Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs in bed allow parents to keep their baby close during the night without compromising safety. They are designed for use by babies from 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed that has the ability to be pushed down so that parents can take their baby into the crib during feeding times at night. But, the base won't be able to fit under beds less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed lets parents keep their infants close for evening feedings, comforting and monitoring, without having to leave their own bed. This sleep arrangement is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth, or who have limited mobility. It could help parents stay well-rested throughout the night. It is, however, essential to consider safety features prior to purchasing a crib for your baby.
This type of sleep surface presents a safety hazard because it does not provide a complete barrier to the parents' sleeping space and the infant's sleep area. This can lead to gaps which can pose dangers of suffocation to infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent, which can increase the risk of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are safer than traditional cribs, they do not meet CPSC's safety guidelines. They may feature slats that allow a baby's head or legs to be snagged and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable and cause separation.
Many of these surfaces contain loose bedding, which can lead to the risk of suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to untangle their bodies from the soft bedding. Gaps between the frame and mattress can also create the risk of suffocation. Some of these products have a tough base that could cause injuries to a baby should they fall upon it. One commenter suggested that the CPSC include pictograms as warnings to these products. This would decrease the likelihood that caregivers overlook crucial elements. Bedside sleepers must have an easy transition system that stops the baby from slipping off the mattress of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet lets babies sleep next to their parents' beds and still have an individual sleeping space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of entrapment, suffocation, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arms' reach for mid-night meals or for comforting.
Baby bedding for a baby who sleeps at night could include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers and toys. Make sure that the bedding you select is suitable for the bedside sleeper to avoid pockets or bulges that could obstruct the baby's breathing. Also, make sure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits snugly without gaps around the edges.
If you're in search of bedding sets to keep your baby clean in the event that they get sick or vomit up in the night, select a set that is easy to clean and dry. It is also a good idea to consider a travel kit for your sleeper at night, so you can easily pack and unpack it when you go on family vacations or visit the grandparents at their homes.
If your child has outgrown their bedside sleeper, you are able to change them to a stand-alone toddler or crib. When transitioning to a crib, move it away from the parents' bed over a period of weeks or months to allow your child to learn to sleep in his own space but remain connected to them. Also, be sure to choose a crib that is able to fold easily for storage and transportation. Some cribs can be converted to an outdoor play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them an ideal choice for new parents who are keen to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which connects to the side of the adult bed and has one side higher than the other, allowing parents to reach over to tend their baby at night. It could also have a tilt function to aid in easing reflux in babies. Some parents have found that this feature can help their child sleep better. It is important to note that a slanted or elevated, mattress can stimulate your baby's chin into a the chest. This can lead to death and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is a further important factor to consider when selecting a crib for your bed. It should be firm, flat and breathable. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably within the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the risk of SIDS and it is recommended to purchase an entirely new crib mattress. If you can, it's best to buy mattresses that are made specifically for specific bed frames.
Some bedside cribs are designed to tuck under your bed to save space and keep your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds are too low to accommodate this type of crib. The feet that are splayed out of the BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath some beds. It's also difficult to slide it under a divan bed which could cause it to rock or move out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs like the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be set up beside your mattress, but aren't in a position to tilt. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. A bassinet that is tilted or placed next to a crib could cause your child to roll into an unsafe position, increasing the risk of suffocation.
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 designed for adults. It allows parents to be able to easily access their child throughout the night. These beds are typically larger than standard cots or bassinets, and some have a lower side that forms an elongated barrier between the sleeping spaces. They are usually made of sturdy materials, and many come with wheels that allow for easy transportation throughout the home.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilt features 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 avoid suffocation. If you're not sure whether or not to use this feature, speak to your GP or health professional for advice.
The mattress is another important safety factor to take into account when choosing a crib for your child's bedside. 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 babies. A mattress that is breathable will aid your baby in staying cool during the night, which could lower the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in their own safe sleeping area - a crib, cot or Moses basket. Although it may be tempting to sleep with your baby in a bed, this is a major risk of SIDS. It is best to wait until your baby is old enough to sleep independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you need to, make sure your bedroom is not smoky to safeguard your baby from smoke from other rooms. Plunket may offer assistance with a crib or bassinet in the event that you are a low-income parent.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to buy or accept a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle from a family member or friend. Cribs are one of many nursery items that could lead to death, especially if older cribs have broken or missing parts, or have wider spaces between the slats. Older mattresses may also develop dips and other conditions that could be dangerous for your baby. And if a crib is older than the safety guidelines in place the crib could be contaminated by lead paint and may contain other harmful chemicals.
If you're considering buying a used crib, always look to see whether it's been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Check if the crib was painted with water-based, because this is safer for infants. Make sure the mattress is firm and that it is fitted snugly. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to slip out and also present a risk of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay close attention to any secondhand bassinets, cradles, and play yards. They should all be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges that could scratch or poke your baby. Avoid adding toys, pillows, or blankets to these products. They could pose an entrapment hazard.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered or tampered with. The majority of these deaths occurred when caregivers or parents attempted to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by adding or modifying things. Since baby bedside sleeper , the crib manufacturers and the CPSC have worked together to establish standards that are mandatory for safer cribs, addressing things like side heights, slat spacing, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts on end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have dropped from around 150-200 per year to less than 50.