Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that are placed close to the bed allows parents to keep their baby close during the night without risking security. They are designed for use by babies up to 4-6 months old.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed with an end that can be pulled down to let parents pick up their newborn during nighttime feedings. The base is not suitable under beds that are lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to keep their babies close for feedings at night, comforting and monitoring without leaving their bed. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or with limitations in mobility. It may also help parents to sleep better at night. It is crucial to think about the safety features when buying an infant crib.
The primary safety concern with this type of sleeping surface is that it is not an entirely secure barrier between the parent's bed and the infant's sleeping area which can lead to gaps that could lead to the risk of suffocation for infants. Additionally, sharing a bed with an infant can increase the body heat of the parents and increases the risk of overheating which could lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that co-sleepers for bedside use to be safer than cribs, they are not covered by the CPSC safety standards. They may feature the slats which allow babies' legs or heads to be trapped and their attachment mechanisms may be unstable and cause separation.
Many of these surfaces also contain loose bedding, which can lead to the possibility of suffocation. Babies lack the muscle or coordination to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding, and the gaps between the mattress and the frame can create a suffocation hazard. Some of these products have a hard base that could cause injury to a baby should they fall onto it. One commenter suggested that CPSC add pictograms to the warnings for these products, which will decrease the chance of caregivers not knowing the most important elements. Additionally, bedside sleepers should have an easy transition mechanism to prevent the baby from slipping off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows babies to sleep beside their parents' beds, while still occupying a separate space. This method of sleeping in a safe manner reduces the chance of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping infants close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a baby who sleeps at night could include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers and stuffed animals. Make sure the bedding you choose is suitable for the baby's bed properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Also, make sure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits comfortably without gaps around the edges.
If you're in search of a bedding set that will keep your baby clean in the event that they fall or spill up during the night, select a set that is easy to clean and dries. You may also want to consider a travel kit for your bedside sleeper, to make it easy to take it out and back when you go on family vacations or visit your grandparents at their homes.
When your baby is no longer a bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition him or her to a crib or toddler that is its own. When transitioning, be sure to remove the crib from the bed of the parent for several months or even weeks to allow your child to be comfortable sleeping in their own space while still being a part of their parents' presence. Also, make sure you choose a crib that is able to fold up easily for storage and transportation. Some models can even be converted into an outdoor play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them an ideal option for parents who are new and are keen to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that connects to the side of an adult bed and has one side lower than the other, allowing parents to reach over to tend their baby during the night. It could have tilt features that help reduce reflux in infants. Many parents report that this feature can help their children sleep better. However it is crucial to note that a sloped or elevated sleeping surface can cause your child to sleep in a risky chest-to-chin position. This could lead to the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.
A good mattress is an important factor when choosing a crib for your child's bed. It must be firm, flat and airy. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably in the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS and it is recommended to purchase a new crib mattress. Some retailers offer mattresses made specifically for specific bed frames therefore it is recommended to use those if you can.
Some bedside cribs are designed to tuck under your bed in order to save space and bring your child close, such as the Halo BassiNest. However some beds are too low for this type of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath some beds. It's also difficult to slide it under a divan bed which can cause it to rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs, such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be set up beside your mattress but are not in a position to tilt. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilt of a bassinet could cause your child to fall into a risky position, increasing the risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or co-sleeper, is a small crib attached to the side of a bed for adults. This lets parents access their child at any time during the night. The beds are typically larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge that creates an enclosure between the sleeping areas. These beds are constructed from sturdy materials and most have wheels that make them easier to move around the home.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilt functions which can assist children with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It's important to use the tilt function with caution and at a moderate angle to prevent from suffocation. Speak to bedside crib travel cot or health care professional if are unsure whether to use the feature.
The mattress is an additional safety consideration to make when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress must be firm, flat and airy. A mattress that is too soft may result in a clogged airway, which is dangerous for babies. A mattress that is breathable will ensure that your baby stays cool during the night, which can reduce the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you put your baby to bed in their own secure sleeping area - a crib, cot or Moses basket. While it might seem tempting to put your baby in a bed, it poses a serious risk of SIDS. bedside cot wooden is 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 shield your baby from smoke from other rooms. If you're on a low income, you might be eligible for help with a crib or bassinet from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents looking to save money could be attracted by a secondhand crib, bassinet, or cradle that they get from a family member or friend. But, cribs are among of the leading causes of death due to nursery products, especially when older ones are damaged or missing parts or wider spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Older mattresses may also develop dips or other issues that can be dangerous for your baby. If a crib is too old to meet the safety standards of today it could be contaminated with lead paint or contain other harmful chemicals.
If you're considering buying a used crib, always check to see if it has been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Verify if the crib has been coated with water-based paint since this is safer for babies. Additionally, make sure the mattress is sturdy and snugly fits. Babies can easily slip out of mattresses with soft surfaces as well as pose suffocation risks.
Pay special attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles as well as play yards. They should all be JPMA certified, and have no sharp parts that your baby can scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these products, which can become dangerous entrapment risks.
Infants have died from cribs that were altered or tampered with. Most of these accidents occurred when parents or caregivers attempted to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by adding or modifying things. Since 1973 crib makers and the CPSC collaborated to create standard requirements for safer cribs for infants. These standards addressed issues like side heights, slat spacings, corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts for end panels. In the last few years, the number of crib-related deaths has decreased from 150 to 200 per year to 50.