Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs in bed allow parents to keep their newborn close at night without compromising safety. They are designed for use by babies up until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel that can be swivel over the bed of with a side that can be pushed down to let parents pick up their newborn during nighttime feedings. However, the base won't fit under beds that are less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed lets parents keep their babies close for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring, without having to leave their beds. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for mothers who are recovering from birth or for those with limitations in mobility. It can also assist parents sleep better at night. It is, however, essential to look at safety features before buying a bedside crib.
The main safety concern with this type of sleep surface is that it's not an entirely secure barrier between the parent's bed and the baby's sleeping space and can result in gaps that could cause the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent and can increase the chance of overheating. small bedside cot could lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, these products are not subject to CPSC's safety standards. They may feature the slats which allow a baby's head or legs to be snagged and their attachment mechanisms may be unstable and lead to separation.
Furthermore, a lot of mattress frames have loose bedding, which can cause suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to remove themselves from bedding that is soft. There are gaps between the frame and mattress can also pose an entrapment risk. Some of these items have a hard base that could cause injury to a baby 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 ignoring key elements. Bedside sleepers must have an easy transition system that prevents the baby from sliding off the parent's mattress.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or a co-sleeper lets babies sleep next to their parents' beds, while having an individual sleeping space. This method of sleeping in a safe manner helps reduce the chance of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping infants close to their parents.
Baby bedding for sleepers in the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. They can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Make sure 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. Also, make sure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeper is firm and snugly fits without gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for bedding sets to keep your baby clean in case they fall or spill up in the night, pick a bedding that is easy to clean and dry. Consider an item for travel to make it easier to pack and unpack your bedside sleeping set while you're away on vacation or visiting grandparents.
If your child has outgrown their bedside sleeper, you are able to transition them to a standalone toddler or a crib. When transitioning to a crib, remove it from the parents' bed over the course of a few weeks or even months to allow your child to get used to sleeping in his own space and still feel connected to them. Pick a crib that is able to be folded up for storage and transport. Some cribs can even be converted to a play yard or deeper bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who travel frequently.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that is attached to the side of an adult bed and has one side lower than the other and allows parents to reach over to take care of their child throughout the night. It may have a tilt feature that helps alleviate reflux in infants. Some parents have found that this feature helps their child sleep more comfortably. It is important to keep in mind that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface could cause your baby's chin to shift to chest position. 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 ventilated. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and fit snugly into the frame. It is recommended to buy a new mattress for the crib as a second-hand one can increase the chance of SIDS. If possible, it is best to buy mattresses that are made for specific bedframes.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to fit under your bed to save space and bring your child close, such as 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 slide under some beds. It isn't easy to place the BassiNest in a divan, and this could cause it to shift or rock out of line with your mattress.
Other bassinets for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be placed close to your mattress however, they aren't able to be slanted. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. A bassinet that is tilted or placed next to a crib can encourage your baby to roll into an unsafe position which increases the risk of being suffocated.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside baby bed, also called a co-sleeper, or bassinet, is a small crib that is attached to the edge of an adult's bed. This allows parents to be able to easily access their child throughout the night. They are generally larger than traditional bassinets or cots. Some have a lower edge, which creates an enclosure between the sleeping spaces. They are usually made of durable materials, and a lot of them have wheels to make it easy to move around the home.
Some cribs for bed have tilting features that aid babies suffering from digestive issues like colic or reflux. But, it's crucial to utilize this feature with extreme care and at a small angle to avoid suffocation. If you're unsure about whether or not to make use of this feature, talk to your GP or health professional for advice.
Another crucial safety factor to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is the mattress. The mattress must be smooth, firm and breathable to reduce the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can cause obstruction of the airway in infants, which can lead to danger. A mattress that is breathable will ensure that your baby stays cool during the night, which could decrease the chance 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. While it could be tempting to put your baby in a bed, this poses a serious risk of SIDS. Wait until your baby can sleep independently before attempting to sleep together. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to protect your child from second-hand smoke. If you're on a lower income, you might be eligible for help with a crib or bassinet from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who want to save money might be tempted by a used bassinet, crib, or cradle that they get from a family member or friend. Cribs are one of many baby products that could cause death, especially when older cribs are damaged or missing parts, or have larger spaces between the slats. Older mattresses can also develop dips and other issues that can be risky for your child. If your crib is not old enough to meet current safety standards it could be contaminated by lead paint or have other harmful chemicals.
Check if the crib has been recalled. It's also recommended to verify whether the crib was painted with water-based paint which is much safer for infants than phthalic or oil-based paint. Make sure the mattress is firm and that it fits comfortably. Babies can easily slide out of soft mattresses as well as present a risk of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay particular attention to any used bassinets, cradles, and play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and have no sharp parts that your child could scratch or poke at. Avoid adding pillows, blankets or toys to these items that could become entrapment hazards.
Children have died in cribs that had been tampered with or modified, and most of the incidents were caused by caregivers and parents who tried to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding things or altering them in a way. Since 1973 crib makers and CPSC worked together to establish mandatory standards for safer cribs for infants. These standards dealt with things like side heights, slat spacings, mattress fits, corner posts and cutouts for end panels. As the result, deaths attributed to cribs have dropped from about 150 to 200 deaths per year to about 50.