Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that are placed close to the bed allows parents to keep their baby close at night, without compromising the safety of their child. They are made for use by babies up until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest swivels over the parent's bed and has a push-down side that allows parents to take their newborn baby in for middle-of-the-night feedings. The base is not suitable under beds lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to watch, comfort and feed their infants throughout the night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or with limited mobility. It may also help parents to sleep better at night. It is essential to think about safety features when purchasing an infant crib.
The primary safety concern with this type of sleep surface is that it is not an entirely secure barrier between the bed of the parent and the infant's sleeping area, resulting in gaps that could pose the risk of suffocation for infants. In addition sharing a bed with a child increases the parent's body heat and increases the risk of overheating which can contribute to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers have a higher safety rating than traditional cribs, these devices do not meet CPSC's safety guidelines. These products may have the slats which allow a baby's head or legs to be snagged, and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable and lead to separation.
Furthermore, a lot of mattress frames have loose bedding that can cause 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 could cause a suffocation risk. 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 for these products. This would reduce the chance that caregivers overlook crucial elements. Bedside sleepers need to have a smooth transition system that prevents the baby from slipping off the parent's mattress.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows infants to sleep in their parents' beds, but still having their own space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the risks of entrapment, suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arm's reach for middle-of-the-night feedings or comforting.
Baby bedding for sleepers beside the bed can include bumpers and crib sheets. It can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Make sure that the bedding you choose fits the baby's bed properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Make sure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeping baby is sturdy and secure without any gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for a bedding set to keep your baby clean in the event that they have accidents or spit up during the night, select a set that is simple to wash and dries. You might also want to think about a travel kit for your bedside sleeper, to make it easy to carry it around when you travel with your family or visit grandparents' homes.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, it is possible to change them to a stand-alone toddler or a crib. When transitioning, make sure to move the crib away from the parent's bed over several months or weeks so that your infant can get used to sleeping in their own space, while still feeling a sense of connection to their parents' presence. Also, make sure you select a crib that you can fold easily for storage and transportation. Some models can even be converted into a play yard or deeper bassinet. This makes them an excellent choice for parents who travel often.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, sometimes referred to as the bassinet, is a piece of furniture that is attached to the bed's side for adults. One side is lower than the other side to let parents reach their baby at night. It could have a tilt feature that helps alleviate reflux in babies. Some parents have found that this feature helps their child sleep more comfortably. It is important to remember that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface could encourage your baby's chin to the chest position. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
Selecting a mattress that is suitable is a different aspect to consider when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It should be firm and flat, as well as breathable. The size should correspond to the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably within the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the risk of SIDS and it is recommended to purchase new crib mattresses. If possible, it is best to buy mattresses that are designed 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 are too low to accommodate this type of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to slide under some beds. It's also difficult to slide it under a divan bed, which can cause it to slide or sway 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 able to tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents only use these beds when they have a sturdy and breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib can encourage your baby to slide into a risky position, increasing the risk of being suffocated.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside baby bed also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a compact crib that is attached to the edge of a bed for an adult. This lets parents access their child with ease at night. They are generally larger than the traditional cots or bassinets. Some have a lower edge, which creates an obstacle between the sleeping spaces. They are usually constructed from durable materials, and some have wheels for easy transport throughout the house.
Some cribs for bedside use tilt functions that can aid babies with digestive issues like reflux or colic. However, it's important to make use of this feature with utmost care and at a very slight angle to avoid being suffocated. Consult your physician or health visitor if you are unsure whether to use the feature.
The mattress is another important safety consideration to make 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 firm can cause an obstruction in the airway of infants, which can lead to danger. A breathable mattress can also help your child remain cool during the night, which reduces the risk of overheating.
It's recommended that you put your baby to sleep in their own secure sleeping area - a crib, cot or Moses basket. While twin bedside cot could be appealing to sleep with your child in a bed, this poses a serious risk of SIDS. Make sure your baby is able to sleep independently before you attempt to sleep together. If you must ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to shield your baby from smoke from other rooms. Plunket can assist with a crib or bassinet for those with a low income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are looking to save money might be attracted by a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle they receive from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the most common causes of death due to nursery products particularly when older models have missing or damaged parts or have larger spaces between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). Older mattresses can also develop dips and other issues that can be hazardous for your child. If a crib is not old enough to meet the current safety standards, it may be contaminated with lead paint or have other harmful chemicals.
Verify if the crib has been recalls on the crib. Check if the crib was coated with water-based paint because this is safer for babies. Be sure that the mattress is firm, and that it is fitted snugly. Babies can easily slide off mattresses that are soft and also present a risk of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay special attention to any used bassinets, cradles and play yards. They should all be JPMA-certified and free from sharp edges that could hurt or poke your baby. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these products which could create dangerous entrapment risks.
Children have died in cribs that had been tampered with or modified and most of the incidents occurred when caregivers and parents attempted to make the cribs more useful or attractive by adding items or modifying them in some way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to set mandatory standards for cribs that are safer, and have addressed issues like side height, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts on end panels. In the last few years the number of crib-related deaths has dropped from 150 to 200 per year to just 50.