Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs in bed let parents keep their baby close during the night without compromising safety. They are designed for newborns and can be used up to 6 to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest swivels over the parent's bed and comes with a push-down feature that lets parents scoop their baby up for middle-of-the-night feedings. However, bedside baby sleeper won't be able to fit under beds less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to monitor, comfort and feed their children at night without having leave their bed. This sleep arrangement is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth, or who are unable to move around. It can help parents stay relaxed throughout the night. However, it is important to evaluate safety features before purchasing a crib for your baby.
This type of mattress is a safety risk since it doesn't offer a complete barrier to the parent's sleeping area and the infant's sleeping area. This can lead to gaps that can cause the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed increases the body heat of the parent, which can increase the risk of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers to be safer than cribs, they're not required to meet the CPSC safety standards. They could have slats that permit a baby's head or legs to be trapped, and their attachment mechanisms can be unstable and lead to separation.
Many of these surfaces also contain loose bedding which could lead to the possibility of suffocation. Babies lack the strength or coordination to free themselves from entanglement in soft bedding, and the gaps between the frame and the mattress can cause a danger of suffocation. Some of these beddings have a hard bottom that could hurt a child when they fall on it. One commenter suggested that the CPSC include pictograms as warnings to these products. This will reduce the chance that caregivers overlook crucial elements. Bedside sleepers need to have a smooth transition system to prevent the baby from falling off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper lets babies sleep next to their parents' beds, while having an individual sleeping space. This method of sleeping in a safe manner reduces the chance of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping children close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a baby who sleeps at night could include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers, and stuffed animals. Make sure the bedding you select fits the sleeping baby's bed in a proper way. This will prevent pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Also, make sure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits snugly without gaps around the edges.
When selecting a bedding set, look for one that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your baby is having accidents or spits up in the night. Consider a travel kit to make it easier to pack and unpack your bedside sleeping set when you're going on vacation or visiting grandparents.
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 to a crib, move it away from the parents' bed over the course of a few weeks or even months to allow your child to get used to sleeping in their own space, but remain connected to them. Also, be sure to select a crib that you can fold easily for storage and transport. Some cribs can even be converted to play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who travel often.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also referred to as 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 access their infant at the end of the night. It could have tilt features that help reduce reflux in babies. Some parents report that this feature can help their children sleep better. It is important to remember that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface could cause your baby's chin to shift to the chest. This could result in death and should be avoided.
A suitable mattress is also crucial in deciding on the right crib for your child's bed. It should be firm, flat and ventilated. The mattress should be exactly the same size as the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. It is recommended to buy a new mattress for your crib since a second-hand one can increase the risk of SIDS. Some retailers offer mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames so it is best to choose them if you can.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to fit under your bed in order to save space and bring your baby close, like the Halo BassiNest. However some beds are too low for this type of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to slide underneath some beds. It's also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed, which can cause it to rock or move out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs like the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be placed next to your mattress, but they aren't in a position to tilt. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib can encourage your baby to slide into a risky position and increase the chance of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper, or bassinet, is a small crib that is attached to the edge of a bed for an adult. This lets parents be able to easily access their child throughout the night. The beds are typically larger than traditional bassinets or cots. Some have a lower edge that creates an obstacle between the sleeping spaces. They are usually made of sturdy materials, and many have wheels to make it easy to move throughout the home.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilting features that aid babies suffering from digestive issues such as colic or reflux. But, it's crucial to make use of this feature with utmost care and at a gentle angle to avoid the risk of being suffocated. If you're not sure whether to utilize this feature, speak to your GP or health professional for guidance.
The mattress is an additional safety factor to take into account when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress needs to be flat, firm and ventilated. A mattress that is too soft may result in a clogged airway, which can be dangerous for infants. A breathable mattress will also ensure that your baby stays cool during the night, which can lower the risk of overheating.
It's recommended that you put your baby to sleep in a secure sleeping space - such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. It might be appealing to share a bed with your baby but this could lead to SIDS. Make sure your baby is able to be able to sleep on his own before trying to co-sleep. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is smoke-free in order to protect your child from second-hand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you might be eligible for assistance with a crib or bassinet from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to purchase or take a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle from a friend or relative. Cribs are one of many nursery items that could lead to death, particularly when older cribs are damaged or missing parts, or have a wider space between the slats. Mattresses that are older can also develop dips and other conditions that are hazardous for your baby. And if a crib is old enough to predate current safety regulations it may be contaminated by lead paint and could contain other toxic chemicals.
If you're considering buying a used crib, always check to see whether it's been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is also an excellent idea to determine whether the crib has been painted with water-based paint, which is more safe for infants than phthalic or oil-based paint. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is firm and fits snugly. Babies can easily slide off mattresses that are soft as well as present a risk of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay close attention to any secondhand bassinets, cradles, and play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp edges that your baby can poke or scratch themselves on. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these items that could become entrapment hazards.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered or tampered with. Most of these incidents occurred when parents or caregivers tried to make the cribs functional or more attractive by incorporating or altering items. Since 1973 crib makers and CPSC collaborated to create mandatory standards for safer infant cribs. These standards addressed things like side heights, slat spacings corner posts, mattress fits, and cutouts on end panels. In the past few years the number of deaths attributed to cribs has decreased from 150 to 200 a year to around 50.