Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs for bedside use let parents keep their baby close during the night without compromising safety. They are designed to be used by infants up to 4-6 months old.
The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the bed of the parent and comes with a push-down feature that allows parents to scoop up their newborn for middle-of-the-night feedings. Get More Information cannot be placed under beds lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to monitor, comfort, and feed their babies at night without having leave their bed. This type of arrangement is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those who have limited mobility. It could also help parents stay more relaxed throughout the night. However, it is important to consider safety features prior to purchasing a crib for your baby.
This kind of sleeping surface poses a safety concern since it doesn't offer 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. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent, which can increase the chance of overheating. This could result in SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers to be safer than cribs, they aren't covered by the CPSC safety standards. They may feature slats that permit the baby's legs or head to be snagged and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable and cause separation.
Many of these surfaces have loose bedding, which can lead to the risk of suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to free their bodies from the soft bedding. Gaps between the frame and mattress can create the risk of suffocation. Some of these items have a hard base that could cause injuries to a baby should they fall onto it. One user suggested that CPSC add pictograms to its warnings about these products, which will lower the risk of caregivers missing key elements. Additionally, bedside sleepers must have an easy transition mechanism to stop the baby from sliding off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or co-sleeper lets babies sleep on their parents' beds while maintaining an individual sleeping space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the chance of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping babies close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a baby who sleeps at night could include crib sheets bumpers, blankets, and toys. Be sure that any bedding you use is appropriate for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges and pockets that might impede the baby's breathing. Make sure the mattress you purchase for your baby's bed is sturdy and secure without gaps around the edges.
When you are choosing a bedding set, 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 during the night. Consider an item for travel to help you pack and unpack your bedside sleeping set when you're going to visit grandparents or on vacation.
When your child is no longer a bedside sleeper, it is possible to move them to a separate toddler or crib. When you transition, make sure to remove the crib from the bed of your parent over several months or even weeks to allow your child to become comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still being a part of their parents' presence. Choose a crib that can be folded up for storage and transportation. Some models can be converted into a play area or a more substantial bassinet. This makes them an ideal option for parents who are new and like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which is attached to the side of the 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 could also have a tilt function that can aid in easing reflux in babies. Some parents have found that this feature helps their child sleep more comfortably. It is important to keep in mind that a slanted, or elevated, sleeping surface may encourage your baby's chin to the chest position. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is a further important factor to consider when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It must be firm, flat and breathable. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably within the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the chance of SIDS, so it is recommended that you purchase new crib mattresses. If you can, it's best to buy mattresses that are made for specific bedframes.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to be tucked under your bed to conserve space and bring your child close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds aren't tall enough to accommodate this kind of crib. In bedside travel cot , the BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide under some beds. It is also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed, which can cause it to slide or sway out of alignment with the mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use, such as the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be placed beside your mattress, but aren't able to tilt. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib can encourage your baby to slide into a risky position and increase the chance of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside baby bed, also called a co-sleeper, or bassinet, is a small crib that is attached to the side of a bed for an adult. It allows parents to reach their child with ease throughout the night. These beds are generally larger than the traditional cots and bassinets, and some even have a an lower part that creates an elongated separation between the sleeping spaces. These beds are constructed from solid materials and have wheels to make them easier to move around the home.
Some cribs for bed have a tilt feature that can aid babies suffering from digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It is important to use the tilt function with care and only at a very small angle to avoid suffocation. If you're unsure about whether or not to make use of this feature, talk to your GP or health visitor for advice.
Another important aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is the mattress. To decrease the risk of SIDS, the mattress must be flat, firm and breathable. A mattress that is too soft may cause a blocked airway, which is dangerous for babies. A breathable mattress can also help your child stay cool at night, reducing the chance of overheating.
It's recommended that you place your baby in their own secure sleeping area - either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. While it could be tempting to sleep with your child in a bed, it poses a serious risk of SIDS. Wait until your baby can sleep independently before you attempt to co-sleep. If bedside co sleeper cot must, ensure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to ensure your child is safe from secondhand smoke. Plunket can assist with a crib or bassinet in the event that you are a low-income parent.
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. Cribs are one of many baby products that could cause death, especially if older cribs have damaged or missing parts, or have larger spaces between the slats. Older mattresses may also develop dips or other conditions that are risky for your baby. If your crib is older than the safety guidelines in place, it could be tainted by lead paint and could contain other toxic chemicals.
If you are considering a used crib, always check to see whether it's been recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is also an excellent idea to determine whether the crib was painted with water-based paint which is much safer for infants than oil or phthalic paint. Make sure the mattress is firm, and that it fits snugly. Babies can easily slide out of soft mattresses and also pose suffocation risks.
Pay particular attention to used bassinets and cradles as well as play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and have no sharp parts that your child could poke or scratch themselves on. Avoid adding pillows, toys or blankets with these products. They could pose an entrapment hazard.
Children have died in cribs that had been tampered with or modified, and most of the incidents were caused by caregivers and parents who tried to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding things or modifying them in some way. Since 1973 crib makers and CPSC worked together to establish standard requirements for safer infant cribs. These standards dealt with things like side heights, slat spacings corner posts, mattress fits, and cutouts on end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have dropped from around 150 to 200 per year to around 50.