Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that are placed close to the bed allows parents to keep their child close during the night without risking the safety of their child. They are designed for newborns and are suitable for use up to 4 to 6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the bed of the parent and features a push-down side that allows parents to scoop their baby up for feedings in the middle of the night. But, the base won't fit under beds lower than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to monitor, comfort and feed their infants at night without having leave their bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those who have mobility issues. It may also help parents sleep better at night. It is important to consider the safety features when buying a bedside crib.
This type of sleep surface presents a safety hazard because it doesn't provide an entirely secure barrier between the sleeping area of the parent and the infant's sleeping area. This could result in gaps that could pose the risk of suffocation for infants. Additionally sharing a bed with a child increases the body heat of the parent and raises the risk of overheating which could lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers have a higher safety rating than traditional cribs, these products aren't subject to the CPSC's safety guidelines. These products may have slats that allow the baby's legs or head to be snagged and their attachment mechanisms can be unstable, and could cause separation.
Additionally, many of these mattresses have loose bedding, which can cause the suffocation. Babies lack the strength or coordination required to remove themselves from the tangles of soft bedding, and gaps between the frame and the mattress can cause a danger of suffocation. Some of these items have a hard bottom that could hurt a child when they fall on it. One commenter suggested that CPSC include pictograms in its warnings on these products, which would lower the risk of caregivers not knowing the most important elements. Moreover, bedside sleepers should have an easy transition mechanism that can stop the baby from falling off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper allows infants to sleep on their parents' beds while maintaining a separate sleeping space. This safe form of co-sleeping helps reduce the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping babies close to their parents.
Baby bedding for sleepers beside the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. It can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Be sure that the bedding you choose fits the bedside sleeping baby properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Also, make sure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits snugly without gaps around the edges.
If you're in search of a bedding set to keep your baby clean in case they fall or spill up during the night, select a set that is easy to clean and dries. It is also a good idea to think about a travel bag for your child's bedside sleeper to make it easy to take it out and back when you travel with your family or visit your grandparents home.
If your child has outgrown their bedside sleeper, you can transition them to a standalone toddler or crib. When transitioning, be sure to move the crib away from the bed of the parent for several weeks or months to allow your child to get used to sleeping in their own space, while still feeling a sense of connection to their parents' presence. Also, be sure to select a crib that can fold up easily for storage and transport. Certain models can be transformed into a play area or a more substantial bassinet. This makes them a great choice 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 tend their baby during the night. It may have tilt features that help ease reflux in babies. Some parents have found that this feature helps their baby sleep better. However it is important to keep in mind that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface could encourage your child to roll into an unsafe chin-to-chest position. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
Selecting a mattress that is suitable is a further important factor to consider when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It should be firm and flat and ventilated. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and fit snugly within the frame. It is recommended to buy an entirely new mattress for the crib as a second-hand one could increase the risk of SIDS. Some retailers offer mattresses designed for specific bed frames, so it is best to use them if you can.
Some cribs designed for bedside are made to be tucked under your bed to conserve space and keep your baby close, like the Halo BassiNest. Some beds are too low to accommodate this kind of crib.
bedside rocking crib splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath certain beds. It can be difficult to secure the BassiNest underneath a divan, which could cause it to shift or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs such as the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be placed beside your mattress, but aren't capable of tilting. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib could encourage your baby to roll into an unsafe 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 small crib that is attached to the side of an adult's bed. This allows parents to have access to their child at any time during the night. These beds are typically larger than standard cots or bassinets. Some have a lower side that forms an elongated separation between the sleeping spaces. They are typically made of durable materials, and many come with wheels that allow for easy transportation around the home.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilt features, which can help babies with digestive issues like reflux or colic. However, it's important to use this feature with great care and at a small angle to avoid suffocation. Consult your physician or health care professional if are unsure whether to use the feature.
Another important aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is the mattress. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress must be flat, firm and airy. A mattress that is too soft could result in a clogged airway, which is extremely dangerous for babies. A mattress that is breathable will aid your child in staying cool during the night, which reduces the chance of overheating.
It's recommended that you place your baby in their own secure sleeping space, such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. Although it may be tempting to put your baby in a bed, it is a major risk of SIDS. It is best to wait until your baby is old enough to be able to sleep independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you have to ensure that your bedroom is not smoky to shield your baby from second-hand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a crib or bassinet for those with a low income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are frugal may be enticed to buy or accept a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle for a gift from a family member or friend. Cribs are among the baby products that could cause death, especially if older cribs have damaged or missing parts or have a wider space between the slats. Additionally, older mattresses could develop dips and other issues which could be dangerous for your child. If your crib is older than current safety regulations the crib could be contaminated by lead paint and could contain other harmful chemicals.
If you are considering purchasing a crib that is used, check to see if it has been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Check if the crib was coated with water-based paint as this is safer for babies. Make sure the mattress is firm, and that it is fitted snugly. Babies can easily slide off mattresses that are soft as well as present a risk of suffocation.
Pay particular attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles, as well as play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp elements that your child could scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid adding pillows, blankets or toys to these items, which can become dangers for entrapment.
Infants have died from cribs that were altered or tampered with. Most of these accidents were caused by caregivers or parents who attempted to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by adding or altering things. Since 1973 crib makers and CPSC have worked together to create the standards that are mandatory for safe cribs for infants. These standards addressed things like side heights, slat spacings corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts on the end panels. As the result, deaths attributed to cribs have decreased from 150-200 per year to about 50.