Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be placed next to the bed allow parents to keep their child close during the night without compromising safety. They are designed to be used by infants from 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the bed of the parent. It features a push-down side that allows parents to scoop their baby up for feedings in the middle of the night. But, the base won't fit under beds that are less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to watch, comfort and feed their children at night without having leave their bed. This arrangement of sleep is perfect for new mothers recovering from childbirth or with limited mobility and may help parents stay well-rested throughout the night. It is essential to think about safety features when purchasing the bedside crib.
This kind of sleeping surface poses a safety concern because it doesn't provide an entirely secure barrier between the parent's sleeping area as well as the infant's sleeping space. This can lead to gaps that can cause the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent and can increase the chance of overheating. This could result in SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers to be safer than cribs, they aren't subject to the CPSC safety standards. bedside cots may have slats that allow babies' legs or heads to become trapped, and their attachment mechanisms may be unstable and cause separation.
A lot of these surfaces have loose bedding which could lead to the risk of suffocation. Babies do not have the muscle or coordination to remove themselves from the tangles of soft bedding, and gaps between the frame and the mattress can create a suffocation hazard. Some of these products have a tough base that could cause injury to a baby should they fall on it. One commenter suggested that the CPSC include pictograms as warnings for these products. This could reduce the chance that caregivers overlook crucial elements. Bedside sleepers need to have a smooth transition system that stops the baby from sliding off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper or bassinet allows infants to sleep beside their parents' beds, while having a separate sleeping space. This type of safe co-sleeping helps reduce the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping babies close to their parents.
Baby bedding to sleep beside the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. It could also include stuffed animals and blankets. Make sure the bedding you choose is suitable for the sleeping baby's bed in a proper way. This will stop pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Make sure the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeping baby is sturdy and secure with no gaps around the edges.
If you're in search of bedding sets to keep your baby clean in case they fall or spill up during the night, pick a bedding that is easy to wash and dry. Consider an item for travel to make it easier to pack and take your bedside sleeper out of the bag while you're away on vacation or visiting grandparents.
If your child has outgrown their bedside sleeper, you are able to move them to a separate toddler or a crib. When transitioning to a crib, move it away from the parents' bed over a period of a few weeks or even months to let your child learn to sleep in his own space but still feel connected to them. Be sure to select a crib that you can fold easily for storage and transportation. Some cribs can be transformed into a play area or a larger bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who travel often.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which is attached to the side of the adult bed and has one side higher than the other which allows parents to reach over to care for their child during the night. It may also have a tilt feature to help reduce reflux in babies. Some parents find this feature helps their baby sleep better. However, it is important to remember that a sloped or elevated sleeping surface can encourage your child to sleep in a risky chin-to-chest posture. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
best bedside cots is also a key factor in choosing the crib for your child's bed. It must be firm, flat and breathable. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. It is recommended to purchase a new mattress for your crib as a second-hand one could increase the chance of SIDS. Some retailers offer mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames, so it is best to stick with those if you can.
Some bedside cribs are designed to tuck under your bed to save space and bring your child close, like the Halo BassiNest. Some beds aren't tall enough to accommodate this kind of crib. The BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide under some beds. It may be difficult to place the BassiNest in a divan, and this could cause it to shift or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be placed beside your mattress, but aren't capable of tilting. CHOICE suggests that parents only use these beds when they have a sturdy and breathable mattress. The tilting of a bassinet can encourage your child to slide into a dangerous position, increasing their chance of dying.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also referred to as co-sleeper or bassinet, is a small crib that is attached to a side of a bed designed for adults. This lets parents easily access their child during the night. The beds are typically larger than traditional bassinets or cots. Some have a lower edge, which creates an obstacle between the sleeping areas. They are constructed of sturdy materials and most have wheels that make them easier to move around the home.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilting features that help babies who suffer from digestive issues, such as reflux or colic. It is important to use the tilt feature with care and at a moderate angle to prevent the risk of suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether or not to use this feature, speak to your physician or health care professional for guidance.
The mattress is a further safety factor to consider when choosing a crib for your child's bedside. The mattress should be solid, flat and breathable to reduce the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can lead to a trapped airway, which is extremely dangerous for infants. A mattress that is breathable will help your child stay cool during the night, which reduces the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a secure sleeping area - crib, cot or Moses basket. While it might seem tempting to put your baby in a bed, this is a major risk of SIDS. You should wait until your baby is able to sleep independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to ensure your child is safe from secondhand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you might be eligible for help with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are looking to save money might be enticed by a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle they acquire from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the leading causes of death due to nursery products particularly when older models have damaged or missing parts or have wider spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Older mattresses may also develop dips or other conditions that are hazardous for your baby. If a crib is not old enough to meet the current safety standards it could be contaminated with lead paint or other toxic chemicals.
If you're considering buying purchasing a used crib, be sure to check if it has been recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It's also recommended to verify whether the crib has been painted with water-based paint, which is more safe for infants than oil or phthalic paint. Also, ensure that the mattress is sturdy and snugly fits. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to fall out and can pose a danger of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay special attention to 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 entrapment hazards.
Children have died in cribs that had been tampered with or modified and the majority of incidents were caused by caregivers and parents who attempted to make the cribs more useful or attractive by adding things or modifying them in some way. Since 1973, the crib manufacturers and the CPSC have collaborated to set mandatory standards for safer cribs, including things like side height, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts in the end panels. In the last few years the number of crib-related deaths has dropped from 150-200 per year to around 50.