Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs for bedside use allow parents to keep their baby close to them at night without compromising on safety. They are designed specifically for newborns and are suitable for use up to 4 to 6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the bed of the parent. It has a push-down side that allows parents to scoop up their newborn for middle-of-the-night feedings. The base will not be able to fit under beds less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed lets parents keep their babies close for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without leaving their beds. This type of arrangement is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or who have limited mobility. It could help parents remain more rested throughout the night. It is nevertheless important to consider safety features prior to purchasing a bedside baby bed.
The primary safety concern with this type of sleeping surface is that it is not an entirely secure barrier between the bed of the parent and the infant sleeping area and can result in gaps that could lead to suffocation risks to young infants. Sharing a bed increases the body heat of the parent, which can increase the risk of overheating. This can lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim co-sleepers for bedside use to be safer than cribs, they're not subject to the CPSC safety standards. They may feature slats that allow babies' legs or heads to be snagged and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable, and could cause separation.
Additionally, many of these mattress frames have loose bedding, which can cause death. Babies do not have the strength or coordination required to remove themselves from the tangles of soft bedding and gaps between the frame and the mattress can create a suffocation hazard. Some of these items have an extremely hard bottom that could hurt a child when they fall on it. One user suggested that the CPSC add pictograms as warnings on these products. This will lower the risk that caregivers overlook crucial elements. Bedside sleepers must have a smooth transition system that stops the baby from slipping off the mattress of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or a co-sleeper allows infants to sleep beside their parents' beds while maintaining an individual sleeping space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risk of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies close to their parents and within arm's reach for mid-night meals or for comforting.
Baby bedding to sleep on the bed could include bumpers and crib sheets. It can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Be sure that any bedding you select fits the bedside sleeper properly to avoid bulges and pockets which could hinder the baby's breathing. Also, make sure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits snugly without gaps around the edges.
When you are choosing bedding sets, look for something that's easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your child has accidents or spits up during the night. It is also a good idea to think about a travel kit for your bedside sleeper, to make it easy to take it out and back when you go on family vacations or visit grandparents home.
When your baby is no longer a bedside sleeper, you can move him or her to a crib or a toddler that is all on its own. When transitioning, be 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. Select a crib which can be folded to be stored and transported. Some models can be converted into a play area or a more substantial bassinet. This makes them a great choice for parents who travel frequently.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that is attached to the side of the adult bed and has one side higher than the other, allowing parents to reach over to tend their baby throughout the night. It may have a tilt feature to help alleviate reflux in infants. Some parents find this feature helps their baby sleep more comfortably. However, it is important to remember that a slanted or elevated sleeping surface could cause your child to roll into an unsafe chin-to-chest position. This could lead to death and should be avoided.
Choosing a suitable mattress is a different aspect to consider when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It must be flat and firm and breathable. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and be able to fit in the frame. It is best to purchase a new mattress for the crib since a second-hand one could increase the chance of SIDS. Certain retailers sell mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bed frames, so it is best to stick with these if possible.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to tuck under your bed to conserve space and bring your child close, like the Halo BassiNest. However certain beds are too low for this type of crib. In addition, the BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It can be difficult to place the BassiNest in a divan, which could cause it to move or rock out of line with your mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use like the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be set up beside your mattress, but aren't capable of tilting. CHOICE suggests that parents only use these beds if they have a sturdy air-conditioned bed. The tilting of a bassinet can encourage your child to fall into a dangerous position, increasing their risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside baby bed also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a small crib that can be attached to the side of an adult's bed. It allows parents to reach their child at any time at night. They are usually larger than the traditional cots and bassinets. Some have an upper side that creates a short separation between the sleeping spaces. These beds are constructed from sturdy materials and most come with wheels, making them easier to move around the home.
Some cribs for bed have a tilt feature that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues, such as reflux or colic. It is important to use the tilt function with care and at a small angle to avoid suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether or not to utilize this feature, speak to your physician or health care professional for advice.
The mattress is a further safety factor to take into account when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. The mattress must be smooth, firm and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. bedside cot wooden that is too soft could result in a clogged airway, which can be dangerous for newborns. A mattress that is breathable can help your baby stay cool during the night, which will decrease the chance of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a safe sleeping space such as a cot, crib or Moses basket. While it could be appealing to sleep with your child in a bed, it could be a risky way to get SIDS. It's best to wait until your baby is old enough to sleep independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you have to, make sure your bedroom is not smoky to shield your baby from smoke from other rooms. If you're living on a low income, you may be eligible for help with a crib or bassinet from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to purchase or accept a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle as a hand-me-down from a family member or friend. Cribs are one of many nursery products that can cause death, especially if older cribs have broken or missing parts, or have a wider space between the slats. Older mattresses may also develop dips or other conditions that could be risky for your baby. If your crib is old enough to predate the current safety standards the crib could be contaminated by lead paint and could contain other toxic chemicals.
Verify whether the crib has been recalled. Make sure the crib was coated with water-based paint as this is safer for infants. Also, ensure that bedside cot wooden is firm and secure. Soft mattresses can cause babies to fall out, and they also pose a suffocation risk.
Be especially cautious of used bassinets and cradles as well as play yards. All of them must be JPMA-certified and free of sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid adding toys, pillows or blankets with these products. They could be a potential entrapment hazard.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered or played with. Most of these incidents occurred when caregivers or parents attempted to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by incorporating or modifying things. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC worked together to establish mandatory standards for safer cribs for infants. These standards addressed things like side heights, spacing between slats, corner posts, mattress fits, and cutouts on end panels. In the last few years, the number of deaths attributed to cribs has decreased from 150-200 per year to just 50.