Bedside Baby Beds
Baby bedside cribs allow parents to keep their newborn close during the night without compromising on safety. They are designed for use by babies up until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the parent's bed and has a push-down side that allows parents to scoop their baby up to feed them during the night. The base will not be able to fit under beds less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside crib lets parents keep their babies close for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring, without having to leave their beds. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for new mothers recovering after childbirth or those who have mobility issues. It may also help parents sleep better at night. It is crucial to think about the safety aspects when purchasing an infant crib.
This kind of sleeping surface poses a safety concern because it does not provide an entirely secure barrier between the sleeping area of the parent and the infant's sleeping area. This could lead to gaps that could pose dangers of suffocation to infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent and can increase the chance of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, these devices are not subject to CPSC's safety guidelines. They may have slats that permit the baby's head or legs to become trapped. The attachment mechanisms could also be unstable, resulting in separation.
A lot of these surfaces have loose bedding which could lead to suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to remove themselves from bedding that is soft. There are gaps between the frame and mattress can create the risk of suffocation. Some of these items have a hard bottom that could cause injury to a baby if they fall onto it. One commenter suggested that the CPSC include pictograms as warnings to these products. This would lower the risk that caregivers miss key elements. Additionally, bedside sleepers should have a smooth transition mechanism to prevent the baby from sliding off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper) allows infants to sleep next to their parents' beds but still having their own space. This type 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 feedings during the night or comforting.
Baby bedding to sleep beside the bed can include bumpers and crib sheets. It could also include stuffed animals and blankets. Make sure that the bedding you select is appropriate for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges and pockets which could hinder the baby's breathing. Make sure that the mattress you choose for your sleeping baby is firm and fits tightly with no gaps around the edges.
When selecting bedding sets, look for a set that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your infant is having accidents or spits up at night. Consider a travel kit to simplify the process of packing and unpack your bedside sleeper when you're on vacation or visiting grandparents.
If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper, you can move him or her to a crib or a toddler that is all on its own. When transitioning to a crib, remove it from the parents' bed over the course of weeks or months so that your child can learn to sleep in his own space but remain connected to them. Select a crib which can be folded for storage and transportation. Some cribs can be transformed into a play yard, or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a perfect option for parents who are new and are keen to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which attaches to the side of the adult bed and has one side higher than the other and allows parents to reach over to tend their baby at night. It could also come with a tilt function that can help alleviate reflux in infants. Many parents report that this feature can help their children sleep better. It is important to remember that a slanted, or elevated, mattress can encourage your baby's chin to the chest. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
A good mattress is a key factor in choosing the right 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 in the frame. It is recommended to buy a new mattress for the crib as a second-hand one can increase the chance of SIDS. If possible, it is best to buy mattresses that are made specifically for specific bedframes.
Some cribs designed for bedside are made to be tucked under your bed to save space and keep your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. However certain beds are too low for this type of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath certain beds. It's also a challenge to place it under a divan bed which could cause it to rock or move out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be set up beside your mattress but are not in a position to tilt. CHOICE recommends parents to use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilting of a bassinet can encourage your child to fall into a risky position, increasing the danger of suffocation.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or a bassinet, is a small crib attached to the side of a bed designed for adults. It allows parents to reach their child with ease at night. These beds are generally larger than standard cots or bassinets, and some even have a an lower part that creates an elongated separation between the sleeping spaces. They are typically made of sturdy materials, and many come with wheels that allow for easy transportation around the home.
Some bedside cribs have a tilt function which can assist babies with digestive issues like reflux or colic. It is important to use this feature with great care and at a slight angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. If you're unsure about whether or not to use this feature, speak to your doctor or health care professional for advice.
The mattress is another important safety factor to consider when choosing a crib for your child's bedside. To decrease the risk of SIDS, the mattress needs to be flat, firm and ventilated. A mattress that is too soft could lead to a trapped airway, which is dangerous for infants. A mattress that is breathable can aid your child in staying cool at night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a safe sleeping space - crib, cot or Moses basket. While best bedside cot for newborn could be appealing to sleep with your baby in a bed, it is a major risk of SIDS. It is best to wait until your baby is old enough to sleep independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you have to, make sure your bedroom is smokefree to protect your child from second-hand smoke. Plunket might be able to help with a bassinet or crib if you have a low-income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are looking to save money might be enticed by a secondhand bassinet, crib, or cradle that they get from a family member or friend. However, cribs are one of the main causes of deaths involving nursery products especially if they have damaged or missing parts or larger spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). In addition, older mattresses may create dips and other conditions that could pose danger to your child. If your crib is too old to meet the safety standards of today, it may be contaminated by lead paint or contain other toxic chemicals.
If you're considering buying purchasing a used crib, look to see whether it's been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Verify if the crib has been painted with water-based paint, as this is safer for infants. Additionally, make sure the mattress is firm and secure. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to slip out, and they also present a risk of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay particular attention to any used bassinets, cradles or play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp edges that your child could scratch or poke at. Avoid adding pillows, blankets or toys to these items which could create dangerous entrapment risks.
Children have died in cribs that were tampered with or modified and most of the 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 manufacturers and the CPSC have worked together to establish standards that are mandatory for safer cribs, including issues like side height, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts in end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have dropped from about 150 to 200 deaths per year to less than 50.