Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that are placed next to the bed allow parents to keep their child close during the night without any risk to the safety of their child. They are made for use by babies up to 4-6 months old.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel that can be swivel over the bed of that has a side that can be pushed down to allow parents to pick up their infant during feeding times at night. The base is not suitable under beds that are lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed allows parents to keep their babies close to them for evening feedings, comforting and monitoring without leaving their own beds. This arrangement of sleep is perfect for new mothers recovering from childbirth, or with limited mobility and may also help parents stay more well-rested throughout the night. However, it is important to look at safety features before buying a bedside crib.
This type of mattress poses a safety concern because it does not provide an entirely secure barrier between the parents' sleeping space and the infant's sleep area. This can lead to gaps that could pose suffocation hazards to young infants. Sharing a bed increases 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 are safer than cribs, they are not covered by the CPSC safety standards. These products can include slats that allow babies' legs or heads to get caught. The mechanisms for attachment could be unstable, resulting in separation.
Furthermore, a lot of sleep surfaces have loose bedding that can cause the suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to untangle their bodies from the soft bedding. The gaps between the frame and mattress can also create an entrapment risk. Some of these products have a tough base that can cause injury to a child if they fall on it. One user suggested that the CPSC add pictograms as warnings to these products. This could decrease the likelihood that caregivers are unaware of key components. Bedside sleepers need to have an easy transition system to prevent the baby from sliding off the parent's mattress.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper) lets babies sleep beside their parents' beds while still occupying a separate space. This method of sleeping in a safe manner reduces the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping babies close to their parents.
Baby bedding to sleep on the bed could include crib sheets and bumpers. It could also include stuffed animals and blankets. Make sure that the bedding you select is appropriate for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges or pockets which could hinder 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 in search of 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 simple to wash and dries. Consider the possibility of a travel kit that will simplify the process of packing and unpack your bedside sleeper when you're to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.
When your baby is no longer a bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition him or her to a crib or a toddler that is on its own. When transitioning, be sure to move the crib away from the bed of your parent over several months or even weeks so that your infant can be comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still feeling connected to their parents. Be sure to select a crib that you can fold up easily for storage and transportation. Certain models can be transformed into a play yard or a more substantial bassinet. This makes them an ideal option for parents with young children who are keen to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that attaches to the side of an adult bed and has one side higher than the other, allowing parents to reach over to take care of their child during the night. It may have a tilt feature to help reduce reflux in babies. Some parents report that this feature can help their children sleep better. However it is important to remember that a sloped or elevated sleeping surface can encourage your baby to roll into an unsafe chest-to-chin position. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
A mattress that is suitable for your child is an important factor when choosing the crib for your child's bed. It must be flat and firm as well as breathable. The mattress should be exactly the same size as the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. A second-hand mattress could increase the chance of SIDS which is why it is recommended that you purchase an entirely new crib mattress. If you can, it's recommended to purchase mattresses that are made for specific bedframes.
Some cribs designed for bedside are made to tuck under your bed to save space and bring your child close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds are too narrow to be able to accommodate this type of crib. The BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide under some beds. It may be difficult to secure the BassiNest underneath a divan, and this could cause it to move or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use like the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be placed beside your mattress but are not in a position to tilt. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. The tilting of a bassinet can encourage your child to fall into a dangerous position, increasing the risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or co-sleeper, is a small crib that is attached to the side of a bed for adults. It allows parents to reach their child with ease during the night. These beds are typically larger than standard cots or bassinets, and some have a lower side that forms an elongated barrier between the sleeping spaces. They are usually made of durable materials, and some have wheels to make it easy to move throughout the home.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilting features that help babies who suffer from digestive issues like colic or reflux. It is important to use the tilt feature with care and only at a small angle to prevent the risk of suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether to use this feature, speak to your doctor or health visitor for guidance.
bedside cot crib to consider when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. The mattress should be smooth, firm and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can result in a clogged airway, which is extremely dangerous for infants. A breathable mattress can also help your child remain cool during the night, which reduces the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a secure sleeping space - crib, cot or Moses basket. Although it may be tempting to put your child in a bed, this could be a risky way to get 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 ensure your child is safe from second-hand smoke. If you're on a lower income, you may be eligible for assistance with a bassinet or crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are frugal may be enticed to purchase or accept a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle for a gift from a friend or relative. But, cribs are among of the leading causes of deaths involving nursery products, especially when older ones have missing or damaged parts or if they have more space between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). Additionally, older mattresses could create dips and other conditions that can be hazardous for your child. And if a crib is older than current safety regulations, it could be tainted by lead paint and may contain other toxic chemicals.
Examine if the crib has been removed from the crib. Check if the crib was painted with water-based, because this is safer for babies. Ensure that the mattress is firm, and that it is fitted snugly. Babies are prone to slip out of mattresses with soft surfaces and also pose suffocation risks.
In addition to cribs, pay special attention to any secondhand bassinets, cradles or play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp elements that your child can 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 had been 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 items or modifying them in some way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC collaborated to create mandatory standards for safer infant cribs. These standards addressed things like side heights, slat spacings mattress fits, corner posts and cutouts for end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have dropped from about 150-200 per year to about 50.