Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be placed next to the bed allow parents to keep their baby close at night, without any risk to security. They are made for use by babies from 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the bed of the parent. It comes with a push-down feature that lets parents scoop their baby up for feedings in the middle of the night. The base will not fit under beds lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to keep their babies close for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without leaving their beds. This type of arrangement is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those with limited mobility and may also help parents stay more relaxed throughout the night. It is nevertheless important to consider safety features prior to buying a bedside crib.
The main safety concern with this type of sleeping surface is that it is not a complete barrier between the bed of the parent and the infant sleeping area and can result in gaps that could cause the risk of suffocation for infants. In addition, sharing a bed with an infant increases the parent's body heat and raises the risk of overheating which can lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, these products are not subject to CPSC's safety standards. These cribs may have slats that permit babies' legs or heads to be trapped. The attachment mechanisms could be unstable, leading to separation.
Furthermore, a lot of mattresses contain loose bedding that could cause suffocation. Babies do not have the strength or coordination to free themselves from entanglement in soft bedding, and the gaps between the mattress and the frame can cause a danger of suffocation. Some of these beddings have a hard bottom that can cause injury to a baby if they fall onto it. One user suggested that CPSC include pictograms in its warnings about these products, which will lower the risk of caregivers ignoring key elements. Moreover, bedside sleepers should have a smooth transition mechanism to keep the baby from falling off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper or bassinet allows infants to sleep on their parents' beds, while having a separate sleeping space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping babies close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a bedside sleeper could include crib sheets blankets, bumpers and stuffed animals. Be sure that any bedding you choose to use is appropriate for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges and pockets which could hinder the baby's breathing. Also, ensure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeper is firm and snugly fits without gaps around the edges.
When selecting bedding sets, look for something that's easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your child has accidents or spits up in the night. You might also want to think about a travel kit for your bedside sleeper, so you can easily pack and unpack it when you go on family vacations or visit your grandparents' homes.
If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper, you can move him or her to a crib or a toddler that is all on its own. When transitioning to a crib, remove it from the parents' bed over the course of time, either weeks or months, to allow your child to learn to sleep in his own space but still feel a sense of connection to them. Select a crib which can be folded away for storage and transport. Some models can even be converted to play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who frequently 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 at night. It may have a tilt feature to 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, sleeping surface could encourage your baby's chin to chest position. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is a different aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib. It should be flat, firm and airy. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and be able to fit into the frame. It is recommended to purchase a new mattress for the crib since a second-hand one can increase the risk of SIDS. If you can, it is recommended to purchase mattresses that are made specifically for specific bed frames.
Some bedside cribs are designed to fit under your bed to save space and bring your baby close, like the Halo BassiNest. 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's also difficult to slide it under a divan bed, which could cause it to rock or move out of alignment with the mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use, such as the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be placed next to your mattress, but they aren't capable of tilting. CHOICE recommends that parents only use these beds when they have a solid, breathable bed. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to fall into a dangerous position, increasing the chance of the possibility of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a compact crib that is attached to the edge of a bed for an adult. This lets parents easily access their child during the night. They are usually larger than the traditional cots and bassinets, and some have an upper side that creates an elongated barrier between the sleeping spaces. These beds are constructed from sturdy materials and most come with wheels, making them easier to move around the home.
Some cribs with a bedside have a tilt feature that can aid babies suffering from digestive issues like reflux or colic. It is important to make use of this feature with utmost care and at a very slight angle to avoid being suffocated. If you're not sure whether or not to make use of this feature, talk to your physician or health visitor for advice.
The mattress is a further safety factor to take into account when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. The mattress should be smooth, firm and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that's too soft can result in obstruction of the airway in infants, which can lead to danger. A mattress that is breathable will help your child remain cool at night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to put your baby to bed in their own secure sleeping area - such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. It may seem appealing to sleep in the same bed as your baby however this could cause SIDS. It's best to wait until your baby is old enough to be able to sleep independently before you attempt to co-sleep. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free in order to protect your child from secondhand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a bassinet or crib in the event that you are a low-income parent.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to purchase or accept a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle for a gift from a relative or friend. Cribs are one of many nursery items that could lead to death, particularly in older cribs that have broken or missing parts, or have larger spaces between the slats. Additionally, older mattresses can create dips and other conditions which could be dangerous for your child. If a crib is not old enough to meet current safety standards, it may be contaminated by lead paint or have other harmful chemicals.
Examine whether the crib has been removed from the crib. Make sure the crib was painted with water-based, as this is safer for babies. Ensure that the mattress is firm, and that it fits comfortably. Babies can easily slide out of mattresses with soft surfaces and also present a risk of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay particular attention to any used bassinets, cradles or play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and have no sharp edges that your child could scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid adding travel cot bedside , pillows or blankets with these products. They could pose an entrapment hazard.
Infants have been killed in cribs that had been tampered with or modified, and most of the incidents occurred when caregivers and parents attempted to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding items or altering them in a way. Since bedside co sleeper , crib manufacturers and the CPSC have collaborated to set mandatory standards for safer cribs, addressing things like side height, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts in the end panels. In the past few years the number of crib-related deaths has dropped from 150-200 per year to 50.