Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that are placed near the bed will allow parents to keep their child close during the night without compromising security. They are designed specifically for newborns and are suitable for use up to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel that can be swivel over the bed of with an end that can be lowered to let parents pick up their newborn during nighttime feedings. The base will not fit under beds that are lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed lets parents keep their infants close for evening feedings, comforting and monitoring without leaving their bed. This type of arrangement is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or who are unable to move around. It can help parents remain more well-rested throughout the night. It is crucial to think about the safety features when buying a bedside crib.
This type of sleep surface is a safety risk because it does not provide an adequate barrier between the parent's sleeping area and the infant's sleep area. This could result in gaps that can cause dangers of suffocation to infants. Sharing a bed increases the body heat of the parent, which can increase the chance of overheating. This could result in SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim co-sleepers for bedside use to be safer than cribs, they aren't covered by the CPSC safety standards. These products may have slats that permit a baby's head or legs to become trapped, and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable, and could cause separation.
Additionally, many of these mattresses have loose bedding, which can cause suffocation. Babies do not have the strength or coordination required to remove themselves from the tangles of soft bedding, and gaps between the mattress and the frame can cause a suffocation risk. Some of these products have a tough base that can cause injury to a child if they fall on it. One user suggested that CPSC include pictograms on its warnings about these products, which would reduce the chances of caregivers not knowing the most important elements. In addition, bedside cribs should come with an easy transition mechanism that can keep the baby from falling off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows infants to sleep in their parents' beds while maintaining a separate space. This method of sleeping in a safe manner helps reduce the chance of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping children close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a bedside sleeper could include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers, and toys. Make sure that the bedding you select fits the sleeping baby's bed in a proper way. This will prevent pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Make sure bedside cot reviews choose for your sleeping baby is sturdy and secure without any gaps around the edges.
If you're in search of a bedding set to keep your baby clean in case they have accidents or spit up during the night, choose something that is simple to wash and dry. 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 a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.
If your child has outgrown their bedside sleeper, you are able to change them to a stand-alone toddler or crib. When you transition to a crib, move it away from the parents' bed over a period of a few weeks or even months to let your child learn to sleep in his own space but still feel a sense of connection to them. Pick a crib that is able to be folded up to be stored and transported. Some models can even be converted to a play yard or deeper bassinet. This makes them a great choice for new parents who love to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which is attached to the side of an adult bed and has one side lower than the other, allowing parents to reach over to take care of their child during the night. It could also come with an adjustable tilt feature that can aid in easing reflux in infants. Some parents feel this feature helps their baby sleep more comfortably. It is important to keep in mind that a slanted, or elevated, mattress can stimulate your baby's chin into a the chest position. This could result in death and should be avoided.
A good mattress is a key factor in choosing a crib for your child's bed. It should be firm and flat, as well as breathable. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably in the frame. A second-hand mattress could increase the risk of SIDS and 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 use these if possible.
Some cribs designed for bedside are made to fit under your bed to conserve space and bring your child close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds are too narrow to accommodate this kind of crib. In addition, the BassiNest's legs with splayed feet make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It's also a challenge to place it under a divan bed which could cause it to slide or sway out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets such as the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be positioned close to your mattress however, they aren't able to tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents only use these beds when they have a sturdy and breathable mattress. The tilting of a bassinet could cause your child to slide into a risky position, increasing the danger of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside baby bed, also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a tiny crib that is attached to the side of a bed for an adult. This allows parents to have access to their child at any time during the night. These beds are generally larger than the traditional cots and bassinets, and some even have a an upper side that creates an elongated barrier between the sleeping spaces. They are constructed of sturdy materials, and many come with wheels, making them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs for bedside use tilt functions that can aid children with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It is important to use the tilt feature with caution and at a moderate angle to avoid suffocation. Speak to your doctor or health visitor if you aren't sure whether you should use the feature.
The mattress is another important safety factor to consider when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. The mattress should be firm, flat and breathable to reduce the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can cause a blocked airway in newborns, which is dangerous. A breathable mattress can also help your child stay cool during the night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you put your baby to sleep in their own secure sleeping space - such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. It might be appealing to sleep in the same bed as your baby, but this can result in SIDS. Wait until your baby can sleep independently before you attempt to co-sleep. If you must, ensure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to protect your child from second-hand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you might be eligible for assistance with a crib or bassinet from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are frugal may be enticed to buy or accept a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle as a hand-me-down from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the most common causes of death due to nursery products, especially when older ones have missing or damaged parts or if they have larger spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Mattresses that are older can also develop dips and other issues that can be hazardous for your child. If your crib is too old to meet current safety standards, it may be contaminated by lead paint or contain other toxic chemicals.
Check whether the crib has been recalls on the crib. It is also recommended to verify whether the crib was painted with water-based paint, which is more safe for infants than phthalic or oil-based paint. Additionally, make sure the mattress is sturdy and snugly fits. Soft mattresses can cause babies to slip off, and they also can pose a danger of suffocation.
Be especially cautious of second-hand bassinets and cradles and play yards. They should all be JPMA certified, and have no sharp edges that your baby can scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid adding pillows, blankets or toys to these products that could become dangers for entrapment.
Infants have been killed in cribs that had been tampered with or modified and most of the incidents occurred when parents and caregivers attempted to make the cribs more useful or attractive by adding items or modifying them in some way. Since 1973, the crib manufacturers and the CPSC have collaborated to set mandatory standards for cribs that are safer, and have addressed things like side heights, slat spacing, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts on end panels. As the result, deaths attributed to cribs have dropped from about 150-200 per year to about 50.