Bedside Baby Beds
Baby bedside cribs let parents keep their infant close at night without compromising safety. They are designed to be used by newborns up until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel that can be swivel over the bed of that has the ability to be lowered so that parents can pick up their infant during feeding times at night. The base is not suitable under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside crib lets parents keep their babies close to them for evening feedings, comforting and monitoring without leaving their own bed. This sleep arrangement is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth, or who are unable to move around. baby bedside crib can also help parents stay more rested throughout the night. It is important to consider the safety aspects when purchasing the bedside crib.
This kind of sleeping surface presents a safety hazard because it does not provide a complete barrier to the parent's sleeping area and the infant's sleeping area. This could lead to gaps that could pose suffocation hazards to young infants. Additionally sharing a bed with a child increases the body heat of the parent and raises the risk of overheating which could lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers to be safer than cribs, they are not covered by the CPSC safety standards. They may feature slats that allow a baby's head or legs to become trapped and their attachment mechanisms may be unstable and cause separation.
Many of these surfaces also have bedding that is loose which could lead to the risk of suffocation. Babies lack the strength or coordination to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding, and gaps between the mattress and the frame can cause a suffocation risk. Some of these beddings have an extremely hard bottom that could hurt a child if they fall onto it. One user suggested that the CPSC add pictograms as warnings for these products. This would lower the risk that caregivers overlook crucial elements. Moreover, bedside sleepers should have an easy transition mechanism to stop the baby from slipping off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper) lets babies sleep next to their parents' beds while still occupying a separate space. This safe form of co-sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation as well as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping babies close to their parents.
Baby bedding for sleepers in the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. It can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Be sure that any bedding you use is suitable for the bedside sleeper to avoid pockets or bulges which could hinder the baby's breathing. Also, ensure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits snugly without gaps around the edges.
When choosing a bedding set, look for one that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your infant is having accidents or spits up in the night. You might also want to think about a travel kit for your child's bedside sleeper to make it easy to take it out and back when you go on family vacations or visit grandparents' homes.
If your child has outgrown their bedside sleeper, you can change them to a stand-alone toddler or a crib. When transitioning, be sure to remove the crib from the parent's bed over several weeks or months to allow your child to get used to sleeping in their own space while still feeling connected to their parents. Be sure to select a crib that can fold easily for storage and transport. Some models can be converted into a play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them a great choice for parents who frequently travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which connects to the side of an adult bed and has one side higher than the other, allowing parents to reach out to care for their child at night. It could have a tilt feature to help ease reflux in infants. Some parents feel this feature helps their child sleep more comfortably. It is important to note that a slanted, or elevated, sleeping surface may stimulate your baby's chin into a the chest. This can cause suffocation, and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is a further important factor to consider when choosing a bedside crib. It must be flat and firm, as well as airy. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and fit snugly into the frame. A second-hand mattress could increase the risk of SIDS and it is recommended to purchase a new crib mattress. Some retailers offer mattresses made for specific bed frames, so it is best to choose these if possible.
Some bedside cribs, like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked under your bed to maximize space while bringing your baby closer. However some beds are too low for this kind of crib. The splayed feet of the BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath some beds. It is also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed which could cause it to rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs, such as the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be placed beside your mattress, but aren't able to tilt. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. A bassinet that is tilted or placed next to a crib can encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous position, increasing the chance of being suffocated.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also called a bassinet or co-sleeper, is a small crib attached to the side of a bed for adults. It allows parents to reach their child at any time during the night. These beds are generally larger than the traditional cots and bassinets. Some have an lower part that creates an unintentional barrier between the sleeping spaces. They are typically made of sturdy materials, and a lot of them come with wheels that allow for easy transportation around the home.
Some cribs for bedside use tilt features that can aid infants with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It is essential to use the tilt feature with caution and at a very small angle to prevent suffocation. If you're not sure whether or not to use this feature, speak to your GP or health care professional for guidance.
Another crucial safety factor to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is the mattress. The mattress should be smooth, firm and breathable, to lower the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can cause a blocked airway, which is extremely dangerous for newborns. A breathable mattress can also help your child stay cool at night, reducing the chance of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a safe sleeping space such as crib, cot, or Moses basket. While it could be tempting to put your child in a bed, it is a major risk of SIDS. Wait until your baby can sleep independently before you attempt to co-sleep. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to ensure your child is safe from second-hand smoke. If you're on a low income, you might be eligible for help with a crib or bassinet from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are looking to save money may be tempted by a secondhand bassinet, crib or cradle they acquire from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the leading causes of death due to nursery products particularly when older models are damaged or missing parts or if they have more space between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). Mattresses that are older can also develop dips or other conditions that could be hazardous for your baby. If your crib is old enough to predate the safety guidelines in place the crib could be contaminated by lead paint and may contain other harmful chemicals.
Examine if the crib has been removed from the crib. Check if the crib was painted with water-based paint, because this is safer for babies. Be sure that the mattress is firm, and that it fits comfortably. Babies can easily slide out of soft mattresses, which also could pose a danger of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay special attention to used bassinets, cradles, and play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp parts that your baby can scratch or poke at. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these items that could become dangers for entrapment.
Children have died in cribs that were 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 some way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have teamed up to set mandatory standards for safer cribs, addressing things like side heights, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts in end panels. As the result, deaths attributed to cribs have dropped from around 150 to 200 per year to about 50.