Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be set next to the bed allow parents to keep their baby close at night, without compromising security. They are designed for use by babies up to 4-6 months old.
The Halo Bassinest swivels over the bed of the parent. It comes with a push-down feature that allows parents to scoop their baby up for feedings in the middle of the night. The base will not fit under beds lower than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed allows parents to keep their babies close to them for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without leaving their own bed. This type of arrangement is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or those with limited mobility and may help parents stay well-rested throughout the night. It is crucial to think about safety features when purchasing a bedside crib.
The primary safety concern with this type of sleep surface is that it's not a complete barrier between the parent's bed and the infant sleeping area, resulting in gaps that could lead to suffocation risks to young infants. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent and could increase the risk of overheating. This can lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers have a higher safety rating than traditional cribs, these devices do not meet the safety standards of the CPSC. These products can have slats which allow babies' legs or heads to become stuck. Their attachment mechanisms may be unstable, leading to separation.
A lot of these surfaces contain loose bedding that could cause the risk of suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to free themselves from bedding that is soft. The gaps between the mattress and frame can create the risk of suffocation. Some of these products have a tough base that could cause injuries to a child if they fall on it. One commenter suggested that CPSC add pictograms to its warnings about these products, which will reduce the chances of caregivers not knowing the most important elements. Bedside sleepers need to have an easy transition system to prevent the baby from sliding off the parent's mattress.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or a co-sleeper lets babies sleep next to their parents' beds and still have a separate sleeping space. This type 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 arm's reach for feedings during the night or for comforting.
Baby bedding to sleep in the bed can include bumpers and crib sheets. It can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Make sure the bedding you choose is suitable for the baby's bed properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Make sure the mattress you purchase for your sleeping baby is firm and firmly fitted without any gaps around the edges.
When selecting a bedding set, search for something that's 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 help you pack and take your bedside sleeper out of the bag when you're going on vacation or visiting grandparents.
When your baby is no longer a bedside sleeper you can transition the child to a crib or a toddler that is all on its own. When transitioning, be sure to move the crib away from the bed of the parent for several months or weeks so that your infant can be comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still feeling a sense of connection to their parents' presence. Also, make sure you select a crib that can fold up easily for storage and transportation. Some cribs can even be converted to a play yard or deeper bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who travel frequently.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which connects to the side of an adult bed and has one side lower than the other and allows parents to reach over to take care of their child throughout the night. It could also come with a tilt function to help ease reflux in infants. Some parents find this feature helps their baby sleep better. However, it is important to note that a sloped or elevated sleeping surface can encourage your child to sleep in a risky 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 should be flat, firm and airy. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and fit snugly in the frame. A second-hand mattress could increase the risk of SIDS which is why it is recommended to purchase a new crib mattress. If possible, it is best to buy mattresses that are made for specific bedframes.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to fit under your bed to conserve space and bring your child close, like the Halo BassiNest. However some beds are too low for this kind of crib. The BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It's also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed which could cause it slide or sway out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs, such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be placed beside your mattress but are not capable of tilting. CHOICE suggests that parents only use these beds if they have a solid and breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet may cause your child to fall into a risky position, increasing the danger of suffocation.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside baby bed, also called a co-sleeper, or bassinet, is a small crib that can be attached to the side of a bed for an adult. It allows parents to easily access their child during the night. They are generally larger than the traditional cots or bassinets. Some have a lower edge that creates a barrier between the sleeping spaces. These beds are constructed from solid materials and have wheels that make them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilting features that help babies who suffer from digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It's important to use the tilt function with care and only at a moderate angle to prevent from suffocation. If you're unsure about whether or not to use this feature, speak to your GP or health visitor for advice.
The mattress is a further safety factor to take into account when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. The mattress must be smooth, firm and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that's too soft can result in a blocked airway in newborns, which is dangerous. A mattress that is breathable will help your baby stay cool throughout the night, which could lower the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you put your baby to sleep in their own safe sleeping space, such as either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. It may seem tempting to share a bed with your baby however this could result in SIDS. It is best to wait until your baby is old enough to go to bed independently before attempting to co-sleep. If bedside travel crib must, make sure your bedroom is smokefree to protect your child from second-hand smoke. Plunket might be able to help with a bassinet or a crib for those with a low income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are frugal may be enticed to buy or accept an old crib, bassinet or cradle for a gift from a relative or friend. Cribs are among the baby products that could cause death, especially in older cribs that have damaged or missing parts or have wider spaces between the slats. Older mattresses can also develop dips and other conditions that are risky for your baby. If your crib is old enough to be predated by the safety guidelines in place, it could be tainted by lead paint and may contain other toxic chemicals.
Check if the crib has been removed from the crib. It's also an excellent idea to determine whether the crib was painted with water-based paint which is safer for babies than phthalic or oil-based paint. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is firm and secure. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to slip off, and they also can pose a danger of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay close attention to used bassinets, cradles or play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp edges that your child can scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these products that could become entrapment hazards.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered with or modified and the majority of incidents were caused by caregivers and parents who tried to make the cribs more functional or attractive by incorporating items or altering them in a way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have teamed up to establish mandatory standards for safer cribs, including issues like side height, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts in the end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have dropped from around 150-200 per year to around 50.