Bedside Baby Beds
Baby bedside cribs allow parents to keep their infant close to them at night without compromising on safety. They are specifically designed for infants and can be used until 4 to 6 months.
The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the parent's bed and comes with a push-down feature that allows parents to take their newborn baby in for middle-of-the-night feedings. The base will not fit under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed lets parents keep their babies close to them for evening feedings, comforting and monitoring, without having to leave their own sleeping arrangements. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for new mothers recovering after childbirth or those who have mobility issues. It may also help parents sleep better at night. It is nevertheless important to look at safety features before purchasing a bedside baby bed.
This type of mattress poses a safety concern since it doesn't offer a complete barrier to the parents' sleeping space and the infant's sleep area. This could result in gaps that could pose dangers of suffocation to infants. In addition sharing the bed with an infant can increase the body heat of the parents and increases the risk of overheating which could lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers to be safer than cribs, they are not subject to the CPSC safety standards. These products may have the slats which allow the baby's legs or head to be trapped, and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable, and could cause separation.
A lot of these surfaces contain loose bedding, which can lead to suffocation. Babies lack the muscle or coordination to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding and gaps between the mattress and the frame can create a suffocation hazard. Some of these products also have an extremely hard bottom that could hurt a child if they fall onto it. One commenter suggested that CPSC include pictograms on its warnings on these products, which will lower the risk of caregivers not knowing the most important elements. Bedside sleepers need to have an easy transition system to prevent the baby from slipping off the mattress of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet allows infants to sleep on their parents' beds, while having an independent sleeping space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the risks of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arms' reach for middle-of-the-night feedings or for comforting.
Baby bedding for sleepers on the bed could include crib sheets and bumpers. They can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Make sure that the bedding you choose is suitable for the sleeping baby's bed in a proper way. This will prevent pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Also, make sure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and snugly fits without gaps around the edges.
When selecting a bedding set, look for a set that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your baby has accidents or spits in the night. Consider the possibility of a travel kit that will make it easier to pack and take your bedside sleeper out of the bag when you're to visit grandparents or on vacation.
When your child is no longer a bedside sleeper, you are able to change them to a stand-alone toddler or crib. When transitioning, be sure to remove the crib from the bed of your parent over several months or even weeks to allow your child to get used to sleeping in their own space while still being a part of their parents. Be sure to select a crib that can fold up easily for storage and transportation. Certain models can be transformed into a play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them an ideal choice for new parents who like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, sometimes referred to as bassinet, is a piece of furniture that is attached to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other to let parents access their infant at the end of the night. It may also have a tilt feature that helps ease reflux in babies. Some parents have found that this feature helps their child sleep better. It is important to note that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface may encourage your baby's chin to chest position. This could lead to death and should be avoided.
Choosing a suitable mattress is a different aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib. It should be firm and flat, as well as ventilated. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and fit snugly within the frame. It is best to purchase a new mattress for your crib as a second-hand one could increase the risk of SIDS. If possible, it is best to buy mattresses that are made specifically for specific bed frames.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to be tucked under your bed in order to save space and keep your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. However certain beds are too low for this kind of crib. In addition, the BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It may be difficult to place the BassiNest in divans, which 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 they aren't capable of tilting. CHOICE recommends that parents only use these beds if they have a sturdy, breathable bed. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to roll into an unsafe position which increases the chance of being suffocated.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside baby bed, also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a compact crib that can be attached to the sides of a bed for an adult. This allows parents to be able to easily access their child 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. cheap bedside cot are usually made of durable materials, and some come with wheels that allow for easy transportation throughout the home.
Some bedside cribs come with a tilt feature that can aid babies suffering from digestive issues, such as reflux or colic. But, it's crucial to utilize this feature with extreme care and at a very small angle to avoid suffocation. Consult your physician or health professional if you aren't sure whether you should use the feature.
The mattress is a further safety consideration to make when choosing a crib for your child's bedside. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress should be firm, flat and breathable. A mattress that is too soft can cause a blocked airway, which can be dangerous for babies. A mattress that is breathable will 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 such as crib, cot or Moses basket. While it might seem tempting to put your baby in a bed, this is a major risk of SIDS. It is best to wait until your baby is old enough to go to bed independently before attempting to sleep with them. If you need to ensure that your bedroom is not smoky to protect your baby from smoke from other rooms. If you're on a low income, you may be eligible for help with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents looking to save money might be attracted by a secondhand bassinet, crib, or cradle that they acquire from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the leading causes of deaths involving nursery products particularly when older models are damaged or missing parts or if they have larger spaces between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). In addition, older mattresses may develop dips and other conditions which could be dangerous for your child. If a crib is too old to meet current safety standards, it may be contaminated with lead paint or contain other harmful chemicals.
Verify whether the crib has been recalled. Verify if the crib has been coated with water-based paint since this is safer for babies. Also, ensure that the mattress is sturdy and snugly fits. Babies are prone to slip out of soft mattresses, which also present a risk of suffocation.
Pay particular attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles and play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and have no sharp edges that your child can scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid adding pillows, blankets or toys to these products that could become entrapment hazards.
Children have died in cribs that were altered or tampered with. Most of these accidents were caused by caregivers or parents who attempted to make the cribs functional or more attractive by adding or modifying items. Since 1973 crib makers and CPSC have worked together to create standard requirements for safer cribs for infants. These standards dealt with things like side heights, slat spacings, corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts for end panels. In the past few years the number of crib-related deaths has decreased from 150-200 per year to around 50.