Bedside Baby Beds
Baby bedside cribs allow parents to keep their newborn close during the night without compromising safety. They are made to be used by newborns up until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed that has an end that can be pulled down to allow parents to pick up their infant during feeding time at night. The base will not fit under beds lower than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to monitor, comfort and feed their children throughout the night without having to leave their bed. This sleep arrangement is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth, or who have limited mobility. It could also help parents stay more well-rested throughout the night. It is essential to think about the safety aspects when purchasing the bedside crib.
This type of sleep surface presents a safety hazard because it doesn't provide an adequate barrier between the parent's sleeping area and the infant's sleeping area. This could lead to gaps that could pose 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 can lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are safer than traditional cribs, these products are not subject to CPSC's safety standards. These cribs may have slats which allow a baby's legs or head to become stuck. The mechanisms for attachment could also be unstable, leading to separation.
Many of these surfaces contain loose bedding which could lead to the risk of suffocation. Babies lack the strength or coordination to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding, and the gaps between the mattress and the frame could create a suffocation hazard. Some of these beddings have a hard bottom that can cause injury to a baby should they fall upon it. One commenter suggested that CPSC add pictograms to its warnings on these products, which would decrease the chance of caregivers missing key elements. Bedside sleepers must have an easy transition system that stops the baby from sliding off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper) allows infants to sleep next to their parents' beds but still having their own space. This type of safe co-sleeping helps reduce the chance of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping infants close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a baby who sleeps at night could include crib sheets blankets, bumpers, and stuffed animals. Be sure that any bedding you use is appropriate for the bedside sleeper to avoid pockets or bulges which could hinder the baby's breathing. Also, make bedside rocking crib that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits comfortably without gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for bedding sets to keep your baby clean in the event that they have accidents or spit up in the night, select a set that is easy to clean and dries. It is also a good idea to think about a travel kit for your bedside sleeper, so you can easily take it out and back when you go on family vacations or visit grandparents' homes.
When your baby is no longer a bedside sleeper you can transition your child to a crib or toddler that is on its own. When you transition, make sure to remove the crib from the parent's bed over several months or even weeks to allow your child to get used to sleeping in their own space, while still feeling a sense of connection to their parents' presence. Also, make sure you choose a crib that is able to fold easily for storage and transportation. Some cribs can even be converted into an outdoor play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them an ideal option for parents who are new and like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which connects to the side of a bed for adults and has one side lower than the other and allows parents to reach over to care for their child at night. It may also have a tilt feature to help ease reflux in infants. Some parents have reported that this feature helps their children sleep better. It is important to note that a slanted, or elevated, mattress can stimulate your baby's chin into a the chest position. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is another key factor when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It must be flat and firm, as well as airy. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. It is best to purchase an entirely new mattress for the crib since a second-hand one could increase the risk of SIDS. Some retailers offer mattresses made specifically for specific bed frames therefore it is recommended to stick with them if you can.
Some cribs that are bedside, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be placed under your bed in order to make space while bringing your child closer. Some beds are too low to accommodate this type of crib. The BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It may be difficult to tuck the BassiNest under divans, which could cause it to move or rock out of line with your mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs like the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be set up beside your mattress, but they aren't in a position to tilt. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib can encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous position and increase the chance of being suffocated.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside baby bed, also called a co-sleeper, or bassinet, is a tiny crib that can be attached to the edge of an adult's bed. This lets parents have access to their child at any time during the night. The beds are typically larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge, which creates a barrier between the sleeping areas. They are usually made from durable materials, and some have wheels to make it easy to move throughout the house.
Some cribs for bed have a tilt feature that can aid babies suffering from digestive issues like colic or reflux. It is essential to use the tilt feature with care and at a very small angle to prevent the risk of suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether you should use this feature, speak to your physician or health professional for guidance.
Another crucial safety factor to consider when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. The mattress should be firm, flat and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can lead to a trapped airway, which can be dangerous for newborns. A mattress that is breathable will help your child stay cool at night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a secure sleeping space such as crib, cot or Moses basket. It could be tempting to sleep in the same bed as your baby however this could lead to SIDS. You should wait until your baby is able to sleep independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you must, make sure your bedroom is not smoky to protect your baby from smoke from other rooms. Plunket can assist with a crib or bassinet for those with a low income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are looking to save money could be tempted by a used bassinet, crib or cradle they acquire from a relative or friend. Cribs are among the nursery products that can cause death, particularly in older cribs that have broken or missing parts, or have a wider space between the slats. Additionally, older mattresses can develop dips and other conditions which could be dangerous for your child. If your crib is too old to meet current safety standards, it may be contaminated with lead paint or contain other toxic chemicals.
If you are considering purchasing a crib that is used, be sure to check if it has been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Check if the crib was painted with water-based, because this is safer for infants. Also, ensure that the mattress is sturdy and snugly fits. Babies can easily slide out of mattresses with soft surfaces, which also could pose a danger of suffocation.
Be especially cautious of used bassinets and cradles and play yards. All of them must be JPMA-certified and free of sharp edges that could hurt or poke your baby. Avoid adding pillows, blankets or toys to these products, which can become entrapment hazards.
Children have died in cribs that were altered with or modified and most of the incidents were caused by caregivers and parents who attempted to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding things or modifying them in a way. Since 1973 crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to create the standards that are mandatory for safe infant cribs. These standards dealt with things like side heights, slat spacings, corner posts, mattress fits, and cutouts on end panels. In the last few years the number of crib-related deaths has dropped from 150 to 200 per year to around 50.