their child at night. It may also have an adjustable tilt feature that can help alleviate reflux in babies. Many parents report that this feature helps their children sleep better. However, it is important to remember that a slanted or elevated sleeping surface can encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous chin-to-chest position. This could lead to the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.
A good mattress is crucial in deciding on the crib for your child's bed. It must be flat and firm and ventilated. The size should correspond to the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably within the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS and it is recommended to buy new crib mattresses. If you can, it's best to buy mattresses that are made specifically for specific bed frames.
Some bedside cribs, like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked under your bed to maximize space while bringing your child closer. However some beds are too low for this kind of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It can be difficult to tuck the BassiNest under divans, which could cause it to shift or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets, like the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be set close to your mattress but they cannot be slanted. CHOICE recommends parents to use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. The tilting of a bassinet can encourage your child to fall into a risky position, increasing the risk of suffocation.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or co-sleeper, is a small crib attached to the side of a bed for adults. This allows parents to easily access their child during the night. They are usually larger than standard cots or bassinets, and some have an lower part that creates an unintentional separation between the sleeping spaces. They are usually constructed of durable materials, and a lot of them have wheels to make it easy to move throughout the house.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilt features that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues, such as colic or reflux. It's important to use the tilt function with caution and at a moderate angle to avoid from suffocation. Speak to your doctor or health professional if you are unsure about using the feature.
The mattress is a further safety factor to take into account when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress needs to be firm, flat and ventilated. A mattress that is too soft can lead to a trapped airway, which is extremely dangerous for newborns. A breathable mattress can also help your child stay cool during the night, which reduces the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a safe sleeping area - crib, cot, or Moses basket. It could be appealing to share a bed with your baby however this could lead to SIDS. You should wait until your baby is able to be able to sleep on his own before trying to co-sleep. If you have to ensure that your bedroom is smokefree to shield your baby 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 financially savvy may be enticed to purchase or accept an old crib, bassinet or cradle from a family member or friend. But, cribs are among of the main causes of death due to nursery products especially if they are damaged or missing parts or have larger spaces between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). Mattresses that are older can also develop dips and other issues that can be hazardous for your child. If a crib is too old to meet the current safety standards it could be contaminated with lead paint or have other toxic chemicals.
If cot bedside of buying purchasing a crib that is used, look to see whether it's been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is also recommended to verify whether the crib was painted with water-based paint which is more safe for infants than phthalic or oil paint. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is firm and fits snugly. Babies can easily slip out of soft mattresses as well as pose suffocation risks.
In addition to cribs, pay close attention to any secondhand bassinets, cradles and play yards. All of them should be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges that could scratch or poke your baby. Avoid putting pillows, toys or blankets to these products. They could be a potential entrapment hazard.
Children have died in cribs that were tampered with or modified and the majority of incidents occurred when caregivers and parents tried to make the cribs more functional or attractive by incorporating items or altering them in a way. Since 1973 crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to create the standards that are mandatory for safe infant cribs. These standards addressed things like side heights, slat spacings mattress fits, corner posts and cutouts on the end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have dropped from around 150 to 200 deaths per year to less than 50.