Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that are placed near the bed will allow parents to keep their baby close during the night without compromising the safety of their child. They are designed to be used by newborns from 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed with the ability to be pulled down to let parents pick up their infant during feeding times at night. The base will not fit under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed lets parents keep their infants close for evening feedings, comforting and monitoring, without having to leave their own bed. This type of arrangement is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth, or who have limited mobility. It could also help parents stay more rested throughout the night. However, it is important to evaluate safety features before purchasing a crib for your baby.
The main safety concern for this type of sleep surface is that it's not a complete barrier between the bed of the parent and the baby's sleeping space which can lead to gaps that could lead to suffocation risks to young infants. Additionally, sharing the bed with an infant increases the parent's body heat and increases the risk of overheating which can lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers to be safer than cribs, they are not subject to the CPSC safety standards. These cribs may have slats which allow babies' legs or heads to be stuck. The mechanisms for attachment could be unstable, leading to separation.
Furthermore, a lot of mattress frames contain loose bedding that could cause death. Babies don't have the strength or coordination required to remove themselves from the tangles of soft bedding and the gaps between the mattress and the frame can cause a suffocation risk. Some of these items have a hard base that could cause injuries to a baby if they fall on it. One commenter suggested that the CPSC include pictograms in warnings on these products. This will reduce the chance that caregivers miss key elements. Additionally, bedside sleepers must have a smooth transition mechanism to stop the baby from slipping off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows infants to sleep next to their parents' beds but still having their own space. This safe form of co-sleeping helps reduce the risk of suffocation as well as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping infants close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a bedside sleeper could include crib sheets, bumpers, blankets, and toys. Make sure that any bedding you choose to use is appropriate for the bedside sleeper to avoid pockets or bulges which could hinder the baby's breathing. Also, make sure that the mattress you purchase 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 infant has accidents or spits up during the night. Consider the possibility of a travel kit that will help you pack and unpack your bedside sleeper when you're to visit grandparents or on vacation.
When your child is no longer a bedside sleeper, you can move them to a separate toddler or a crib. When you transition, make sure to remove the crib from the parent's bed over several weeks or months so that your child can get used to sleeping in their own space, while still feeling connected to their parents. Also, make sure you select a crib that can fold up easily for storage and transportation. Some models can be converted into a play yard, or a larger bassinet. This makes them a great choice for new parents who are keen to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, sometimes referred to as a bassinet is a bassinet connected to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other to allow parents to reach their child at the end of the night. It may also have tilt features that help reduce reflux in babies. Many parents report that this feature helps their babies sleep better. However, it is important to note that a slanted or elevated sleeping surface may encourage your baby to sleep in a risky chin-to-chest position. This can lead to death and should be avoided.
Choosing a suitable mattress is a different aspect to consider when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It should be firm and flat and airy. The mattress should be exactly the same size as the crib and fit snugly into the frame. It is recommended to buy a new mattress for your crib since a second-hand one could increase the chance of SIDS. If possible, it is best to buy mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bedframes.
Some cribs that are bedside, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked under your bed to maximize space while bringing your child closer. Some beds are too low to accommodate this type of crib. In large bedside crib , the BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It can be difficult to secure the BassiNest underneath a divan, and this could cause it to move or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other bassinets for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be placed next to your mattress, however they aren't able be slanted. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilting of a bassinet may cause your child to roll into a dangerous position, increasing their danger of suffocation.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside baby bed also called a co-sleeper, or bassinet, is a tiny crib that is attached to the edge of a bed for an adult. This allows parents to have access to their child at any time during the night. These beds are usually larger than traditional bassinets or cots. Some have a lower edge, which creates a barrier between the sleeping spaces. These beds are made from sturdy materials, and many have wheels to make them easier to move around the home.
Some bedside cribs come with a tilt feature that can aid babies suffering from digestive issues, such as reflux or colic. It is important to use the tilt function with care and only at a moderate angle to prevent from suffocation. If you're unsure about whether or not to use this feature, speak to your GP or health professional for guidance.
The mattress is another important safety factor to take into account when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. The mattress must be firm, flat and breathable to reduce the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can cause a blocked airway, which is extremely dangerous for babies. A breathable mattress can also help your child remain cool during the night, reducing the chance of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a secure sleeping area - a cot, crib or Moses basket. Although it may be tempting to sleep with your child in a bed, this could be a risky way to get SIDS. Wait until your baby can sleep independently before you attempt to co-sleep. If you must ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to protect your child from second-hand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you may be eligible for assistance with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are frugal may be enticed to buy or accept an old crib, bassinet or cradle from a family member or friend. But, cribs are among of the leading causes of death due to nursery products especially if they have missing or damaged parts or if they have larger spaces between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). In addition, older mattresses may develop dips and other issues that could pose danger to your child. If your crib is not old enough to meet the safety standards of today, it may be contaminated with lead paint or other toxic chemicals.
Examine if the crib has been recalls on the crib. Make sure the crib was painted with water-based paint, because this is safer for babies. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is firm and secure. Babies can easily slide out of soft mattresses and also present a risk of suffocation.
Pay particular attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles as well as play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp elements that your child can poke or scratch themselves on. Avoid adding pillows, blankets or toys to these products which could create dangerous entrapment risks.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered or interfered with. The majority of these deaths occurred when parents or caregivers tried to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by adding or altering things. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC collaborated to create mandatory standards for safer cribs for infants. These standards dealt with things like side heights, spacing between slats, corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts for end panels. In the last few years the number of deaths attributed to cribs has decreased from 150 to 200 a year to around 50.