Bedside Baby Beds
Baby bedside cribs let parents keep their baby close to them at night without compromising on safety. They are designed for newborns and are suitable for use up to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the parent's bed and comes with a push-down feature 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 infants close for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring, without having to leave their beds. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those who have limitations in mobility. It could also help parents sleep better at night. It is essential to think about the safety aspects when purchasing a bedside crib.
This kind of sleeping surface poses a safety concern because it doesn't provide an adequate barrier between the parents' sleeping space and the infant's sleeping area. This could result in gaps that can cause dangers of suffocation to infants. In addition, sharing a bed with a child can increase the body heat of the parents and increases the risk of overheating which can lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers have a higher safety rating than traditional cribs, these products aren't subject to the CPSC's safety standards. They could have slats that permit babies' legs or heads to be snagged and their attachment mechanisms may be unstable, and could cause separation.
Additionally, many of these sleep surfaces have loose bedding, which can cause death. Babies lack the strength and coordination to untangle their bodies from the soft bedding. The gaps between the frame and the mattress can create the risk of suffocation. Some of these products have a hard base that could cause injuries to a baby if they fall on it. One commenter suggested that CPSC include pictograms in its warnings about these products, which will decrease the chance of caregivers ignoring key elements. In addition, bedside cribs should come with a smooth transition mechanism to prevent the baby from slipping off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper or bassinet allows infants to sleep on their parents' beds and still have a separate sleeping space. This form of safe co-sleeping reduces the risks of entrapment, suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arms' reach for mid-night meals or for comforting.
Baby bedding for a bedside sleeper could include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers, and stuffed animals. Be sure that the bedding you choose fits the baby's bed properly. This will stop pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Make sure the mattress you choose for your baby's bed is firm and firmly fitted with no gaps around the edges.
When you are choosing a bedding set, search for something that's easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your baby has accidents or spits in the night. You may also want to think about a travel bag for your sleeper at night, so you can easily take it out and back when you travel with your family or visit grandparents at their homes.
If your child has outgrown their bedside sleeper, you can change them to a stand-alone toddler or a crib. When you transition, make sure to move the crib away from the parent's bed over several weeks or months so that your child can become comfortable sleeping in their own space while still being a part of their parents. Also, be sure to select a crib that you can fold up easily for storage and transport. Some models can be converted into a play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a great choice for parents who travel frequently.
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 out to take care of their child at night. It may have a tilt feature that helps reduce reflux in infants. Some parents have reported that this feature can help their babies sleep better. However, it is important to note that a sloped or elevated sleeping surface may cause your child to fall into a dangerous chin-to-chest position. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is a different aspect to consider when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It must be flat and firm and airy. The size should match the dimensions of the crib and fit snugly in the frame. A second-hand mattress could increase the risk of SIDS, so it is recommended to purchase an entirely new crib mattress. Some retailers offer mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames so it is best to use these if possible.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to fit under your bed in order to save space and bring your child close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds are too low to be able to accommodate this type of crib. The splayed feet of the BassiNest make it difficult to slide underneath some beds. It is also a challenge to place it under a divan bed which can cause it to rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be placed next to your mattress, but aren't able to tilt. CHOICE recommends that bedside crib and travel cot use these beds if they have a solid air-conditioned bed. The tilting of a bassinet can encourage your child to slide into a risky position, increasing the danger of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside baby bed also called a co-sleeper, or bassinet, is a tiny crib that attaches to the sides of a bed for an adult. This lets parents easily access their child during the night. These beds are typically larger than standard cots or bassinets. Some have an lower part that creates a short separation between the sleeping spaces. These beds are constructed from sturdy materials, and many have wheels that make them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs for bedside use tilt features, which can help children with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. But, it's crucial to make use of this feature with utmost care and at a slight angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. Speak to your doctor or health visitor if you aren't sure whether you should use the feature.
The mattress is an additional safety consideration to make when choosing a crib for your child's bedside. The mattress must be solid, flat and breathable to reduce the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too firm can cause an obstruction in the airway of newborns, which can be dangerous. A breathable mattress will also help your baby stay cool throughout the night, which will decrease the chance of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a safe sleeping space - crib, cot, or Moses basket. It could be tempting to sleep in the same bed with your baby, but this can lead to SIDS. It's best to wait until your baby is old enough to sleep independently before attempting to sleep with them. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to protect your child from secondhand smoke. Plunket can assist with a bassinet or crib if you have a low-income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents looking to save money may be tempted by a used bassinet, crib or cradle they get from a family member or friend. But, cribs are among of the most common causes of nursery-product related deaths particularly when older models have damaged or missing parts or larger spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Additionally, older mattresses could develop dips and other issues that could pose danger to your baby. If bedside crib that turns into cot is old enough to be predated by the current safety standards the crib could be contaminated by lead paint, and could contain other harmful chemicals.
Check whether the crib has been removed from the crib. 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. Ensure that the mattress is firm and that it is fitted snugly. Babies are prone to slip out of soft mattresses as well as could pose a danger of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay particular attention to any 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 pillows, blankets or toys to these products, which can become dangerous entrapment risks.
Children have died in cribs that had been tampered with or altered, and most of the incidents occurred when caregivers and parents attempted to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding items or modifying them in a way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have collaborated to set mandatory standards for cribs that are safer, and have addressed things like side heights, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts in the end panels. In the last few years the number of crib-related deaths has decreased from 150 to 200 a year to just 50.