Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be placed near the bed will allow parents to keep their child close at night, without compromising security. They are specifically designed for infants and can be used until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the bed of the parent and comes with a push-down feature that lets parents take their newborn baby in for feedings in the middle of the night. The base is not suitable under beds that are lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to monitor, soothe, and feed their babies at night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleep is perfect for new mothers recovering from childbirth or who are unable to move around. It can also help parents stay more relaxed throughout the night. However, it is important to look at safety features before buying a bedside crib.
The main safety issue for this type of sleep surface is that it's not an entirely secure barrier between the parent's bed and the infant sleeping area which can lead to gaps that could lead to the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent and could increase the chance of overheating. This can lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are safer than traditional cribs, these devices do not meet CPSC's safety standards. bedside baby sleeper may have slats that permit the baby's legs or head to become trapped, and their attachment mechanisms may be unstable and cause separation.
A lot of these surfaces have bedding that is loose that could cause suffocation. Babies don't have the strength or coordination to get rid of the tangles 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 could injure a baby if they fall onto it. One user suggested that the CPSC include pictograms in warnings on these products. This would lower the risk that caregivers are unaware of key components. Bedside sleepers need to have a smooth transition system that stops the baby from sliding off the mattress of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper, allows babies to sleep on their parents' beds while maintaining an independent sleeping space. This safe form of co-sleeping reduces the chance of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping children close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a baby who sleeps at night could include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers, and stuffed animals. Make sure that the bedding you choose to use is appropriate for the bedside sleeper to avoid pockets or bulges which could hinder the baby's breathing. Also, ensure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits comfortably without gaps around the edges.
When you are choosing bedding sets, look for something that's easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your baby is having accidents or spits up during the night. Consider an item for travel to simplify the process of packing and unpack your bedside sleeping set when you're going to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.
When your baby outgrows the bedside sleeper, you can move the child to a crib or a toddler that is all on its own. When you transition to a crib, take it away from the parents' bed over the course of time, either weeks or months, so that your child can get used to sleeping in their own space, but still feel connected to them. Also, make sure you choose a crib that is able to fold up easily for storage and transport. Some cribs can be transformed into a play yard, or a more substantial bassinet. This makes them a perfect option for parents who are new and love to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which connects to the side of the adult bed and has one side higher than the other and allows parents to reach out to tend their baby at night. It may have a tilt feature to help ease reflux in infants. Some parents have reported that this feature helps their children sleep better. It is important to keep in mind that a slanted or elevated, mattress can encourage your baby's chin to the chest. This can cause suffocation, and should be avoided.
Choosing a suitable mattress is another key factor when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It should be firm and flat as well as airy. The mattress should be the same size as the crib and fit snugly into the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS, so it is recommended that you purchase new crib mattresses. If you can, it is best to buy mattresses that are designed for specific bedframes.
Some bedside cribs are designed to be tucked under your bed to save space and keep your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds are too low to accommodate this type of crib. Additionally, the BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide under some beds. It's also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed which could cause it to rock or move out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets such as the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be positioned close to your mattress however they aren't able tilt. CHOICE recommends parents to use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib could encourage your baby to roll into an unsafe position and increase the risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside baby bed also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a tiny crib that attaches to the edge of an adult's bed. This allows parents to be able to easily access their child throughout the night. These beds are typically larger than standard cots or bassinets, and some even have a an upper side that creates an elongated separation between the sleeping spaces. These beds are constructed from solid materials and have wheels that make them easier to move around the house.
baby bedside sleeper with a bedside have a tilt function, which can help children with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It is essential to use the tilt function with care and only at a small angle to avoid suffocation. Consult your physician or health visitor if you are unsure whether to use the feature.
Another important aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. To decrease the risk of SIDS, the mattress should be flat, firm and ventilated. A mattress that is too firm can cause obstruction of the airway in newborns, which is dangerous. A mattress that is breathable will aid your baby in staying cool during the night, which will decrease the chance of overheating.
It's recommended that you place your baby in their own secure sleeping space, such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. While it might seem appealing to sleep with your baby in a bed, it could be a risky way to get SIDS. Wait until your baby can be able to sleep on his own before trying to sleep together. If you must, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to protect your child from secondhand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a bassinet or a crib if you have a low-income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are looking to save money may be tempted by a secondhand bassinet, crib, or cradle that they get from a family member or friend. But, cribs are among of the most common causes of death due to nursery products particularly when older models have missing or damaged parts or more space between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Additionally, older mattresses can create dips and other conditions that could pose danger to your child. And if a crib is old enough to be predated by the current safety standards the crib could be contaminated by lead paint, and could contain other harmful chemicals.
If you are considering purchasing a crib that is used, be sure to check whether it's been recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Check if the crib was painted with water-based, since this is safer for babies. Ensure that the mattress is firm, and that it fits comfortably. Soft mattresses can cause babies to fall out and present a risk of suffocation.
Be especially cautious of second-hand bassinets and cradles, as well as play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp parts that your child can scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid adding pillows, toys or blankets with these products. They could pose an dangers to entrapment.
Children have died in cribs that were altered or interfered with. Most of these incidents were caused by caregivers or parents who attempted to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by adding or modifying things. Since 1973, the crib manufacturers and the CPSC have teamed up to establish standards that are mandatory for safer cribs, addressing things like side height, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts on end panels. In the last few years the number of deaths attributed to cribs has dropped from 150-200 per year to around 50.