Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs for bedside use let parents keep their newborn close during the night without compromising on safety. They are designed to be used by newborns up to 4-6 months old.
The Halo Bassinest swivels over the parent's bed and comes with a push-down feature that allows parents to scoop their baby up for feedings in the middle of the night. The base cannot be placed under beds lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed allows parents to keep their infants close for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without leaving their own sleeping arrangements. This type of 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 evaluate safety features before purchasing a crib for your baby.
This kind of sleeping surface poses a safety concern since it doesn't offer an adequate barrier between the parents' sleeping space as well as the infant's sleeping space. This could result in gaps that could pose the risk of suffocation for infants. In addition, sharing a bed with a child increases the body heat of the parent and raises the chance of overheating which could lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers to be safer than cribs, they aren't covered by the CPSC safety standards. These products can have slats which allow a baby's legs or head to become trapped. Their attachment mechanisms may be unstable, leading to separation.
Furthermore, a lot of sleep surfaces have loose bedding that can cause the suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to free themselves from bedding that is soft. Gaps between the frame and the mattress can also pose a suffocation risk. Some of these items have a hard base that could cause injury to a child if they fall onto it. One commenter suggested the CPSC include pictograms as warnings to these products. This will decrease the likelihood that caregivers are unaware of key components. Additionally, bedside sleepers should come with an easy transition mechanism to keep the baby from sliding off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a bassinet or co-sleeper) allows infants to sleep beside their parents' beds, while maintaining a separate space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risks of entrapment, suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies close to their parents and within arm's reach for feedings during the night or comforting.
Baby bedding for a sleeper on the bed could include crib sheets and bumpers. It can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Make sure that any bedding you choose to use is suitable for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges or pockets which could hinder the baby's breathing. Also, ensure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits comfortably without gaps around the edges.
If you're in search of a bedding set to keep your baby clean in case they get sick or vomit up during the night, pick a bedding that is easy to wash and dry. Consider the possibility of a travel kit that will help you pack and take your bedside sleeper out of the bag when you're to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.
When your baby outgrows the bedside sleeper you can transition him or her to a crib or a toddler that is all on its own. When you transition, make sure to remove the crib from the bed of the parent for several months or even weeks so that your infant can get used to sleeping in their own space while still feeling a sense of connection to their parents. Be sure to choose a crib that is able to fold up easily for storage and transportation. Some cribs can be converted to a play yard or deeper 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 a bed for adults and has one side higher than the other and allows parents to reach out to take care of their child during the night. It may also have a tilt feature to help ease reflux in babies. Some parents feel this feature helps their child sleep better. However it is important to keep in mind that a sloped or elevated sleeping surface can encourage your child to roll into an unsafe chin-to-chest posture. This could 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 must be firm, flat and breathable. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and be able to fit into the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the risk of SIDS which is why it is recommended that you purchase a new crib mattress. If possible, it is recommended to purchase mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bed frames.
Some cribs designed for bedside are made to be tucked under your bed in order to save space and bring your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. However some beds are too low for this kind of crib. The feet that are splayed out of the BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath some beds. It isn't easy to secure the BassiNest underneath divans, which could cause it to shift or rock out of line with your mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets such as the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be placed close to your mattress however, they aren't able to be slanted. CHOICE suggests that parents only use these beds when they have a firm air-conditioned bed. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib could encourage your baby to roll into an unsafe position, increasing the risk of being suffocated.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a small crib that is attached to the sides of an adult's bed. This lets parents access their child at any time throughout the night. These beds are generally larger than the traditional cots and bassinets, and some have an lower part that creates an unintentional separation between the sleeping spaces. They are usually made from durable materials, and some come with wheels that allow for easy transportation throughout the house.
Some cribs for bed have a tilt feature that can aid babies suffering from digestive issues, such as colic or reflux. It is important to utilize this feature with extreme care and at a very gentle angle to avoid the risk of being suffocated. If you're not sure whether or not to make use of this feature, talk to your GP or health visitor for guidance.
The mattress is another important safety factor to consider when choosing a crib for your child's bedside. The mattress should be firm, flat and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can result in obstruction of the airway in newborns, which can be dangerous. A mattress that is breathable will ensure that your baby stays cool during the night, which will reduce the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in their own secure sleeping space, such as either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. It could be appealing to sleep in the same bed as your baby but this could result in SIDS. Wait until bedside cosleeper can be able to sleep on his own before trying to co-sleep. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free in order to protect your child from secondhand smoke. If you're on a lower income, you might be eligible for assistance with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who want to save money may be attracted by a secondhand bassinet, crib or cradle they get from a family member or friend. But, cribs are among of the leading causes of nursery-product related deaths, especially when older ones are damaged or missing parts or have larger spaces between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). Additionally, bedside cosleeper can create dips and other conditions that can be hazardous for your baby. If your crib is not old enough to meet the current safety standards, it may be contaminated with lead paint or other toxic chemicals.
Examine if the crib has been recalls on the crib. Make sure the crib was painted with water-based, as this is safer for infants. Additionally, make sure the mattress is firm and fits snugly. Babies are prone to slip out of soft mattresses, which also pose suffocation risks.
In addition to cribs, pay particular attention to any used bassinets, cradles or play yards. They must all be JPMA certified, and have no sharp elements that your child could scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid putting pillows, toys or blankets with these products. They could pose an entrapment hazard.
Infants have been killed in cribs that were altered with or modified and the majority of incidents occurred when caregivers and parents tried to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding items or altering them in a way. Since 1973, crib manufacturers and the CPSC have collaborated to establish mandatory standards for safer cribs, including things like side height, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts on end panels. As the result, deaths attributed to cribs have decreased from 150 to 200 deaths per year to around 50.