Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that are placed near the bed will allow parents to keep their child close during the night without any risk to safety. They are designed to be used by infants from 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the bed of the parent and comes with a push-down feature that lets parents scoop up their newborn for middle-of-the-night feedings. The base will not fit under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed allows parents to keep their babies close to them for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring, without having to leave their bed. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those who have mobility issues. It may also help parents sleep better at night. It is, however, essential to look at safety features before purchasing a bedside baby bed.
This kind of sleeping surface is a safety risk since it doesn't offer an adequate barrier between the parents' sleeping space and the infant's sleep area. This could lead to gaps that can cause dangers of suffocation to infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent, which can increase the chance of overheating. This can lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they aren't required to meet the CPSC safety standards. They could have the slats which allow babies' legs or heads to be snagged, and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable, and could cause separation.
Furthermore, a lot of mattress frames contain loose bedding that could cause the suffocation. Babies don't have the muscle or coordination to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding, and the gaps between the frame and the mattress can cause a danger of suffocation. Some of these products also have a hard bottom that could cause injury to a baby when they fall on it. One commenter suggested the CPSC include pictograms as warnings to these products. This would lower the risk that caregivers are unaware of key components. Sleepers at the bedside need an easy transition system that prevents the baby from falling off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or bassinet) lets babies sleep next to their parents' beds, but still having their own space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation as well as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping children close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a baby who sleeps at night can include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers and stuffed animals. Make sure that the bedding you choose fits the baby's bed properly. This will stop pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Make sure the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeping baby is firm and firmly fitted with no gaps around the edges.
If you're in search of a bedding set that will keep your baby clean in the event that they fall or spill up during the night, pick a bedding that is simple to wash and dry. You may also want to consider a travel kit for your sleeper at night, so that you can easily pack and unpack it when you go on family vacations or visit grandparents' homes.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, you are able to transition them to a standalone toddler or crib. When you transition, make sure to remove the crib from the bed of the parent for several months or even weeks to allow your child to become comfortable sleeping in their own space while still being a part of their parents. Be sure to select a crib that you can fold easily for storage and transport. Some models can even be converted to an outdoor play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them an ideal option for parents who are new and are keen to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed for adults and has one side lower than the other and allows parents to reach out to take care of their child during the night. It could also have a tilt function that can aid in easing reflux in infants. bedside travel crib report that this feature helps their babies sleep better. It is important to note that a slanted, or elevated, mattress can stimulate your baby's chin into a chest position. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
A mattress that is suitable for your child is an important factor when choosing the right crib for your child's bed. It should be flat, firm and ventilated. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and fit snugly within the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS, so it is recommended to purchase new crib mattresses. Some retailers offer mattresses made for specific bed frames, therefore it is recommended to use those if you can.
Some bedside cribs are designed to be tucked under your bed in order to save 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 slide underneath certain beds. It may be difficult to secure the BassiNest underneath a divan, and this could cause it to shift or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets such as the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be placed next to your mattress, but they cannot tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds when they have a solid air-conditioned bed. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib could encourage your baby to slide into a risky position which increases the risk of being suffocated.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper or a bassinet is a crib that is attached to the side of a bed designed for adults. It allows parents to reach their child easily throughout the night. They are generally larger than the traditional cots or bassinets. Some have a lower edge that creates a barrier between the sleeping spaces. These beds are made from sturdy materials and most have wheels to make them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilt features that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It is essential to use the tilt function with care and only at a very small angle to avoid suffocation. Consult your physician or health professional if you aren't sure whether you should use the feature.
The mattress is a further safety consideration to make when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. The mattress should be solid, flat and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can lead to a trapped airway, which is extremely dangerous for babies. A breathable mattress will also ensure that your baby stays cool throughout the night, which can reduce the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a safe sleeping area - crib, cot or Moses basket. It may seem tempting to share a bed as your infant, but this can lead to SIDS. It is recommended to wait until your baby is old enough to sleep independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is smoke-free in order to protect your child from secondhand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a bassinet or crib for those with a low income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are looking to save money might be tempted by a secondhand crib, bassinet, or cradle that they receive from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the main causes of deaths involving nursery products particularly when older models are damaged or missing parts or if they have wider spaces between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). Mattresses that are older can also develop dips and other conditions that are hazardous for your baby. And if a crib is old enough to be predated by the safety guidelines in place the crib could be contaminated by lead paint and may contain other toxic chemicals.
Verify whether the crib has been recalls on the crib. It's also recommended to verify whether the crib has been painted with water-based paint, which is more safe for infants than phthalic or oil-based paint. Ensure that the mattress is firm, and that it fits snugly. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to slip off, and they also pose a suffocation risk.
Pay special attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles, as well as play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and have no sharp edges that your child could scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid adding toys, pillows or blankets with these products. They can become dangerous for entrapment.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered or tampered with. The majority of these deaths occurred when caregivers or parents attempted to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by adding or modifying things. Since 1973, crib manufacturers and the CPSC have teamed up to establish mandatory standards for cribs that are safer, and have addressed issues like side height, slat spacing, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts on end panels. In the last few years, the number of deaths attributed to cribs has dropped from 150 to 200 per year to around 50.