Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that are placed close to the bed allows parents to keep their child close at night, without any risk to safety. They are designed specifically for newborns and can be used until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed with the ability to be pushed down to allow parents to take their baby into the crib during feeding times at night. The base cannot be placed under beds that are lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed allows parents to keep their babies close to them for feedings at night, comforting and monitoring, without having to leave their own sleeping arrangements. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or with limited mobility. It can also assist parents to sleep better at night. It is, however, essential to consider safety features prior to buying a bedside crib.
The primary safety concern with this type of sleeping surface is that it is not an entirely secure barrier between the parent's bed and the infant sleeping area and can result in gaps that could cause suffocation risks to young infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent and could increase the risk of overheating. This could result in SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers have a higher safety rating than traditional cribs, these devices aren't subject to the the safety standards of the CPSC. They could have slats that permit a baby's head or legs to be snagged, and their attachment mechanisms can be unstable, and could cause separation.
A lot of these surfaces contain loose bedding which could lead to the risk of suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to remove themselves from bedding that is soft. Gaps between the mattress and frame can also pose the risk of suffocation. Some of these beddings have an extremely hard bottom that could hurt a child should they fall upon it. One user suggested that CPSC include pictograms on the warnings for these products, which would lower the risk of caregivers ignoring key elements. Additionally, bedside sleepers should come with an easy transition mechanism to keep the baby from slipping off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a bassinet or co-sleeper) allows babies to sleep in their parents' beds while maintaining a separate space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risks of entrapment, suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arm's reach for mid-night meals or for comforting.
Baby bedding for a sleeper beside the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. They can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Make sure that the bedding you choose fits the baby's bed properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Also, ensure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeper is firm and snugly fits without gaps around the edges.
When selecting bedding sets, look for one that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your child has accidents or spits up at 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.
If your child has outgrown their bedside sleeper, you are able to move them to a separate toddler or a crib. When you transition to a crib, take it away from the bed of your parents over the course of a few weeks or even months to let your child learn to sleep in their own space, but still feel connected to them. Also, make sure you select a crib that you can fold easily for storage and transport. Certain models can be transformed into a play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them an excellent option for parents who frequently travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that connects to the side of a bed for adults and has one side lower than the other, allowing parents to reach out to care for their child throughout the night. It could also have a tilt function that can aid in easing reflux in babies. Some parents find this feature can help their child sleep more comfortably. However it is crucial to keep in mind that a sloped or elevated sleeping surface could cause your child to sleep in a risky chin-to-chest position. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is a different aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib. It must be firm, flat and breathable. The size should match the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably within the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the chance of SIDS which is why it is recommended to purchase new crib mattresses. If you can, it is best to buy mattresses designed for specific bedframes.
Some cribs for bedside use, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be placed under your bed to make space while bringing your child closer. Some beds aren't tall enough to be able to accommodate this type of crib. The BassiNest's legs with splayed feet make it difficult to slide under some beds. It isn't easy to tuck the BassiNest under a divan, which could cause it to shift or rock out of line with your mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be placed next to your mattress, but they aren't able to tilt. CHOICE suggests that parents only use these beds when they have a firm air-conditioned bed. A bassinet that is tilted or placed next to a crib could cause your child to roll into an unsafe position which increases the chance of being suffocated.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper, or bassinet, is a small crib that can be attached to the sides of an adult's bed. This lets parents be able to easily access their child throughout the night. These beds are usually larger than the traditional cots or bassinets. Some have a lower edge that creates an enclosure between the sleeping areas. They are constructed of sturdy materials and most come with wheels, making them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs for bed have a tilt feature that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It's important to use the tilt feature with caution and at a small angle to prevent suffocation. If you're unsure about whether you should make use of this feature, talk to your physician or health care professional for advice.
The mattress is an additional safety factor to take into account when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. To reduce bedside crib and cot for SIDS, the mattress must be flat, firm and ventilated. A mattress that is too soft can cause a blocked airway, which is dangerous for newborns. A mattress that is breathable will aid your child in staying cool at night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you put your baby to sleep in their own secure sleeping area - such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. It may seem tempting to sleep in the same bed as your infant, but this can lead to SIDS. It is best to wait until your baby is old enough to sleep independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to ensure your child is safe from secondhand smoke. If you're on a lower income, you may be eligible for help with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Frugal-minded parents may be tempted to purchase or take a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle for a gift from a relative or friend. But, cribs are among of the main causes of nursery-product related deaths, especially when older ones have missing or damaged parts or if they have wider spaces between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). Additionally, older mattresses could develop dips and other conditions which could be dangerous for your child. If bedside cot 6 months plus is not old enough to meet the safety standards of today, it may be contaminated by lead paint or have 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. Check if the crib was painted with water-based paint, as this is safer for infants. Also, ensure that the mattress is firm and secure. Babies can easily slip out of mattresses with soft surfaces and also could pose a danger of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay particular attention to any secondhand bassinets, cradles and play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp edges that your child can scratch or poke at. Avoid putting pillows, toys or blankets with these products. They could be a potential dangerous for entrapment.
Infants have died from cribs that were altered or interfered with. Most of these accidents occurred when parents or caregivers attempted to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by adding or modifying items. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to establish standards that are mandatory for safer cribs, including things like side height, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts in end panels. In the last few years the number of crib-related deaths has decreased from 150 to 200 a year to 50.