Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs for bedside use allow parents to keep their infant close during the night without compromising safety. They are specifically designed for infants and can be used up to 6 to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed that has the ability to be lowered so that parents can pick up their infant during feeding time at night. The base cannot be placed under beds that are lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to monitor, soothe and feed their infants at night without having leave their bed. This type of 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. It is important to consider the safety aspects when purchasing an infant crib.
The primary safety concern with this type of sleep surface is that it's not an entirely secure barrier between the parent's bed and the infant sleeping area, resulting in gaps that could cause the risk of suffocation for infants. Additionally, sharing the bed with an infant can increase the body heat of the parents and raises the risk of overheating which can lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, they are not subject to CPSC's safety guidelines. They may feature the slats which allow a baby's head or legs to be trapped and their attachment mechanisms can be unstable and cause separation.
Furthermore, a lot of mattresses have loose bedding that can cause death. Babies lack the strength or coordination to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding and the gaps between the mattress and the frame could cause a danger of suffocation. Some of these items have a hard base that could cause injury to a baby if they fall onto it. One user suggested that the CPSC include pictograms in warnings for these products. This would lower the risk that caregivers miss key elements. Sleepers at the bedside need an easy transition system that stops the baby from falling off the parent's mattress.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, allows babies to sleep on their parents' beds, while having an independent sleeping space. This form of safe co-sleeping reduces the risks of entrapment, suffocation, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies close to their parents and within arms' reach for feedings during the night or for comforting.
Baby bedding for sleepers beside the bed can include bumpers and crib sheets. It can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Be sure that any bedding you use is suitable for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges or pockets that might impede the baby's breathing. Also, make sure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and snugly fits without gaps around the edges.
When selecting bedding sets, look for a set that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your baby is having accidents or spits up during the night. Consider a travel kit to make it easier to pack and unpack your bedside sleeping set when you're going to visit grandparents or on vacation.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition them to a standalone toddler or crib. When you transition to a crib, take it away from the bed of your parents over the course of weeks or months to allow your child to become comfortable sleeping in his own space but still feel connected to them. Choose a crib that can be folded up to be stored and transported. Some models can be converted into a play area or a more substantial bassinet. lowest price makes them an excellent choice for parents who travel often.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which attaches to the side of the adult bed and has one side higher than the other which allows parents to reach out to care for their child at night. It could also come with a tilt function to help ease reflux in infants. Some parents have reported that this feature helps their babies sleep better. However it is crucial to remember that a sloped or elevated sleeping surface may cause your child to fall into a dangerous chest-to-chin position. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
A mattress that is suitable for your child is an important factor when choosing the right crib for your child's bed. It must be flat and firm and ventilated. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and be able to fit into the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the risk of SIDS which is why it is recommended to purchase new crib mattresses. Some retailers offer mattresses made for specific bed frames, therefore it is recommended to choose them if you can.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to be tucked under your bed to save space and bring your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds are too low to accommodate this type of crib. The BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide under some beds. It isn't easy to secure the BassiNest underneath a divan, and this could cause it to shift or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other bassinets for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be placed close to your mattress however they aren't able tilt. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to roll into an unsafe position, increasing the chance of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or a bassinet, is a small crib attached to the side of a bed designed for adults. This lets parents easily access their child during the night. They are usually larger than the traditional cots and bassinets, and some even have a an lower part that creates an elongated barrier between the sleep spaces. They are constructed of solid materials and have wheels to make them easier to move around the home.
Some cribs for bed have a tilt feature that can aid babies suffering from digestive issues like reflux or colic. However, it's important to utilize this feature with extreme care and at a very small angle to avoid suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether or not to use this feature, speak to your GP or health visitor for guidance.
Another important aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is the mattress. The mattress should be smooth, firm and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can lead to a trapped airway, which is dangerous for babies. A breathable mattress can also aid your child in staying cool during the night, which reduces the chance of overheating.
It is recommended to put your baby to bed in their own secure sleeping space - a crib, cot or Moses basket. It may seem tempting to sleep in the same bed with your baby however this could lead to SIDS. Wait until your baby can sleep independently before attempting to sleep with them. If you must, make sure your bedroom is smoke-free to safeguard your child from second-hand smoke. Plunket might be able to help with a bassinet or crib if you have a low-income.
Second-hand cribs
Frugal-minded parents may be tempted to purchase or accept a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle for a gift from a relative or friend. Cribs are among the nursery products that can cause death, especially when older cribs are damaged or missing parts, or have wider spaces between the slats. Older mattresses may also develop dips or other issues that can be risky for your baby. If your crib is old enough to predate the safety guidelines in place the crib could be contaminated by lead paint and could contain other toxic chemicals.
If you are considering purchasing a used crib, look to see if it has been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Check if the crib was painted with water-based paint, because this is safer for babies. Make sure the mattress is firm, and that it fits comfortably. Babies are prone to slip out of soft mattresses as well as present a risk of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay close attention to any used bassinets, cradles, and play yards. They should all be JPMA-certified and free of sharp edges that could scratch or poke your baby. Avoid adding pillows, blankets or toys to these products which could create entrapment hazards.
Children have died in cribs that were altered or played with. Most of these incidents occurred when parents or caregivers attempted to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by adding or modifying things. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have teamed up to establish mandatory standards for safer cribs, addressing things like side heights, slat spacing, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts in end panels. In the past few years, the number of deaths attributed to cribs has decreased from 150 to 200 per year to around 50.