Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs in bed allow parents to keep their newborn close to them at night without compromising safety. They are made to be used by infants from 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the bed of the parent and has a push-down side that allows parents to scoop up their newborn for feedings in the middle of the night. The base will not fit under beds that are less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to monitor, soothe, and feed their babies at night without having leave their bed. This sleep arrangement is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or who have limited mobility. It could help parents stay rested throughout the night. It is crucial to think about safety features when purchasing an infant crib.
The primary safety concern with this type of sleep surface is that it's not a complete barrier between the parent's bed and the infant sleeping area and can result in gaps that could cause suffocation risks to young infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent, which can increase the risk of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that co-sleepers for bedside use to be safer than cribs, they're not required to meet the CPSC safety standards. They may have slats that permit a baby's legs or head to be caught. The attachment mechanisms could be unstable, resulting in separation.
Many of these surfaces also have loose bedding which could lead to suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to remove their bodies from the soft bedding. The gaps between the frame and mattress can also create the risk of suffocation. Some of these products have a tough base that can cause injury to a baby should they fall onto it. One user suggested that CPSC add pictograms to the warnings for these products, which will decrease the chance of caregivers ignoring key elements. In addition, bedside cribs should have an easy transition mechanism that can prevent the baby from falling off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows babies to sleep next to their parents' beds while still occupying a separate space. This form of safe co-sleeping 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 comforting.
Baby bedding for a bedside sleeper could include crib sheets blankets, bumpers and toys. Be sure that any bedding you select is appropriate for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges and pockets that might impede the baby's breathing. Make sure the mattress you choose for your bedside sleeping baby is sturdy and secure with no gaps around the edges.
When selecting a bedding set, search for one that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your baby has accidents or spits at night. You may also want to think about a travel bag for your sleeper at night, to make it easy to pack and unpack it when you go on family vacations or visit the grandparents' homes.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, it is possible to move them to a separate toddler or crib. When transitioning, be sure to remove the crib from the bed of the parent for several weeks or months so that your infant can become comfortable sleeping in their own space while still feeling connected to their parents' presence. Be sure to choose a crib that is able to fold up easily for storage and transportation. Some models can even be converted into an outdoor play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a great choice for parents who travel frequently.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which is attached to the side of an adult bed and has one side higher than the other, allowing parents to reach over to tend their baby at night. It could also have an adjustable tilt feature that can aid in easing reflux in babies. Some parents feel this feature can help their child sleep more comfortably. However, it is important to note that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface may encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous chin-to-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 airy. The size should match the dimensions of the crib and fit snugly within the frame. A second-hand mattress could increase the risk of SIDS and it is recommended to purchase new crib mattresses. Some retailers offer mattresses designed for specific bed frames, so it is best to stick with those if you can.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to tuck under your bed to save space and bring your baby close, like the Halo BassiNest. However certain beds are too low for this kind of crib. Additionally, the BassiNest's legs with splayed feet make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It is also difficult to slide it under a divan bed, which could cause it slide or sway out of alignment with the mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be set up beside your mattress but are not capable of tilting. CHOICE suggests that parents only use these beds when they have a solid and breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to roll into an unsafe position which increases the risk of the possibility of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also known as co-sleeper or bassinet is a crib that is attached to a side of a bed designed for adults. This lets parents access their child at any time during the night. These beds are generally larger than traditional cots or bassinets. Some have an upper side that creates an elongated barrier between the sleep spaces. They are typically made from durable materials, and some have wheels to make it easy to move throughout the house.
Some cribs for bedside use a tilt function which can assist children with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It is important to use the tilt feature with caution and at a moderate angle to avoid suffocation. Speak to your doctor or health professional if you are unsure whether to use the feature.
Another important aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is the mattress. To decrease the risk of SIDS, the mattress needs to be firm, flat and breathable. A mattress that is too soft could cause a blocked airway, which is extremely dangerous for babies. A breathable mattress will also ensure that your baby stays cool during the night, which will decrease the chance of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a secure sleeping space - a crib, cot or Moses basket. Although it may be tempting to put your child in a bed, it poses a serious risk of SIDS. Wait until your baby can be able to sleep on his own before trying to sleep together. If you need to, make sure your bedroom is smokefree to shield your child from second-hand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a crib or bassinet if you have a low-income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who want to save money might be attracted by a secondhand bassinet, crib or cradle they acquire from a relative or friend. Cribs are just one of the baby products that could cause death, especially when older cribs are damaged or missing parts, or have a wider space between the slats. Additionally, older mattresses can develop dips and other conditions that can be hazardous for your child. And if a crib is old enough to be predated by the safety guidelines in place it may be contaminated by lead paint, and could contain other harmful chemicals.
If you are considering purchasing a crib that is used, look to see if it has been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Check if the crib was coated with water-based paint because this is safer for infants. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is sturdy and snugly fits. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to fall out and can pose a danger of suffocation.
Be especially cautious of second-hand bassinets and cradles and play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and have no sharp edges that your child can scratch or poke at. Avoid putting pillows, toys, or blankets to these products. bedside travel cot could be a potential entrapment hazard.
Children have died in cribs that had been tampered with or altered and most of the incidents occurred when caregivers and parents tried to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding items or modifying them in a way. Since 1973, the crib manufacturers and the CPSC have worked together to establish standards that are mandatory for safer cribs, including issues like side height, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts in the end panels. In the last few years the number of deaths attributed to cribs has decreased from 150 to 200 per year to just 50.