Bedside Baby Beds
Baby bedside cribs let parents keep their infant close to them at night without compromising on safety. They are designed to be used by newborns from 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest swivels over the bed of the parent and has a push-down side that lets parents scoop their baby up for middle-of-the-night feedings. But, the base won't fit under beds that are less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to keep their infants close for feedings at night, comforting and monitoring, without having to leave their own beds. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for new mothers recovering after childbirth or with limited mobility. It can also assist parents sleep better at night. It is, however, essential to consider safety features prior to buying a bedside crib.
The main safety concern with this type of sleeping surface is that it's not an entirely secure barrier between the parent's bed and the infant sleeping area which can lead to gaps that could lead to suffocation risks to young infants. In addition sharing a bed with an infant increases the parent's body heat and increases the risk of overheating which can contribute to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, these devices aren't subject to the CPSC's safety standards. These products may have the slats which allow a baby's head or legs to be trapped and their attachment mechanisms may be unstable and lead to separation.
Additionally, many of these mattresses have loose bedding, which can cause the suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to free their bodies from the soft bedding. There are gaps between the frame and mattress can also create an entrapment risk. Some of these items have an extremely hard bottom that could injure a baby if they fall onto it. One user suggested that the CPSC include pictograms in warnings for these products. This would lower the risk that caregivers miss key elements. Bedside sleepers need to have a smooth transition system that prevents the baby from slipping off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or bassinet) lets babies sleep beside their parents' beds, while maintaining a separate space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risks of entrapment, suffocation, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arms' reach for mid-night meals or comforting.
Baby bedding for sleepers in the bed can include bumpers and crib sheets. They can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Be sure that any bedding you use fits the bedside sleeper properly to avoid bulges or pockets which could hinder the baby's breathing. Make sure that the mattress you buy for your baby's bed is sturdy and secure without any gaps around the edges.
When selecting bedding sets, look for one that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your infant has accidents or spits at night. Consider a travel kit to simplify the process of packing and unpack your bedside sleeper when you're going to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.
When your baby outgrows the bedside sleeper you can transition him or her to a crib, or a toddler that is all on its own. When you transition to a crib, move it away from the parents' bed over the course of a few weeks or even months to allow your child to get used to sleeping in his own space but still feel a sense of connection to them. Select a crib which can be folded away to be stored and transported. Some models can even be converted to a play yard or deeper bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who are new and like to travel.
bedside cosleeper is a bassinet which attaches to the side of a bed for adults and has one side lower than the other which allows parents to reach over to tend their baby throughout the night. It may also have a tilt function to help ease reflux in infants. Some parents report that this feature can help their children sleep better. It is important to keep in mind that a slanted, or elevated, mattress can encourage your baby's chin to the chest. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
Selecting a mattress that is suitable is a different aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed. It should be firm, flat and ventilated. The mattress should be the same size as the crib and be able to fit into the frame. It is best to purchase an entirely new mattress for the crib, as a second-hand mattress can increase the risk of SIDS. Certain retailers sell mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bed frames therefore it is recommended to use those if you can.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to fit under your bed in order to save space and bring your child close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds aren't tall enough to be able to accommodate this type of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to slide under some beds. It isn't easy to secure the BassiNest underneath divans, which could cause it to shift or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other bassinets for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be positioned close to your mattress however, they aren't able to be slanted. CHOICE recommends parents to use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet could cause your child to roll into a risky position, increasing their chance of dying.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper or a bassinet, is a small crib that is attached to the side of a bed for adults. It allows parents to easily access their child during the night. They are generally larger than the traditional cots or bassinets. Some have a lower edge, which creates a barrier between the sleeping areas. These beds are constructed from sturdy materials, and many come with wheels, making them easier to move around the home.
Some bedside cribs have tilt features which can assist infants with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It's important to use the tilt feature with care and at a very small angle to avoid from suffocation. Speak to your doctor or health care professional if aren't sure whether you should use the feature.
The mattress is another important safety consideration to make when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress needs to be flat, firm and ventilated. A mattress that is too firm can result in a blocked airway in newborns, which is dangerous. A breathable mattress will also aid your baby in staying cool during the night, which could decrease the chance of overheating.
It's recommended that you put your baby to sleep in their own secure sleeping area - a crib, cot or Moses basket. It could be tempting to share a bed as your baby, but this can lead to SIDS. Wait until your baby can sleep independently before attempting to sleep with them. If you have to ensure that your bedroom is smokefree to safeguard your baby from second-hand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you could be eligible for help with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to purchase or take a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle from a family member or friend. Cribs are just one of the nursery items that could lead to death, especially in older cribs that have damaged or missing parts or have larger spaces between the slats. In addition, older mattresses may create dips and other conditions that could pose danger to your child. If your crib is old enough to be predated by current safety regulations, it could be tainted by lead paint and could contain other harmful chemicals.
Check if the crib has been recalls on the crib. Check if the crib was coated with water-based paint because this is safer for babies. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is firm and fits snugly. Babies are prone to slip off mattresses that are soft and also present a risk of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay special attention to used bassinets, cradles and play yards. All of them must be JPMA-certified and free from sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these products which could create dangers for entrapment.
Infants have died from cribs that were altered or played with. Most of these accidents occurred when parents or caregivers tried to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by adding or altering items. Since 1973 crib makers and CPSC have worked together to create standard requirements for safer infant cribs. These standards dealt with 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 50.