Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that are placed next to the bed allow parents to keep their baby close at night, without risking the safety of their child. They are specifically designed for infants and can be used up to 4 to 6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed that has the ability to be pulled down to let parents pick up their newborn during feeding time at night. The base is not suitable under beds that are lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A crib at bedside allows parents to monitor, comfort and feed their children throughout the night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those who have mobility issues. It could also help parents to sleep better at night. It is, however, essential to look at safety features before purchasing a crib for your baby.
This type of mattress presents a safety hazard because it does not provide a complete barrier to the parent's sleeping area as well as the infant's sleeping space. This could lead to gaps that can cause suffocation hazards to young infants. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent and can increase the chance of overheating. This can lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they aren't subject to the CPSC safety standards. They may have slats that permit babies' legs or heads to get caught. The attachment mechanisms could be unstable, leading to separation.
Furthermore, a lot of mattresses contain loose bedding that could cause suffocation. bedside cosleeper lack the strength and coordination to free themselves from bedding that is soft. There are gaps between the mattress and frame can also create a suffocation risk. Some of these beddings have an extremely hard bottom that could injure a baby when they fall on it. One commenter suggested that CPSC include pictograms on its warnings on these products, which would decrease the chance of caregivers missing key elements. In addition, bedside cribs should have an easy transition mechanism that can prevent the baby from falling off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, allows babies to sleep on their parents' beds and still have a separate sleeping space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risk of entrapment, suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arm's reach for mid-night meals or comforting.
Baby bedding to sleep beside the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. They can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Make sure that any bedding you select is appropriate for the bedside sleeper to avoid pockets or bulges that could obstruct the baby's breathing. Make sure that the mattress you buy for your baby's bed is firm and fits tightly without any gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for bedding sets to keep your baby clean in case they have accidents or spit up during the night, choose something that is easy to clean and dry. It is also a good idea to think about a travel kit for your sleeper at night, so that you can easily pack and unpack it when you go on family vacations or visit the grandparents at their homes.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, you can move them to a separate toddler or crib. When transitioning, be sure to move the crib away from the bed of the parent for several months or weeks to allow your child to become comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still being a part of their parents. Be sure to choose a crib that is able to fold up easily for storage and transportation. Some models can even be converted into an outdoor play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a great choice for parents who travel often.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also referred to as bassinet is a bassinet connected to the bed's side for adults. One side is lower than the other to allow parents to reach their child at night. It may also have a tilt feature to help reduce reflux in babies. Some parents report that this feature can help their babies sleep better. It is important to note that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface may cause your baby's chin to shift to the chest. This could lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
Choosing a suitable mattress is a different aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib. It must be flat and firm as well as breathable. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and be able to fit within the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS, so it is recommended to purchase an entirely new crib mattress. Some retailers offer mattresses made specifically for specific bed frames, therefore it is recommended to choose those if you can.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to fit under your bed to conserve space and keep your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. However some beds are too low for this type of crib. Additionally, the BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide under some beds. It may be difficult to secure the BassiNest underneath a divan, and this could cause it to shift or move out of alignment with your mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use like the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be set up beside your mattress, but aren't capable of tilting. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds if they have a firm and breathable mattress. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to slide into a risky position and increase the risk of the possibility of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also called co-sleeper or bassinet is a crib that is attached to a side of a bed for adults. This lets parents access their child at any time during the night. They are generally larger than the traditional cots or bassinets. Some have a lower edge, which creates a barrier between the sleeping areas. These beds are made from sturdy materials, and many come with wheels, making them easier to move around the home.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilting features that help babies who suffer from digestive issues like reflux or colic. However, it's important to use this feature with great care and at a very small angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. If you're not sure whether to utilize this feature, speak to your GP or health professional for advice.
The mattress is another important safety factor to take into account when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. The mattress must be firm, flat and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too firm could cause obstruction of the airway in newborns, which can be dangerous. A mattress that is breathable will aid your baby in staying cool throughout the night, which will decrease the chance of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a safe sleeping space such as crib, cot, or Moses basket. It could be tempting to share a bed as your infant but this could cause SIDS. It is recommended to wait until your baby is old enough to sleep independently before attempting to sleep with them. If you must, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to protect your child from secondhand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you may be eligible for help with a bassinet or crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who want to save money could be attracted by a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle they get from a family member or friend. But, cribs are among of the most common causes of deaths involving nursery products particularly when older models are damaged or missing parts or larger spaces between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). In addition, older mattresses may develop dips and other issues that can be hazardous for your child. If a crib is not old enough to meet the current safety standards it could be contaminated with lead paint or contain other harmful chemicals.
Check whether the crib has been recalls on the crib. It is also a good idea to check whether the crib has been painted with water-based paint which is safer for babies than oil or phthalic paint. Make sure the mattress is firm, and that it is fitted snugly. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to slip off, and they also can pose a danger of suffocation.
Pay particular attention to used bassinets and cradles as well as play yards. All of them must be JPMA-certified and free of sharp edges that could hurt or poke your baby. Avoid putting pillows, toys or blankets to these products. They can become dangers to entrapment.
Children have died in cribs that were altered or played with. Most of these accidents occurred when parents or caregivers attempted to make the cribs functional or more attractive by adding or modifying items. Since 1973 crib makers and CPSC collaborated to create mandatory standards 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 deaths per year to about 50.