Bedside Baby Beds
Baby bedside cribs let parents keep their baby close to them at night without compromising safety. They are designed specifically for newborns and are suitable for use up to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest swivels over the bed of the parent and has a push-down side that allows parents to take their newborn baby in for feedings in the middle of the night. However, the base won't fit under beds lower than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to keep their babies close to them for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without leaving their bed. This arrangement of sleep is perfect for mothers who are recovering from childbirth, or who have limited mobility. It could also help parents stay more relaxed throughout the night. It is, however, essential to consider safety features prior to purchasing a crib for your baby.
The main safety concern with this type of sleep surface is that it's not an entirely secure barrier between the bed of the parent and the infant's sleeping area which can lead to gaps that could cause the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent, which can increase the risk of overheating. This could result in SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are safer than traditional cribs, they aren't subject to the CPSC's safety standards. These cribs may have slats that permit babies' legs or heads to become trapped. Their attachment mechanisms may also be unstable, leading to separation.
Furthermore, a lot of mattress frames contain loose bedding that could cause suffocation. Babies do not have the strength or coordination to free themselves from entanglement in soft bedding, and gaps between the mattress and the frame can cause a suffocation risk. Some of these products also have a hard bottom that could cause injury to a baby when they fall on it. agree with this suggested that the CPSC include pictograms as warnings for these products. This will lower the risk that caregivers miss key elements. Bedside sleepers need to have a smooth transition system to prevent the baby from slipping off the mattress of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or bassinet) lets babies sleep in their parents' beds, while maintaining a separate space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation as well as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping infants close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a sleeper on the bed could include crib sheets and bumpers. They can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Make sure that any bedding you select is appropriate for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges or pockets that could obstruct the baby's breathing. Also, ensure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits snugly without gaps around the edges.
When you are choosing a bedding set, look for a set that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your baby has accidents or spits up at night. Consider the possibility of a travel kit that will make it easier to pack and unpack your bedside sleeping set when you're going to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.
When your baby outgrows the bedside sleeper you can transition your child to a crib or toddler that is on its own. When you transition, make sure to remove the crib from the bed of the parent for several months or weeks so that your child can get used to sleeping in their own space while still feeling connected to their parents' presence. Pick a crib that is able to be folded for storage and transportation. Some models can be converted into a play yard or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a perfect option for parents who are new and are keen to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed for adults and has one side lower than the other which allows parents to reach over to care for their child at night. It could also have a tilt function to help alleviate reflux in infants. Some parents find this feature helps their child sleep better. However it is crucial to keep in mind that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface could encourage your child to sleep in a risky chin-to-chest position. This can cause suffocation, and should be avoided.
A good mattress is an important factor when choosing the right crib for your child's bed. It must be flat and firm as well as breathable. The mattress should be exactly the same size as the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. It is recommended to buy an entirely new mattress for the crib, as a second-hand mattress could increase the chance of SIDS. Some retailers offer mattresses made specifically for specific bed frames therefore it is recommended to use those if you can.
Some bedside cribs are designed to be tucked under your bed in order to save space and bring your child close, such as the Halo BassiNest. However some beds are too low for this type of crib. Additionally, the BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It's also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed which could cause it to rock or move out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs, such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be placed next to your mattress but are not capable of tilting. CHOICE recommends parents to use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilt of a bassinet may cause your child to slide into a risky position, increasing their danger of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper or a bassinet, is a small crib attached to the side of a bed for adults. This lets parents easily access their child during the night. These beds are usually larger than the traditional cots or bassinets. Some have a lower edge, which creates a barrier between the sleeping areas. They are usually made of durable materials, and some come with wheels that allow for easy transportation throughout the house.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilt features that can aid babies suffering from digestive issues such as reflux or colic. However, it's important to make use of this feature with utmost care and at a very gentle angle to avoid the risk of the risk of suffocation. Consult your physician or health professional if you are unsure whether to use the feature.
Another crucial safety factor to consider when choosing a crib for a bedside is the mattress. To decrease the risk of SIDS, the mattress must be firm, flat and airy. A mattress that is too soft could lead to a trapped airway, which can be dangerous for newborns. A mattress that is breathable will aid your baby in staying cool during the night, which will decrease the chance of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in their own safe sleeping area - either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. While it might seem appealing to sleep with your baby in a bed, it could be a risky way to get SIDS. It is best to wait until your baby is old enough to go to bed independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you must, make sure your bedroom is not smoky to shield your baby from smoke from other rooms. If you're living on a low income, you may be eligible for assistance with a bassinet or crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who want to save money may be tempted by a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle they get from a family member or friend. But, cribs are among of the leading causes of death due to nursery products especially if they are damaged or missing parts or if they have larger spaces between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). Additionally, older mattresses could develop dips and other conditions that can be hazardous for your child. If your crib is not old enough to meet the safety standards of today, it may be contaminated by lead paint or have other harmful chemicals.
Examine if the crib has been recalled. It is also an excellent idea to determine whether the crib was painted with water-based paint which is more safe for infants than phthalic or oil paint. Also, ensure that the mattress is firm and fits snugly. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to slip out and can pose a danger of suffocation.
Pay special attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles, as well as play yards. All of them must be JPMA-certified and free from sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid putting pillows, toys or blankets with these products. They could pose an dangers to entrapment.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered with or altered and most of the incidents occurred when parents and caregivers attempted to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding things or altering them in a way. Since 1973, crib manufacturers and the CPSC have worked together to establish mandatory standards for cribs that are safer, and have addressed things like side height, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts in the end panels. In the last few years, the number of deaths attributed to cribs has dropped from 150 to 200 per year to 50.