Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that are placed next to the bed allow parents to keep their child close at night, without risking safety. They are made to be used by infants up until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed with an end that can be pulled down to let parents take their baby into the crib during feeding times at night. The base will not fit under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to monitor, soothe and feed their children throughout the night without having to leave their bed. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for new mothers recovering after birth or for those with limitations in mobility. It could also help parents to sleep better at night. It is, however, essential to look at safety features before purchasing a crib for your baby.
The main safety issue for this type of sleep surface is that it is not a complete barrier between the parent's bed and the baby's sleeping space, resulting in gaps that could cause the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent and can increase the risk of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim co-sleepers for bedside use to be safer than cribs, they're not required to meet the CPSC safety standards. These cribs may have slats that permit the baby's head or legs to be stuck. co sleeper bedside cot for attachment could also be unstable, resulting in separation.
Additionally, many of these mattresses have loose bedding, which can cause death. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to untangle themselves from bedding that is soft. The gaps between the mattress and frame can also create the risk of suffocation. Some of these products also have an extremely hard bottom that could hurt a child when they fall on it. One commenter suggested the CPSC add pictograms as warnings on these products. This could reduce the chance that caregivers overlook crucial elements. In addition, bedside cribs must have an easy transition mechanism to prevent the baby from sliding off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or a co-sleeper allows infants to sleep beside their parents' beds while maintaining an independent sleeping 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, bumpers, blankets, and stuffed animals. Make sure that the bedding you choose fits the bedside sleeping baby properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Make sure that the mattress you buy for your baby's bed is firm and firmly fitted with no gaps around the edges.
When selecting bedding sets, look for something that's easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your child has accidents or spits at night. You might also want to think about a travel bag for your child's bedside sleeper so that you can easily take it out and back when you go on family vacations or visit the grandparents at their homes.
When your baby is no longer a bedside sleeper you can transition your child to a crib or a toddler that is its own. When transitioning, be sure to move the crib away from the bed of the parent for several weeks or months so that your child can become comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still feeling a sense of connection to their parents. Also, be sure to choose a crib that is able to fold easily for storage and transportation. Some cribs can be transformed into a play yard or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who are new and like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, sometimes referred to as the bassinet, is a bassinet attached to the bed's side for adults. One side is lower than the other side to let parents reach their baby at the end of the night. It may also have tilt features that help alleviate reflux in babies. Some parents find this feature can help their child sleep better. It is important to remember that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface may stimulate your baby's chin into a the chest position. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
Choosing a suitable mattress is another key factor when choosing a bedside crib. It must be firm, flat and airy. The size should match the dimensions of the crib and be able to fit in the frame. It is recommended to buy an entirely new mattress for the crib as a second-hand one can increase the risk of SIDS. If possible, it is best to buy mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames.
Some cribs that are bedside, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked away under your bed in order to maximize space while bringing your child closer. However some beds are too low for this type of crib. The BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide under some beds. It can be difficult to place the BassiNest in divans, which could cause it to shift or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs like the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be placed next to your mattress, but aren't able to tilt. CHOICE recommends parents to use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. The tilting of a bassinet can encourage your child to roll into a risky position, increasing their risk of suffocation.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside crib, also referred to 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 easily throughout the night. They are usually larger than standard cots or bassinets, and some have a lower side that forms a short separation between the sleeping spaces. These beds are constructed from sturdy materials, and many come with wheels, making them easier to move around the home.
Some cribs for bedside use a tilt function which can assist children with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It is important to use the tilt function with caution and at a moderate angle to prevent from suffocation. Consult your physician or health visitor if you aren't sure whether you should use the feature.
The mattress is another important safety consideration to make when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. To minimize the risk of SIDS, the mattress must be firm, flat and breathable. A mattress that is too soft can result in a clogged airway, which is dangerous for newborns. A mattress that is breathable can help your child remain cool at night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you put your baby to bed in a secure sleeping area - a crib, cot or Moses basket. It may seem appealing to sleep in the same bed with your baby however this could result in SIDS. Wait until travel bedside crib can sleep independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you need to ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to safeguard your baby from second-hand smoke. Plunket can assist with a crib or bassinet in the event that you are a low-income parent.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who want to save money may be attracted by a used crib, bassinet, or cradle that they receive from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the main causes of nursery-product related deaths especially if they have missing or damaged parts or have larger 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 predate the current safety standards it may be contaminated by lead paint and could contain other toxic chemicals.
Verify whether the crib has been removed from the crib. It is also recommended to verify whether the crib was painted with water-based paint which is safer for babies than phthalic or oil-based paint. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is sturdy and snugly fits. Babies can easily slide out of soft mattresses, which also could pose a danger of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay close attention to any secondhand bassinets, 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 toys, pillows or blankets with these products. They can become entrapment hazard.
Children have died in cribs that were altered or played with. Most of these accidents were caused by caregivers or parents who tried to make the cribs functional or more attractive by adding or modifying things. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC collaborated to create the standards that are mandatory for safe cribs for infants. These standards addressed things like side heights, spacing between slats, mattress fits, corner posts, and cutouts on end panels. In the past few years, the number of deaths attributed to cribs has dropped from 150 to 200 per year to just 50.