Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be set near the bed will allow parents to keep their baby close during the night without compromising the safety of their child. They are designed for use by babies up until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed that has an end that can be pushed down to allow parents to take their baby into the crib during feeding times at night. But, the base won't be able to fit under beds less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A crib at bedside allows parents to monitor, comfort and feed their children at night without having to leave their bed. This sleep arrangement is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth, or with limited mobility and may also help parents stay more well-rested throughout the night. It is nevertheless important to look at safety features before purchasing a crib for your baby.
This type of mattress is a safety risk because it doesn't provide a complete barrier to the sleeping area of the parent and the infant's sleep area. This could lead to gaps which can pose suffocation hazards to young infants. In addition sharing a bed with an infant increases the body heat of the parent and raises the chance of overheating which could lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they're not covered by the CPSC safety standards. They could have slats that allow a baby's head or legs to be snagged and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable, and could cause separation.
A lot of these surfaces have bedding that is loose which could lead to the possibility of suffocation. Babies lack the strength or coordination required to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding and gaps between the mattress and the frame could create a suffocation hazard. Some of these beddings have a hard bottom that can cause injury to a baby if they fall onto it. One user suggested that the CPSC add pictograms as warnings on these products. This will lower the risk that caregivers overlook crucial elements. small bedside cot need to have an easy transition system to prevent the baby from sliding off the mattress of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper) allows infants to sleep beside their parents' beds, while still occupying a separate 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 sleeper on the bed could include bumpers and crib sheets. It could also include blankets and stuffed animals. Make sure that the bedding you choose to use is suitable for the bedside sleeper to avoid pockets or bulges that might impede the baby's breathing. Also, make sure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and snugly fits without gaps around the edges.
When you are choosing a bedding set, look for something that's easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your infant is having accidents or spits up in the night. Consider a travel kit to help you pack and unpack your bedside sleeping set when you're going to visit grandparents or on vacation.
When your baby is no longer a bedside sleeper, you can move him or her to a crib, or a toddler that is its own. When transitioning to a crib, remove it from the bed of your parents over a period of weeks or months to allow your child to become comfortable sleeping in his own space but still feel connected to them. Be sure to select a crib that can fold easily for storage and transport. Some models can be converted into a play yard or a more substantial bassinet. This makes them a great choice for parents who frequently travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also referred to as bassinet, is a bassinet that is attached to the bed's side for adults. One side is lower than the other to enable 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 babies sleep better. It is important to remember that a slanted, or elevated, mattress can encourage your baby's chin to the chest. This can cause suffocation, and should be avoided.
Selecting a mattress that is suitable is a further important factor to consider when choosing a bedside crib. It must be firm, flat and breathable. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the risk of SIDS which is why it is recommended to purchase an entirely new crib mattress. Some retailers offer mattresses made for specific bed frames, so it is best to choose these if possible.
Some cribs for bedside use, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked under your bed to maximize space while bringing your baby closer. However, some beds are too low for this type of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It is also a challenge to place it under a divan bed which could cause it to slide or sway out of alignment with the mattress.
Other bassinets for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be placed next to your mattress, however, they aren't able to tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds if they have a firm, breathable bed. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib can encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous position, increasing the chance of the possibility of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside baby bed, also called a co-sleeper, or bassinet, is a compact crib that attaches to the sides of a bed for an adult. This allows parents to access their child easily at night. The beds are typically larger than traditional bassinets or cots. Some have a lower edge, which creates an enclosure between the sleeping areas. These beds are made from solid materials and have wheels that make them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilt functions, which can help infants with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. However, it's important to make use of this feature with utmost care and at a gentle angle to avoid the risk of the risk of suffocation. If you're not sure whether or not to use this feature, speak to your GP or health professional for guidance.
The mattress is another important safety factor to consider when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. The mattress should be solid, flat and breathable, to lower the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too firm can cause a blocked airway in newborns, which can be dangerous. A breathable mattress can also help your child remain cool during the night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to put your baby to sleep in their own safe sleeping space, such as either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. It may seem appealing to sleep in the same bed as your baby however this could cause SIDS. It is best to wait until your baby is old enough to be able to sleep independently before you attempt to co-sleep. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is smoke-free to protect your child from secondhand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you might be eligible for help with a bassinet or crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are frugal may be enticed to buy or accept an old crib, bassinet or cradle for a gift from a family member or friend. But, cribs are among of the main causes of deaths involving nursery products especially if they have damaged or missing parts or wider spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Additionally, older mattresses can develop dips and other conditions that could pose danger to your baby. If a crib is not old enough to meet the current safety standards it could be contaminated with lead paint or have other harmful chemicals.
If you are considering purchasing a crib that is used, check to see if it has been recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It's also recommended to verify whether the crib has been painted with water-based paint, which is more safe for infants than oil or phthalic paint. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is firm and fits snugly. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to slip out and also pose a suffocation risk.
Pay special attention to used bassinets and cradles as well as play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp edges that your child could poke or scratch themselves on. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these items, which can become entrapment hazards.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered or played with. Most of these incidents were caused by caregivers or parents who attempted to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by adding or altering items. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to establish standards that are mandatory for safer cribs, including things like side height, slat spacing, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts in the end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have dropped from about 150 to 200 deaths per year to less than 50.