Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs for bedside use let parents keep their baby close at night without compromising safety. They are designed to be used by infants up to 4-6 months old.
The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the bed of the parent. It has a push-down side that lets parents scoop up their newborn to feed them during the night. However, the base won't fit under beds that are less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A crib at bedside allows parents to monitor, soothe, and feed their babies throughout the night without having to leave their bed. This type of arrangement is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or who are unable to move around. It can help parents stay relaxed throughout the night. It is, however, essential to evaluate safety features before purchasing a bedside baby bed.
The main safety issue with this type of sleep surface is that it is not an entirely secure barrier between the parent's bed and the baby's sleeping space and can result in gaps that could pose suffocation risks to young infants. In addition, sharing the bed with an infant increases the parent's body heat and raises the risk of overheating which can lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are safer than traditional cribs, these products do not meet CPSC's safety standards. These products can include slats that allow the baby's head or legs to get trapped. The attachment mechanisms could also be unstable, leading to separation.
Additionally, many of these mattress frames contain loose bedding that could cause the suffocation. Babies don't have the strength or coordination to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding and gaps between the mattress and the frame can create a suffocation hazard. Some of these items have a hard base that could cause injury to a child if they fall on it. One commenter suggested the CPSC include pictograms in warnings on these products. This will decrease the likelihood that caregivers miss key elements. Additionally, bedside sleepers must have a smooth transition mechanism to keep the baby from falling off the parent's bed.
Bedding
bedside cot 6 months plus (also called a co-sleeper or bassinet) lets babies sleep next to their parents' beds while still occupying a separate space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risks of entrapment, suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arms' reach for middle-of-the-night feedings or for comforting.
Baby bedding for sleepers beside the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. They can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Make sure that any bedding you use is appropriate for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges and pockets that could obstruct the baby's breathing. Also, make sure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits snugly without gaps around the edges.
When you are choosing a bedding set, search for something that's easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your infant is having accidents or spits up in the night. You may also want to think about a travel kit for your sleeper at night, so you can easily pack and unpack it when you travel with your family or visit the 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, take it away from the parents' bed over the course of time, either weeks or months, to let your child get used to sleeping in his own space but still feel connected to them. Choose a crib that can be folded for storage and transportation. Certain models can be transformed into a play yard, or a larger bassinet. This makes them an excellent option for parents who frequently travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which attaches to the side of the adult bed and has one side higher than the other, allowing parents to reach out to tend their baby at night. bedside cots for newborns could also come with an adjustable tilt feature that can help ease reflux in babies. Some parents have reported that this feature can help their babies sleep better. However, it is important to keep in mind that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface may cause your child to sleep in a risky chin-to-chest position. This could lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
A suitable mattress is also a key factor in choosing the right crib for your child's bed. It should be flat, firm and ventilated. The size should match the dimensions of the crib and be able to fit in the frame. It is best to purchase an entirely new mattress for the crib as a second-hand one could increase the risk of SIDS. If you can, it's recommended to purchase mattresses that are made specifically for specific bedframes.
Some cribs designed for bedside are made to tuck under your bed to conserve space and bring your child close, such as the Halo BassiNest. However some beds are too low for this type of crib. The splayed feet of the BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath certain beds. It can be difficult to tuck the BassiNest under divans, which could cause it to shift or move out of alignment with your mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs such as the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be placed beside your mattress but are not able to tilt. CHOICE recommends parents to use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet can encourage your child to fall into a dangerous position, increasing their chance of dying.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also called a bassinet or co-sleeper is a crib attached to the side of a bed for adults. This allows parents to easily access their child during the night. These beds are typically larger than traditional cots or bassinets. Some have a lower side that forms an unintentional barrier between the sleep spaces. They are usually constructed from durable materials, and a lot of them have wheels for easy transport throughout the home.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilt features that can aid babies with digestive issues like colic or reflux. It is important to use the tilt function with care and at a moderate angle to avoid from suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether to use this feature, speak to your physician or health visitor for advice.
Another important aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. To decrease the risk of SIDS, the mattress needs to be firm, flat and ventilated. A mattress that is too soft could cause obstruction of the airway in infants, which can lead to danger. A mattress that is breathable will ensure that your baby stays cool throughout the night, which can lower the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a secure sleeping space - either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. Although it may be appealing to sleep with your child in a bed, it poses a serious risk of SIDS. Make sure your baby is able to sleep independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you must ensure that your bedroom is not smoky to safeguard your baby from smoke from other rooms. Plunket may offer assistance with a crib or bassinet if you have a low-income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are frugal may be enticed to purchase or accept a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle for a gift from a family member or friend. Cribs are among the baby products that could cause death, particularly if older cribs have damaged or missing parts, or have larger spaces between the slats. Mattresses that are older can also develop dips or other conditions that are 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 toxic chemicals.
If you're thinking of buying purchasing a used crib, check to see whether it's been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is also recommended to verify whether the crib was painted with water-based paint which is more safe for infants than oil or phthalic paint. Also, ensure that the mattress is firm and fits snugly. Soft mattresses can cause babies to fall out, and they also can pose a danger of suffocation.
Pay particular attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles, as well as play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and have no sharp parts that your child could scratch or poke at. Avoid adding toys, pillows or blankets to these products. They could be a potential dangers to entrapment.
Children have died in cribs that were altered or interfered with. Most of these accidents occurred when parents or caregivers tried to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by incorporating or modifying things. Since 1973 crib makers and CPSC worked together to establish mandatory standards for safer cribs for infants. These standards addressed issues like side heights, spacing between slats, corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts on the end panels. As the result, deaths attributed to cribs have dropped from around 150 to 200 deaths per year to about 50.