Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that are placed next to the bed allow parents to keep their baby close during the night without risking the safety of their child. They are specifically designed for infants and can be used until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed that has a side that can be pushed down to let parents pick up their infant during nighttime feedings. The base will not fit under beds that are lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to watch, comfort and feed their infants at 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 well-rested throughout the night. It is nevertheless important to look at safety features before buying a bedside crib.
The main safety concern for this type of sleep surface is that it is not an entirely secure barrier between the parent's bed and the infant sleeping area, resulting in gaps that could cause the risk of suffocation for infants. Additionally sharing the bed with an infant increases the body heat of the parent and increases the chance of overheating which can lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, these devices are not subject to CPSC's safety standards. These products can have slats that permit a baby's legs or head to become trapped. The mechanisms for attachment could also be unstable, leading to separation.
Furthermore, a lot of mattress frames contain loose bedding that could cause death. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to remove themselves from bedding that is soft. The gaps between the mattress and frame can create a suffocation risk. Some of these items have a hard bottom that could hurt a child if they fall onto it. One user suggested that CPSC include pictograms in the warnings for these products, which will lower the risk of caregivers missing key elements. Sleepers at the bedside need an easy transition system to prevent the baby from slipping off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a bassinet or co-sleeper) allows infants to sleep in their parents' beds but still having their own space. This method of sleeping in a safe manner reduces the risk of suffocation as well as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping babies close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a sleeper beside the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. It can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Make sure that the bedding you choose fits the sleeping baby's bed in a proper way. This will stop pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Also, ensure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits snugly without gaps around the edges.
If you're in search of bedding sets to keep your baby clean in case they fall or spill up in the night, choose something that is easy to clean and dries. It is also a good idea to consider a travel kit for your child's bedside sleeper so you can easily carry it around when you go on family vacations or visit grandparents home.
If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper you can transition your child to a crib, or a toddler that is its own. When transitioning, make sure to move the crib away from the parent's bed over several weeks or months so that your infant can be comfortable sleeping in their own space while still feeling connected to their parents. Select a crib which can be folded away for storage and transportation. Some models can even be converted to a play yard or deeper bassinet. This makes them a great choice for parents who frequently travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also known as a bassinet is a bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other side to allow parents to reach their baby at the end of the night. It could also come with a tilt function that can help ease reflux in babies. Many parents report that this feature helps their babies sleep better. It is important to note that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface may stimulate your baby's chin into a the chest position. This could lead to death and should be avoided.
Choosing a suitable mattress is a further important factor to consider when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It should be firm and flat, as well as breathable. The mattress should be the same size as the crib and fit snugly into the frame. It is best to purchase a new mattress for your crib as a second-hand one can increase the risk of SIDS. If you can, it's best to buy mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to fit under your bed to save space and bring your child close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds aren't tall enough to accommodate this type of crib. Additionally, the BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide under some beds. It can be difficult to secure the BassiNest underneath divans, which could cause it to shift or rock out of line with your mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs such as the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be set up beside your mattress but are not in a position to tilt. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib could encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous position which increases the chance of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a small crib that is attached to the sides of an adult's bed. This lets parents access their child at any time at night. These beds are typically larger than standard cots or bassinets, and some even have a a lower side that forms an unintentional barrier between the sleep spaces. They are constructed of solid materials and have wheels that make them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs for bedside use tilt features that can aid babies with digestive issues like colic or reflux. It is essential to use the tilt function with care and at a very small angle to avoid suffocation. Speak to bedside rocking crib or health care professional if are unsure whether to use the feature.
The mattress is a further safety factor to consider when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress needs to be flat, firm and breathable. A mattress that's too soft can result in obstruction of the airway in newborns, which is dangerous. A breathable mattress will also ensure that your baby stays cool throughout the night, which will decrease the chance of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a secure sleeping area - such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. While it might seem tempting to put your child in a bed, this could be a risky way to get SIDS. It's best to wait until your baby is old enough to go to bed independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you need to, make sure your bedroom is smoke-free to shield your child from second-hand smoke. If you're on a lower income, you could be eligible for assistance with a crib or bassinet from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are looking to save money might be tempted by a second-hand bassinet, crib, or cradle that they acquire from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the most common causes of deaths involving nursery products, especially when older ones are damaged or missing parts or have more space between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). In addition, older mattresses may develop dips and other issues that can be hazardous for your baby. 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 a used crib, always look to see whether it's been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It's also a good idea to check whether the crib was painted with water-based paint, which is much safer for infants than phthalic or oil paint. Be sure that the mattress is firm and that it fits snugly. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to slip out, and they also can pose a danger of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay close attention to any used bassinets, cradles, and play yards. They should all be JPMA-certified and free of sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid adding pillows, toys, or blankets to these products. They could be a potential dangers to entrapment.
Children have died in cribs that were altered or interfered with. The majority of these deaths occurred when parents or caregivers attempted to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by incorporating or altering items. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have collaborated to establish mandatory standards for safer cribs, including things like side height, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts in end panels. In the past few years the number of deaths attributed to cribs has decreased from 150-200 per year to 50.