Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs in bed let parents keep their newborn close at night without compromising safety. They are designed for newborns and can be used up to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed that has a side that can be pulled down to let parents take their baby into the crib during nighttime feedings. But, the base won't fit under beds that are less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to monitor, comfort, and feed their babies throughout the night without having to leave their bed. resources is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those who have limited mobility. It could also help parents stay more well-rested throughout the night. It is important to consider the safety features when buying the bedside crib.
The primary safety concern for this type of sleep surface is that it is not an entirely secure barrier between the bed of the parent and the infant sleeping area which can lead to gaps that could cause the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent, which can increase the risk of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers to be safer than cribs, they aren't covered by the CPSC safety standards. These products can have slats which allow babies' legs or heads to become stuck. The attachment mechanisms could also be unstable, leading to separation.
Additionally, many of these mattresses have loose bedding, which can cause suffocation. Babies lack the muscle or coordination to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding, and the gaps between the mattress and the frame can create a suffocation hazard. Some of these products have a hard base that could cause injuries to a child if they fall upon it. One commenter suggested the CPSC include pictograms in warnings for these products. This could lower the risk that caregivers miss key elements. Sleepers at the bedside need a smooth transition system to prevent the baby from slipping off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or co-sleeper allows infants to sleep beside their parents' beds and still have an individual sleeping space. This form of safe co-sleeping reduces the risks of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arm's reach for feedings during the night or for comforting.
Baby bedding for sleepers on the bed could include crib sheets and bumpers. They can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Make sure the bedding you choose 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 buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and snugly fits without gaps around the edges.
If you're in search of a bedding set that will keep your baby clean in the event that they fall or spill up during the night, select a set 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 going on vacation or visiting grandparents.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, you can move them to a separate toddler or a crib. When transitioning, make sure to move the crib away from the bed of the parent for several weeks or months to allow your child to get used to sleeping in their own space while still being a part of their parents' presence. Choose a crib that can be folded up for storage and transportation. Some cribs can be converted into play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them an ideal option for parents with young children who like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which attaches to the side of an adult bed and has one side lower than the other, allowing parents to reach out to care for their child during the night. It could have a tilt feature to help ease reflux in infants. Some parents find this feature helps their child sleep better. It is important to remember that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface may encourage your baby's chin to the chest position. This can lead to death and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is a different aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed. It must be flat and firm, as well as airy. The size should match the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably in the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the risk of SIDS, so it is recommended to purchase an entirely new crib mattress. If you can, it is best to buy mattresses that are made specifically for specific bed frames.
Some cribs designed for bedside are made to fit under your bed to save space and bring your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds are too low to be able to accommodate this type of crib. Additionally, the BassiNest's legs with splayed feet make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It's also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed, which can cause it to rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be placed beside your mattress, but aren't able to tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds if they have a firm and breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet can encourage your child to slide into a risky position, increasing their danger of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside baby bed, also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a compact crib that is attached to the sides of an adult's bed. This lets parents access their child easily during the night. These beds are typically larger than the traditional cots and bassinets. Some have an upper side that creates an elongated separation between the sleeping spaces. These beds are made from sturdy materials and most have wheels that make them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilt features that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues, such as reflux or colic. But, it's crucial to use this feature with great care and at a very slight angle to avoid being suffocated. Speak to your doctor or health professional if you are unsure whether to use the feature.
The mattress is a further safety consideration to make when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. To minimize the risk of SIDS, the mattress should be firm, flat and breathable. A mattress that's too soft can cause a blocked airway in newborns, which is dangerous. A breathable mattress will also help your baby stay cool throughout the night, which will lower the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to put your baby to bed in a secure sleeping space, such as either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. It could be appealing to sleep in the same bed as your baby but this could lead to SIDS. Wait until your baby can be able to sleep on his own before trying to sleep with them. If you must ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to protect your child from second-hand 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 looking to save money might be enticed by a second-hand crib, bassinet, or cradle that they receive from a relative or friend. Cribs are just one of the nursery products that can cause death, especially when older cribs are broken or missing parts, or have wider spaces between the slats. Additionally, older mattresses could develop dips and other conditions that could pose danger to your child. And if a crib is older than current safety regulations, it could be tainted by lead paint, and could contain other harmful chemicals.
If you are considering purchasing a used crib, check to see if it has been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Make sure the crib was painted with water-based paint, as this is safer for infants. Ensure that the mattress is firm and that it fits comfortably. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to slip out and can pose a danger of suffocation.
Be especially cautious of used bassinets and cradles as well as play yards. All of them must be JPMA-certified and free from sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these items, which can become dangerous entrapment risks.
Infants have been killed in cribs that were tampered with or altered and the majority of incidents occurred when caregivers and parents attempted to make the cribs more functional or attractive by incorporating items or altering them in a way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC worked together to establish mandatory standards for safer infant cribs. These standards dealt with things like side heights, spacing between slats, mattress fits, corner posts, 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.