Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs in bed allow parents to keep their baby close during the night without compromising on safety. They are designed for use by babies up to 4-6 months old.
The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the parent's bed and has a push-down side that lets parents take their newborn baby in for feedings in the middle of the night. The base cannot be placed under beds lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside crib lets parents keep their babies close to them for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without leaving their own beds. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering after childbirth or with limited mobility. It could also help parents sleep better at night. It is crucial to think about safety features when purchasing an infant crib.
The main safety concern with this type of sleeping surface is that it's not a complete barrier between the parent's bed and the infant's sleeping area which can lead to gaps that could pose suffocation risks to young infants. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent, which can increase the risk of overheating. This can lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are safer than traditional cribs, these products are not subject to the safety standards of the CPSC. They could have slats that allow a baby's head or legs to become trapped, and their attachment mechanisms can be unstable and cause separation.
Additionally, many of these mattresses have loose bedding, which can cause the suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to free their bodies from the soft bedding. Gaps between the frame and mattress can create the risk of suffocation. Some of these products have a tough base that can cause injury to a baby should they fall on it. One commenter suggested that CPSC add pictograms to its warnings on these products, which will decrease the chance of caregivers missing key elements. Sleepers at the bedside need an easy transition system that stops the baby from sliding off the parent's mattress.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper allows infants to sleep next to their parents' beds, while having a separate sleeping space. This method of sleeping in a safe manner reduces the risk of suffocation as well as 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 toys. Be sure that the bedding you choose is suitable for the baby's bed properly. This will stop 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.
If you're in search of a bedding set to keep your baby clean in the event that they get sick or vomit up in the night, pick a bedding that is simple to wash and dries. Consider the possibility of a travel kit that will help you pack and unpack your bedside sleeping set when you're to visit grandparents or on vacation.
When your baby is no longer a bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition the child to a crib, or a toddler that is its own. When transitioning, be sure to remove the crib from the bed of your parent over several months or even weeks so that your infant can become comfortable sleeping in their own space while still being a part of their parents. Pick a crib that is able to be folded up to be stored and transported. Some models can even be converted to play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them a perfect option for parents with young children who love to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which connects to the side of the adult bed and has one side lower than the other, allowing parents to reach over to care for their child during the night. It could have a tilt feature that helps reduce reflux in infants. Some parents find this feature helps their child sleep better. However it is important to keep in mind that a sloped or elevated sleeping surface could encourage your child to sleep in a risky chin-to-chest position. This can lead to death and should be avoided.
Choosing a suitable mattress is a different aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed. It must be flat and firm, as well as breathable. The size should match the dimensions of the crib and fit snugly in the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the risk of SIDS, so it is recommended to buy an entirely new crib mattress. If possible, it is best to buy mattresses designed for specific bedframes.
Some bedside cribs are designed to fit under your bed to conserve space and keep your baby close, like the Halo BassiNest. However certain beds are too low for this type of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to slide under some beds. It is also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed, which can cause it to rock or move out of alignment with the mattress.
bedside crib with wheels of bedside bassinets such as the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be placed next to your mattress, but they cannot tilt. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib could encourage your baby to roll into an unsafe position and increase the chance of being suffocated.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a compact crib that attaches to the side of an adult's bed. This allows parents to easily access their child during the night. The beds are typically larger than the traditional cots or bassinets. Some have a lower edge, which creates an enclosure between the sleeping spaces. They are constructed of solid materials and come with wheels, making them easier to move around the home.
Some cribs for bedside use a tilt function that can aid babies with digestive issues like colic or reflux. However, it's important to utilize this feature with extreme care and at a very small angle to avoid suffocation. Speak to your doctor or health care professional if aren't sure whether you should use the feature.
Another crucial safety factor to consider when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress needs to be flat, firm and breathable. A mattress that is too soft can result in a clogged airway, which can be dangerous for infants. A mattress that is breathable will help your child remain cool during the night, which reduces the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you put your baby to bed in their own safe sleeping area - such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. While it might seem tempting to sleep with your baby in a bed, this poses a serious risk of SIDS. Make sure your baby is able to sleep independently before attempting to sleep with them. If you must, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to ensure your child is safe from secondhand smoke. If you're on a low income, you may be eligible for help with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to purchase or accept a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle as a hand-me-down from a family member or friend. Cribs are just one of the baby products that could cause death, particularly in older cribs that have damaged or missing parts or have a wider space between the slats. In addition, older mattresses may create dips and other conditions which could be dangerous for your child. If a crib is too old to meet current safety standards it could be contaminated by lead paint or contain other toxic chemicals.
If you're considering buying purchasing a used crib, check to see if it has been recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It's also recommended to verify whether the crib was painted with water-based paint which is safer for babies than oil or phthalic paint. Additionally, make sure the mattress is firm and secure. Babies can easily slip out of mattresses with soft surfaces as well as pose suffocation risks.
Pay special attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles, and play yards. They should all be JPMA certified, and have no sharp parts that your child could scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these items which could create entrapment hazards.
Infants have been killed in cribs that were tampered with or altered, and most of the incidents occurred when parents and caregivers attempted to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding items or modifying them in a way. Since 1973, crib manufacturers and the CPSC have collaborated to set mandatory standards for cribs that are safer, and have addressed things like side height, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts on end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have dropped from around 150-200 per year to less than 50.