Bedside Baby Beds
Baby bedside cribs let parents keep their infant close at night without compromising on safety. They are designed to be used by newborns up to 4-6 months old.
The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the bed of the parent. It comes with a push-down feature that allows parents to scoop their baby up for feedings in the middle of the 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 watch, comfort and feed their children throughout the night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or with limited mobility. It could also help parents to sleep better at night. It is essential to think about the safety aspects when purchasing an infant crib.
The main safety issue with this type of sleeping surface is that it is not a complete barrier between the bed of the parent and the infant sleeping area and can result in gaps that could cause the risk of suffocation for infants. In addition sharing a bed with an infant increases the body heat of the parent and raises the chance of overheating which can lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that co-sleepers for bedside use to be safer than cribs, they are not required to meet the CPSC safety standards. These cribs may include slats that allow a baby's legs or head to get stuck. Their attachment mechanisms may be unstable, resulting in separation.
Many of these surfaces also contain loose bedding that could cause the risk of suffocation. 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 a suffocation risk. Some of these items have a hard bottom that could hurt a child should they fall upon it. One commenter suggested that the CPSC add pictograms as warnings on these products. This could lower the risk that caregivers overlook crucial elements. In addition, bedside cribs should have an easy transition mechanism to keep the baby from slipping off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or a co-sleeper, allows babies to sleep next to their parents' beds while maintaining an individual sleeping space. bedside cot co sleeper of co-sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping babies close to their parents.
Baby bedding to sleep on the bed could include crib sheets and bumpers. It can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Make sure that the bedding you use is appropriate for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges or pockets that could obstruct the baby's breathing. Also, ensure 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, look for a set that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your infant has accidents or spits up at night. It is also a good idea to think about a travel kit for your child's bedside sleeper so you can easily pack and unpack it when you go on family vacations or visit the grandparents home.
When your child is no longer a bedside sleeper, you are able to change them to a stand-alone toddler or a crib. When transitioning to a crib, remove it from the bed of your parents over a period of a few weeks or even months so that your child can get used to sleeping in their own space, but remain connected to them. Also, be sure to select a crib that can fold easily for storage and transportation. Certain models can be transformed into a play yard, or a more substantial bassinet. This makes them a great choice for parents who travel frequently.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which connects to the side of a bed for adults and has one side lower than the other and allows parents to reach out to care for their child at night. It could have a tilt feature that helps alleviate reflux in babies. Some parents have reported that this feature helps their children sleep better. However, it is important to note that a slanted or elevated sleeping surface could encourage your child to fall into a dangerous chin-to-chest position. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
A suitable mattress is also a key factor in choosing the crib for your child's bed. It should be firm, flat and airy. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. It is recommended to buy a new mattress for the crib as a second-hand one can increase the risk of SIDS. Some retailers offer mattresses made specifically for specific bed frames, therefore it is recommended to choose these if possible.
Some bedside cribs, like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be placed under your bed in order to save space while bringing your baby closer. Some beds are too narrow to be able to accommodate this type of crib. The BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide under some beds. It is also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed, which could cause it to slide or sway out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets such as the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be set next to your mattress, however, they aren't able to be slanted. CHOICE suggests that parents only use these beds when they have a sturdy air-conditioned bed. The tilt of a bassinet may cause your child to fall into a risky position, increasing their chance of dying.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside baby bed also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a tiny crib that can be attached to the side of an adult's bed. This lets parents easily access their child during the night. These beds are usually larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge that creates an enclosure between the sleeping spaces. They are usually constructed of durable materials, and many have wheels for easy transport throughout the home.
Some cribs for bedside use a tilt function 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 the risk of suffocation. If you're unsure about whether or not to use this feature, speak to your GP or health visitor for guidance.
The mattress is a further safety consideration to make when choosing a crib for your child's bedside. The mattress must be smooth, firm and breathable, to lower the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft could cause obstruction of the airway in infants, which can lead to danger. A breathable mattress can also help your child remain cool during the night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a secure sleeping area - crib, cot or Moses basket. It may seem tempting to sleep in the same bed as your infant however this could cause SIDS. It's best to wait until your baby is old enough to go to bed independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you need to, make sure your bedroom is not smoky to protect your baby from second-hand smoke. If you're on a lower income, you might be eligible for assistance with a crib or bassinet 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 among the nursery products that can cause death, especially when older cribs are broken or missing parts, or have wider spaces between the slats. Older mattresses may also develop dips and other conditions that could be risky for your child. If your crib is too old to meet the safety standards of today, it may be contaminated with lead paint or other harmful chemicals.
If you are considering purchasing a crib that is used, look to see if it has been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Verify if the crib has been painted with water-based, as this is safer for infants. Additionally, make sure the mattress is sturdy and snugly fits. Soft mattresses can cause babies to fall out and also pose a suffocation risk.
Pay special attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles, and play yards. They should all be JPMA-certified and free of sharp edges that could hurt or poke your baby. Avoid adding pillows, blankets or toys to these products, which can become entrapment hazards.
Infants have been killed in cribs that were altered with or modified and the majority of incidents were caused by caregivers and parents who attempted to make the cribs more useful or attractive by adding items or modifying them in some way. Since 1973 crib makers and CPSC worked together to establish mandatory standards for safer cribs for infants. These standards dealt with things like side heights, slat spacings, corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts on the end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have decreased from 150-200 per year to around 50.