Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs in bed let parents keep their baby close during the night without compromising safety. They are designed to be used by newborns from 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the bed of the parent and comes with a push-down feature that lets parents scoop their baby up to feed them during the night. The base is not suitable under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside crib lets parents keep their infants close for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without leaving their beds. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or with limitations in mobility. It could also help parents to sleep better at night. It is, however, essential to consider safety features prior to buying a bedside crib.
The primary safety concern for this type of sleep surface is that it's not a complete barrier between the parent's bed and the infant's sleeping area and can result in gaps that could lead to the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent and could increase the chance of overheating. This can lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers have a higher safety rating than traditional cribs, they aren't subject to the CPSC's safety guidelines. bedside cot co sleeper can include slats that allow the baby's head or legs to get trapped. Their attachment mechanisms may also be unstable, leading to separation.
Additionally, many of these mattresses have loose bedding that can cause suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to remove themselves from bedding that is soft. The gaps between the mattress and frame can create the risk of suffocation. Some of these items have an extremely hard bottom that could hurt a child when they fall on it. One commenter suggested the CPSC add pictograms as warnings for these products. This could lower the risk that caregivers are unaware of key components. In addition, bedside cribs should have an easy transition mechanism that can keep the baby from falling off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or a co-sleeper, allows babies to sleep on their parents' beds, while having an individual sleeping space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risks of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arm's reach for feedings during the night or comforting.
Baby bedding for a baby who sleeps at night could include crib sheets blankets, bumpers, and stuffed animals. Make sure that any bedding you use is suitable for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges or pockets that could obstruct the baby's breathing. Make sure that the mattress you purchase for your sleeping baby is firm and fits tightly without gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for a bedding set that will keep your baby clean in case they get sick or vomit up during the night, select a set that is easy to clean and dry. It is also a good idea to think about a travel kit for your child's bedside sleeper to make it easy to take it out and back when you go on family vacations or visit the grandparents' homes.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, you are able to change them to a stand-alone toddler or crib. When you transition to a crib, remove it from the bed of your parents over a period of weeks or months so that your child can learn to sleep in their own space, but still feel connected to them. Pick a crib that is able to be folded to be stored and transported. Some cribs can be converted to a play yard or deeper bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents with young children who like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also referred to as bassinet, is a bassinet attached to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other to enable parents to reach their child at the end of the night. It may also have a tilt function that can help alleviate reflux in babies. Some parents report that this feature helps their children sleep better. It is important to note that a slanted, or elevated, mattress can cause your baby's chin to shift to the chest. This could lead to the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.
Choosing a suitable mattress is a different aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed. It should be firm and flat and airy. The size should correspond to the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably within the frame. It is best to purchase an entirely new mattress for the crib as a second-hand one can increase the risk of SIDS. Certain retailers sell mattresses that are designed for specific bed frames, therefore it is recommended to use those if you can.
Some bedside cribs, like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked under your bed to save space while bringing your child closer. However, some beds are too low for this type of crib. The feet that are splayed out of the BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath some beds. It isn't easy to place the BassiNest in divans, which could cause it to shift or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs like the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be placed beside your mattress, but they aren't capable of tilting. CHOICE recommends that parents only use these beds if they have a sturdy air-conditioned bed. The tilt of a bassinet can encourage your child to roll into a dangerous position, increasing their risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper is a crib that is attached to a side of a bed designed for adults. This lets parents access their child at any time throughout the night. They are generally larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge that creates an obstacle between the sleeping areas. They are typically made of sturdy materials, and a lot of them have wheels for easy transport around the home.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilt features that can aid babies with digestive issues like colic or reflux. It's important to use the tilt function with care and at a moderate angle to prevent the risk of suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether you should utilize this feature, speak to your physician or health professional for advice.
Another crucial safety factor to consider when choosing a crib for a bedside is the mattress. The mattress should be solid, flat and breathable, to lower the risk of SIDS. A mattress that's too soft can cause obstruction of the airway in newborns, which is dangerous. A mattress that is breathable will help your child remain cool at night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in their own safe sleeping area - such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. Although it may be tempting to sleep with your child in a bed, this could be a risky way to get SIDS. It is best to wait until your baby is old enough to sleep independently before you attempt to co-sleep. If you have to ensure that your bedroom is smokefree to shield your child from second-hand smoke. If you're on a low income, you could be eligible for help with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Frugal-minded parents may be tempted to buy or accept an old crib, bassinet or cradle as a hand-me-down from a friend or relative. However, cribs are one of the most common causes of nursery-product related deaths particularly when older models have damaged or missing parts or if they have wider spaces between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). Older mattresses can also develop dips and other conditions that could be hazardous for your child. If a crib is old enough to be predated by the safety guidelines in place it may be contaminated by lead paint and could contain other toxic chemicals.
Verify if the crib has been recalled. Check if the crib was painted with water-based, as this is safer for babies. Be sure that the mattress is firm, and that it is fitted snugly. Babies are prone to slip out of mattresses with soft surfaces as well as pose suffocation risks.
In addition to cribs, pay special attention to any secondhand bassinets, cradles and play yards. They must all be JPMA certified, and have no sharp parts that your baby can poke or scratch themselves on. Avoid adding pillows, toys, or blankets to these products. They could pose an dangers to entrapment.
Children have died in cribs that were altered or interfered with. Most of these incidents were caused by caregivers or parents who attempted to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by incorporating or altering items. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to set mandatory standards for cribs that are safer, and have addressed things like side height, slat spacing, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts on end panels. In the past few years, the number of deaths attributed to cribs has dropped from 150-200 per year to around 50.