Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be set near the bed will allow parents to keep their child close at night, without any risk to safety. They are made to be used by newborns up to 4-6 months old.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel that can be swivel over the bed of that has an end that can be pushed down to allow parents to pick up their infant during feeding times at night. However, 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 babies at night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering after childbirth or with limitations in mobility. It can also assist parents sleep better at night. It is important to consider the safety features when buying a bedside crib.
The main safety issue for this type of sleep surface is that it's not a complete barrier between the parent's bed and the infant's sleeping area and can result in gaps that could lead to suffocation risks to young infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent and could increase the risk of overheating. This can lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim co-sleepers for bedside use to be safer than cribs, they're not subject to the CPSC safety standards. They could have slats that permit the baby's legs or head to become trapped and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable and lead to separation.
Furthermore, a lot of mattress frames have loose bedding that can cause death. Babies lack the strength or coordination to remove themselves from the tangles of soft bedding and the gaps between the mattress and the frame can cause a danger of suffocation. Some of these products have a hard base that could cause injuries to a baby should they fall onto it. One commenter suggested the CPSC add pictograms as warnings on these products. This will lower the risk that caregivers miss key elements. Additionally, bedside sleepers must have a smooth transition mechanism to prevent the baby from sliding off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows infants to sleep beside their parents' beds while still occupying 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 to sleep in the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. They can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Make sure that any bedding you select fits the bedside sleeper properly to avoid pockets or bulges that might impede the baby's breathing. Make sure that the mattress you purchase for your sleeping baby is firm and fits tightly without any gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for bedding sets to keep your baby clean in the event that they have accidents or spit up in the night, choose something that is easy to wash and dries. Consider an item for travel to help you pack and take your bedside sleeper out of the bag while you're away on vacation or visiting grandparents.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, you are able to transition them to a standalone toddler or a crib. When transitioning, make sure to move the crib away from the parent's bed over several months or even weeks so that your child can get used to sleeping in their own space, while still feeling connected to their parents' presence. Choose a crib that can be folded away for storage and transport. Some cribs can be converted into a play yard or deeper bassinet. This makes them a perfect option for parents with young children who like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also referred to as bassinet, is a piece of furniture that is attached to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other side to allow parents to access their infant at the end of the night. It could have a tilt feature that helps ease reflux in babies. Some parents have reported that this feature helps their children sleep better. It is important to remember that a slanted or elevated, mattress can stimulate your baby's chin into a chest position. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is another key factor when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It should be firm, flat and ventilated. The mattress should be the same size as the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. A second-hand mattress could increase the chance of SIDS which is why it is recommended to buy an entirely new crib mattress. Some retailers offer mattresses made for specific bed frames, so it is best to stick with them if you can.
Some bedside cribs are designed to tuck under your bed in order to save space and bring your baby close, like the Halo BassiNest. Some beds are too low to be able to accommodate this type of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It is also a challenge to place it under a divan bed which could cause it to rock or move out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets, like the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be positioned on top of your mattress, but they cannot tilt. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to fall into a dangerous position which increases the risk of the possibility of suffocation.
travel cot bedside crib -to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper is a crib attached to the side of a bed for adults. This allows parents to be able to easily access their child throughout the night. These beds are generally larger than standard cots or bassinets, and some even have a a lower side that forms an elongated barrier between the sleep spaces. These beds are constructed from sturdy materials, and many have wheels that make them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs for bed have tilting features that aid babies suffering from digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It is important to make use of this feature with utmost care and at a very gentle angle to avoid the risk of being suffocated. If you're unsure about whether or not to make use of this feature, talk to your GP or health professional for guidance.
Another important aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is the mattress. The mattress must be solid, flat and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too firm can cause obstruction of the airway in newborns, which is dangerous. A mattress that is breathable will help your baby stay cool throughout the night, which will lower the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a safe sleeping area - crib, cot, or Moses basket. While it could be tempting to put your baby in a bed, this could be a risky way to get SIDS. It is recommended to wait until your baby is old enough to go to bed independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to protect your child from second-hand smoke. Plunket can assist with a crib or bassinet if you have a low-income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are frugal may be enticed to buy or accept a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle from a friend or relative. However, cribs are one of the main causes of death due to nursery products particularly when older models have missing or damaged parts or more space between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). Additionally, older mattresses can develop dips and other conditions that can be hazardous for your child. If a crib is too old to meet the current safety standards it could be contaminated by lead paint or have other toxic chemicals.
If you're considering buying purchasing a used crib, be sure to check if it has been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Verify if the crib has been coated with water-based paint because this is safer for infants. Make sure the mattress is firm, and that it fits comfortably. Babies are prone to slip off mattresses that are soft, which also pose suffocation risks.
Pay particular attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles as well as play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and have no sharp edges that your child can scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these items, which can become dangers for entrapment.
Infants have died in cribs that were tampered with or modified, and most of the incidents were caused by caregivers and parents who attempted to make the cribs more useful or attractive by adding items or modifying them in a way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC collaborated to create the standards that are mandatory for safe cribs for infants. These standards dealt with things like side heights, slat spacings mattress fits, corner posts and cutouts on the end panels. In the last few years the number of deaths attributed to cribs has decreased from 150 to 200 per year to around 50.