Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be set next to the bed allow parents to keep their baby close at night, without risking the safety of their child. They are made for use by babies up until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed that has an end that can be pushed down to let parents take their baby into the crib during nighttime feedings. However, 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 babies close for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring, without having to leave their beds. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for new mothers recovering from childbirth or with mobility issues. It could also help parents to sleep better at night. It is important to consider the safety features when buying an infant crib.
The primary safety concern with this type of sleeping 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 dangers of suffocation to infants. Additionally, sharing the bed with an infant increases the parent's body heat and raises the risk of overheating, which can lead to SIDS.
While bedside cot crib claim bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they're not subject to the CPSC safety standards. They may include slats that allow the baby's head or legs to be trapped. The attachment mechanisms could also be unstable, leading to separation.
Additionally, many of these mattresses contain loose bedding that could cause the suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to remove themselves from soft bedding. Gaps between the mattress and frame can also pose a suffocation risk. Some of these products have a tough base that can cause injury to a baby should they fall upon it. One commenter suggested that CPSC include pictograms on its warnings about these products, which will decrease the chance of caregivers not knowing the most important elements. Bedside sleepers must have a smooth transition system that stops the baby from falling off the parent's mattress.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper or bassinet allows infants to sleep next to their parents' beds while maintaining a separate sleeping 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 arm's reach for mid-night meals or for comforting.
Baby bedding for sleepers on the bed could include crib sheets and bumpers. It can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Make sure that any bedding you select fits the bedside sleeper properly to avoid bulges or pockets which could hinder the baby's breathing. Also, make sure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and snugly fits without gaps around the edges.
When you are choosing a bedding set, search for one that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your child has accidents or spits in the night. It is also a good idea to think about a travel bag for your sleeper at night, so that you can easily take it out and back when you travel with your family or visit the grandparents at their homes.
If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition your child to a crib or toddler that is its own. When transitioning, be sure to move the crib away from the bed of the parent for several months or even weeks so that your infant can be comfortable sleeping in their own space while still feeling connected to their parents' presence. Pick a crib that is able to be folded up to be stored and transported. Certain models can be transformed into a play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who travel often.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that connects to the side of an adult bed and has one side higher than the other, allowing parents to reach out to take care of their child throughout the night. It could also come with a tilt function to aid in easing reflux in babies. Many parents report that this feature can help their babies sleep better. It is important to remember that a slanted, or elevated, sleeping surface may cause your baby's chin to shift to chest position. This could lead to the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.
A good mattress is crucial in deciding on the crib for your child's bed. It must be flat and firm, as well as ventilated. The size should correspond to the dimensions of the crib and fit snugly in the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the risk of SIDS, so it is recommended to purchase an entirely new crib mattress. Some retailers offer mattresses made specifically for specific bed frames, therefore it is recommended to use these if possible.
Some cribs for bedside use, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked away under your bed to save space while bringing your child closer. However, some beds are too low for this kind of crib. The feet that are splayed out of the BassiNest make it difficult to slide under some beds. It is also difficult to slide it under a divan bed which could cause it to rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets, like the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be positioned close to your mattress however they aren't able tilt. CHOICE suggests that parents only use these beds if they have a solid and breathable mattress. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib can encourage your baby to roll into an unsafe position, increasing the risk of the possibility of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper or a bassinet, is a small crib attached to the side of a bed designed for adults. This lets parents easily access their child during the night. They are usually larger than the traditional cots and bassinets. Some have a lower side that forms an elongated barrier between the sleeping spaces. They are constructed of solid materials and have wheels to make them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs with a bedside have a tilt feature that can aid babies suffering from digestive issues, such as colic or reflux. But, it's crucial to utilize this feature with extreme care and at a very slight angle to avoid suffocation. If you're unsure about whether you should use this feature, speak to your physician or health visitor for advice.
Another important aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. The mattress should be smooth, firm and breathable to reduce the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too firm could cause obstruction of the airway in newborns, which can be dangerous. A mattress that is breathable will aid your baby in staying cool throughout the night, which will reduce the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you put your baby to bed in their own secure sleeping area - either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. While it could be tempting to put your baby in a bed, it is a major risk of SIDS. Make sure your baby is able to be able to sleep on his own before trying to co-sleep. If you must ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to protect your child from second-hand smoke. Plunket can assist with a bassinet or a crib if you have a low-income.
Second-hand cribs
Frugal-minded parents may be tempted to purchase or accept a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle for a gift from a family member or friend. But, cribs are among of the main causes of death due to nursery products especially if they have damaged or missing parts or wider spaces between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). Older mattresses may also develop dips and other conditions that are risky for your child. If your crib is too old to meet current safety standards it could be contaminated with lead paint or other harmful chemicals.
If you're considering buying purchasing a crib that is used, check to see if it has been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It's also recommended to verify whether the crib has been painted with water-based paint which is much safer for infants than phthalic or oil-based paint. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is sturdy and snugly fits. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to fall out and also present a risk of suffocation.
Pay special attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles as well as play yards. They should all be JPMA certified, and have no sharp elements that your child could poke or scratch themselves on. Avoid adding cot bedside , pillows or blankets with these products. They could be a potential dangers to entrapment.
Infants have been killed in cribs that were altered with or altered and the majority of incidents occurred when parents and caregivers tried to make the cribs more useful or attractive by incorporating items or altering them in a way. Since 1973 crib makers and CPSC collaborated to create mandatory standards for safer cribs for infants. These standards dealt with things like side heights, slat spacings, corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts for end panels. In the last few years the number of deaths attributed to cribs has dropped from 150 to 200 per year to just 50.