Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be set near the bed will allow parents to keep their child close at night, without any risk to safety. They are designed for newborns and are suitable for use up to 4 to 6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed that has a side that can be lowered so that parents can take their baby into the crib during feeding times at night. The base will not fit under beds lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A crib at bedside allows parents to watch, comfort and feed their children at night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering after childbirth or with limited mobility. It may also help parents sleep better at night. It is crucial to think about the safety features when buying a bedside crib.
This type of mattress presents a safety hazard since it doesn't offer a complete barrier to the parents' sleeping space and the infant's sleep area. This can lead to gaps which can pose suffocation hazards to young infants. Additionally, sharing a bed with an infant increases the body heat of the parent and increases the chance of overheating which can contribute to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they are not subject to the CPSC safety standards. They may have slats which allow the baby's head or legs to get stuck. Their attachment mechanisms may be unstable, resulting in separation.
Furthermore, a lot of mattress frames contain loose bedding that could cause suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to free themselves from soft bedding. There are gaps between the frame and mattress can create the risk of suffocation. Some of these products also have a hard bottom that can hurt a child should they fall upon it. One commenter suggested the CPSC add pictograms as warnings to these products. This could lower the risk that caregivers are unaware of key components. Moreover, bedside sleepers must have an easy transition mechanism to keep the baby from slipping off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper) allows infants to sleep in their parents' beds but still having their own space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risks of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arms' reach for middle-of-the-night feedings or comforting.
Baby bedding for a baby who sleeps at night could include crib sheets blankets, bumpers, and stuffed animals. Make sure that the bedding you use is appropriate for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges or pockets that might impede the baby's breathing. Make sure the mattress you choose for your bedside sleeping baby is sturdy and secure without any gaps around the edges.
When selecting bedding sets, look for a set that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your infant has accidents or spits up during the night. You might also want to consider a travel kit for your sleeper at night, to make it easy to carry it around when you travel with your family or visit grandparents at their homes.
If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper, you can move your child to a crib, or a toddler that is its own. When transitioning to a crib, remove it from the bed of your parents over a period of time, either weeks or months, to let your child become comfortable sleeping in his own space and still feel a sense of connection to them. Choose a crib that can be folded for storage and transport. Certain models can be transformed into a play yard, or a larger bassinet. This makes them an excellent choice for parents who frequently travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that connects to the side of the 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 tilt features that help alleviate reflux in infants. Many parents report that this feature can help their children sleep better. However, it is important to keep in mind that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface can encourage your child to sleep in a risky chin-to-chest posture. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
A suitable mattress is also an important factor when choosing the crib for your child's bed. It should be firm and flat, as well as airy. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and be able to fit within the frame. It is best to purchase a new mattress for the crib as a second-hand one can increase the risk of SIDS. Certain retailers sell mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bed frames so it is best to choose them if you can.
Some cribs designed for bedside are made to tuck under your bed in order to save space and bring your baby close, like the Halo BassiNest. Some beds are too low to be able to accommodate this type of crib. The BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It's also a challenge to place it under a divan bed, which could cause it 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 are not in a position to tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds when they have a solid and breathable mattress. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib can encourage your baby to slide into a risky position and increase the risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside baby bed also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a tiny crib that attaches to the sides of an adult's bed. This allows parents to access their child at any time at night. They are usually larger than the traditional cots and bassinets. Some have a lower side that forms a short barrier between the sleep spaces. They are typically made of sturdy materials, and many have wheels for easy transport throughout the home.
Some cribs for bed have a tilt feature that can aid babies suffering from digestive issues like colic or reflux. It is important to make use of this feature with utmost care and at a slight angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. Talk to your doctor or health professional if you are unsure whether to use the feature.
The mattress is an additional safety factor to take into account when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. To minimize the risk of SIDS, the mattress must be firm, flat and ventilated. A mattress that is too soft can cause an obstruction in the airway of newborns, which is dangerous. A breathable mattress will also help your baby stay cool during the night, which can lower the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a secure sleeping space - crib, cot, or Moses basket. While it might seem appealing to sleep with your child in a bed, it is a major risk of SIDS. Make sure your baby is able to 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 second-hand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a bassinet or crib for those with a low income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who want to save money may be attracted by a second-hand crib, bassinet, or cradle that they get from a family member or friend. But, cribs are among of the main causes of deaths involving nursery products, especially when older ones have damaged or missing parts or if they have wider spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Additionally, older mattresses can create dips and other conditions that could pose danger to your baby. And if a crib is older than the safety guidelines in place, it could be tainted by lead paint and may contain other toxic chemicals.
Verify whether the crib has been recalled. Verify if the crib has been painted with water-based paint, because this is safer for infants. Also, ensure that the mattress is firm and fits snugly. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to slip out and can pose a danger of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay special attention to any used bassinets, cradles or play yards. All of them should be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges that could hurt or poke your baby. Avoid adding pillows, toys or blankets with these products. They can become dangers to entrapment.
Children have died in cribs that were tampered with or altered and the majority of incidents occurred when parents and caregivers tried to make the cribs more functional or attractive by incorporating items or modifying them in a way. Since 1973, the crib manufacturers and the CPSC have collaborated to set mandatory standards for cribs that are safer, and have addressed issues like side height, slat spacing, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts on end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have dropped from around 150-200 per year to around 50.