Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs in bed let parents keep their infant close at night without compromising safety. They are designed specifically for newborns and are suitable for use up to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the parent's bed and has a push-down side that lets parents scoop up their newborn for middle-of-the-night feedings. But, the base won't be able to fit under beds less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to monitor, soothe and feed their children throughout the night without having to leave their bed. This sleep arrangement is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those with limited mobility and may help parents remain more well-rested throughout the night. However, it is important to evaluate safety features before purchasing a crib for your baby.
The main safety issue for this type of sleep surface is that it's not an entirely secure barrier between the bed of the parent and the baby's sleeping space and can result in gaps that could pose suffocation risks to young infants. In addition sharing the bed with an infant can increase the body heat of the parents and increases the chance of overheating which can contribute to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers have a higher safety rating than traditional cribs, these products do not meet CPSC's safety guidelines. These cribs may include slats that allow the baby's head or legs to be trapped. The attachment mechanisms could also be unstable, leading to separation.
Many of these surfaces have bedding that is loose that could cause the risk of suffocation. Babies lack the strength or coordination required to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding, and gaps between the mattress and the frame can cause a danger of suffocation. Some of these products have a tough base that could cause injuries to a child if they fall on it. One user suggested that CPSC add pictograms to its warnings about these products, which would lower the risk of caregivers not knowing the most important elements. Sleepers at the bedside need an easy transition system that prevents the baby from slipping off the parent's mattress.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper) allows infants to sleep next to their parents' beds while maintaining a separate space. This form of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies close to their parents and within arms' reach for middle-of-the-night feedings or for comforting.
Baby bedding for a sleeper in the bed can include bumpers and crib sheets. It could also include blankets and stuffed animals. Be sure that the bedding you select fits the baby's bed properly. This will stop pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Also, make sure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeper is firm and snugly fits without gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for a bedding set that will keep your baby clean in case they fall or spill up during the night, select a set that is simple to wash and dry. You might also want to think about a travel bag for your bedside sleeper, to make it easy to pack and unpack it when you go on family vacations or visit the grandparents home.
If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition him or her to a crib, or a toddler that is its own. When transitioning, make sure to move the crib away from the parent's bed over several months or weeks so that your infant can be comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still being a part of their parents' presence. Also, be sure to choose a crib that is able to fold easily for storage and transport. Some models can be converted into a play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who are new and are keen to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which is attached to the side of an adult bed and has one side higher than the other and allows parents to reach out to care for their child at night. It could also come with an adjustable tilt feature that can aid in easing reflux in infants. Some parents have found that this feature helps their child sleep better. However it is important to keep in mind that a sloped or elevated sleeping surface may cause your child to fall into a dangerous chin-to-chest position. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
A suitable mattress is also an important factor when choosing the crib for your child's bed. It must be flat and firm, as well as ventilated. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and fit snugly in the frame. A second-hand mattress could increase the risk of SIDS and it is recommended to buy a new crib mattress. If you can, it's recommended to purchase mattresses that are made specifically for specific bed frames.
Some bedside cribs are designed to be tucked under your bed in order to save space and keep your baby close, like the Halo BassiNest. Some beds aren't tall enough to be able to accommodate this type of crib. Additionally, the BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It can be difficult to place the BassiNest in divans, which could cause it to move or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other bassinets for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be set next to your mattress, however they aren't able be slanted. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds when they have a firm air-conditioned bed. The tilting of a bassinet could cause your child to roll into a risky position, increasing their chance of dying.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside baby bed, also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a compact crib that attaches to the sides of an adult's bed. 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 that creates an obstacle between the sleeping spaces. They are constructed of solid materials and come with wheels, making them easier to move around the house.
Some bedside cribs come with tilting features that aid babies suffering from digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It's important to use the tilt function with care and at a small angle to prevent the risk of suffocation. If you're not sure whether to make use of this feature, talk to your physician or health visitor for guidance.
The mattress is a further safety consideration to make when choosing a crib for your child's bedside. To minimize the risk of SIDS, the mattress must be flat, firm and airy. A mattress that is too soft can result in a clogged airway, which is extremely dangerous for infants. A mattress that is breathable will ensure that your baby stays cool during the night, which will decrease the chance of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in their own safe sleeping space - either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. While it might seem tempting to put your baby in a bed, it could be a risky way to get SIDS. 4-in-1 bedside crib is recommended to wait until your baby is old enough to be able to sleep independently before attempting to sleep with them. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free in order to protect your child from second-hand smoke. Plunket might be able to help with a crib or bassinet if you have a low-income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents looking to save money could be tempted by a used crib, bassinet or cradle they get from a family member or friend. Cribs are among the baby products that could cause death, especially when older cribs are damaged or missing parts or have larger spaces between the slats. Older mattresses can also develop dips or other conditions that are risky for your child. And if a crib is old enough to be predated by current safety regulations, it could be tainted by lead paint and could contain other toxic chemicals.
Examine whether the crib has been recalls on the crib. Verify if the crib has been coated with water-based paint because this is safer for infants. Also, ensure that the mattress is sturdy and snugly fits. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to fall out, and they also pose a suffocation risk.
In addition to cribs, pay particular attention to any secondhand bassinets, cradles, and play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and have no sharp edges that your child can scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid adding pillows, blankets or toys to these products that could become dangers for entrapment.
Infants have been killed in cribs that had been tampered with or altered and most of the incidents were caused by caregivers and parents who tried to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding items or altering them in a way. Since 1973 crib makers and CPSC worked together to establish standard requirements for safer infant cribs. These standards dealt with things like side heights, spacing between slats, mattress fits, corner posts, and cutouts on end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have dropped from about 150 to 200 deaths per year to about 50.