Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be set next to the bed allow parents to keep their baby close at night, without compromising the safety of their child. 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 pulled down to allow parents to pick up their newborn during feeding time at night. The base cannot be placed under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to watch, comfort, and feed their babies at night without having leave their bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or those who have limited mobility. It may also help parents to sleep better at night. It is important to consider the safety features when buying an infant crib.
This kind of sleeping surface is a safety risk since it doesn't offer an adequate barrier between the parents' sleeping space as well as the infant's sleeping space. This could lead to gaps which can pose dangers of suffocation to infants. Sharing a bed increases the body heat of the parent and can increase the chance of overheating. This can lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they are not subject to the CPSC safety standards. They could have slats that allow a baby's head or legs to be trapped and their attachment mechanisms may be unstable and cause separation.
Many of these surfaces have bedding that is loose which could lead to the risk of suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to remove themselves from soft bedding. There are gaps between the frame and mattress can create an entrapment risk. Some of these products have a tough base that could cause injuries to a baby should they fall on it. One commenter suggested that CPSC include pictograms in the warnings for these products, which would decrease the chance of caregivers not knowing the most important elements. Additionally, bedside sleepers must have an easy transition mechanism to prevent the baby from sliding off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows babies to sleep next to their parents' beds while maintaining a separate space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risk of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies close to their parents and within arm's reach for mid-night meals or comforting.
Baby bedding for a bedside sleeper could include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers, and toys. Make sure that the bedding you select fits the bedside sleeping baby properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Make sure that the mattress you purchase for your sleeping baby is firm and firmly fitted without any gaps around the edges.
When selecting a bedding set, look for something that's easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your child is having accidents or spits up during the night. It is also a good idea to consider a travel kit for your bedside sleeper, to make it easy to carry it around when you go on family vacations or visit your grandparents' homes.
When your child is no longer a bedside sleeper, it is possible to change them to a stand-alone toddler or a crib. When transitioning, be sure to remove the crib from the parent's bed over several weeks or months so that your infant can become comfortable sleeping in their own space while still being a part of their parents. Select a crib which can be folded away to be stored and transported. Some cribs can even be converted into an outdoor play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a perfect option for parents with young children who love to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that attaches to the side of a bed for adults and has one side higher than the other, allowing parents to reach over to care for their child at night. It could also have a tilt function that can help alleviate reflux in babies. 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 may encourage your baby to roll into an unsafe chin-to-chest position. This can cause suffocation, and should be avoided.
A mattress that is suitable for your child is a key factor in choosing the crib for your child's bed. It should be firm, flat and airy. The size should correspond to the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably in the frame. It is recommended to buy a new mattress for the crib since a second-hand one can increase the risk of SIDS. Some retailers offer mattresses designed for specific bed frames, therefore it is recommended to use them if you can.
Some cribs designed for bedside are made to tuck under your bed to conserve space and bring your child close, such as the Halo BassiNest. However certain beds are too low for this kind of crib. The BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It's also a challenge to place it under a divan bed, which could 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 aren't in a position to tilt. CHOICE recommends parents to use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet could cause your child to roll into a dangerous position, increasing their chance of dying.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper is a crib that is attached to a side of a bed designed for adults. This allows parents to access their child with ease during the night. These beds are usually larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge, which creates an obstacle between the sleeping spaces. They are typically made from durable materials, and some have wheels for easy transport throughout the home.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilt functions, which can help children with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It's important to use the tilt feature with care and at a very small angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. Consult your physician or health visitor if you are unsure whether to use the feature.
Another important aspect to consider when choosing a crib for a bedside is the mattress. The mattress should be solid, flat and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft could cause an obstruction in the airway of newborns, which is dangerous. A mattress that is breathable can aid your baby in staying cool during the night, which will lower the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a safe sleeping space such as crib, cot or Moses basket. While it could be tempting to sleep with your baby in a bed, this is a major risk of SIDS. It is recommended to wait until your baby is old enough to be able to sleep independently before attempting to sleep with them. If you must ensure that your bedroom is not smoky to safeguard your baby from second-hand smoke. If 4-in-1 bedside crib living on a low income, you might be eligible for help with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Frugal-minded parents may be tempted to purchase or take an old crib, bassinet or cradle from a relative or friend. But, cribs are among of the main causes of deaths involving nursery products particularly when older models have missing or damaged parts or if they have wider spaces between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). Additionally, older mattresses can create dips and other conditions which could be dangerous for your child. If a crib is too old to meet the safety standards of today it could be contaminated by lead paint or have other toxic chemicals.
If you're thinking of buying a used crib, always look to see if it has been recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is also a good idea to check whether the crib was painted with water-based paint, which is much safer for infants than phthalic or oil-based paint. Make sure the mattress is firm and that it fits comfortably. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to slip out and pose a suffocation risk.
Pay particular attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles as well as play yards. They should all be JPMA-certified and free of sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid putting pillows, toys, or blankets to these products. They could be a potential dangerous for entrapment.
Children have died in cribs that had been tampered with or modified and most of the incidents were caused by caregivers and parents who tried to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding things or modifying them in a way. Since 1973, crib manufacturers and the CPSC have collaborated to establish standards that are mandatory for safer cribs, addressing things like side heights, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts on end panels. As the result, deaths attributed to cribs have dropped from around 150 to 200 deaths per year to less than 50.