Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that are placed close to the bed allows parents to keep their baby close during the night without risking safety. They are designed to be used by newborns from 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed with an end that can be pulled down so that parents can pick up their newborn during feeding times at night. However, the base won't fit under beds lower than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to monitor, soothe, and feed their babies at night without having leave their bed. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for new mothers recovering from childbirth or with limitations in mobility. It may also help parents sleep better at night. It is nevertheless important to evaluate safety features before purchasing a bedside baby bed.
The main safety issue for this type of sleep 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 cause suffocation risks to young infants. Additionally sharing a bed with a child increases the body heat of the parent and raises the risk of overheating, which can contribute to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they aren't covered by the CPSC safety standards. They may feature slats that allow 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 have loose bedding, which can lead to suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to free themselves from soft bedding. There are gaps between the mattress and frame can create a suffocation risk. Some of these products have a hard base that could cause injury to a child if they fall on it. One user suggested that the CPSC include pictograms in warnings for these products. This would decrease the likelihood that caregivers overlook crucial elements. Sleepers at the bedside need an easy transition system that stops the baby from slipping off the parent's mattress.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or co-sleeper, allows babies to sleep beside their parents' beds, while having an independent sleeping space. This safe form of co-sleeping helps reduce the chance of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping children close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a sleeper at night could include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers and stuffed animals. Make sure that any bedding you use is suitable for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges or pockets that might impede the baby's breathing. Make sure the mattress you buy for your baby's bed is sturdy and secure with no gaps around the edges.
When selecting a bedding set, look for one that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your baby has accidents or spits up at night. Consider an item for travel to help you pack and take your bedside sleeper out of the bag while you're away to visit grandparents or on vacation.
If your child has outgrown their bedside sleeper, you can move them to a separate toddler or a crib. When transitioning, make sure to remove the crib from the bed of the parent for several months or even weeks so that your child can get used to sleeping in their own space while still feeling connected to their parents' presence. Also, be sure to select a crib that can fold easily for storage and transport. Some models can even be converted into an outdoor play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them an ideal choice for new parents who love to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that is attached to the side of an adult bed and has one side higher than the other and allows parents to reach out to take care of their child at night. It may have a tilt feature to help reduce reflux in infants. Some parents have reported that this feature can help their children sleep better. It is important to remember that a slanted, or elevated, sleeping surface could cause your baby's chin to shift to the chest position. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
A mattress that is suitable for your child is a key factor in choosing the crib for your child's bed. It should be flat, firm and airy. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. It is recommended to buy a new mattress for your crib since a second-hand one can increase the chance of SIDS. Certain retailers sell mattresses that are designed for specific bed frames, therefore it is recommended to use these if possible.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to fit under your bed to conserve space and bring your baby close, like the Halo BassiNest. However certain beds are too low for this kind of crib. The BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It can be difficult to place the BassiNest in a divan, and this could cause it to shift or move out of alignment with your mattress.
Other bassinets for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be positioned on top of your mattress, however, they aren't able to be slanted. CHOICE recommends parents to 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 risk of being suffocated.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also referred to as co-sleeper or bassinet, is a small crib that is attached to a side of a bed for adults. It allows parents to reach their child with ease 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. They are usually made of durable materials, and some come with wheels that allow for easy transportation throughout the home.
Some bedside cribs come with tilt features that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues such as reflux or colic. But, it's crucial to make use of this feature with utmost care and at a very small angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. Consult your physician or health visitor if you are unsure whether to use the feature.
The mattress is a further safety consideration to make when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress must be flat, firm and breathable. A mattress that is too soft may lead to a trapped airway, which can be dangerous for babies. A mattress that is breathable can ensure that your baby stays cool throughout the night, which will lower the risk of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a secure sleeping space such as a cot, crib or Moses basket. While it might seem tempting to put your baby in a bed, this 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 need to ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to safeguard your child from second-hand smoke. www.cots4tots.co.uk might be able to help with a bassinet or crib if you have a low-income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to buy or accept an old crib, bassinet or cradle for a gift from a family member or friend. Cribs are just one of the nursery products that can cause death, especially in older cribs that have broken or missing parts, or have wider spaces between the slats. Additionally, older mattresses could create dips and other conditions which could be dangerous for your baby. And if a crib is older than current safety regulations it may be contaminated by lead paint, and could contain other harmful chemicals.
If you're thinking of buying purchasing a crib that is used, look to see whether it's been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It's also a good idea to check whether the crib has been painted with water-based paint which is safer for babies than phthalic or oil paint. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is firm and secure. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to slip off and can pose a danger of suffocation.
Be especially cautious of used bassinets and cradles and play yards. All of them should be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these items which could create dangerous entrapment risks.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered with or modified, and most of the incidents occurred when caregivers and parents attempted to make the cribs more functional or attractive by incorporating items or altering them in a way. Since 1973, crib manufacturers and the CPSC have worked together to establish mandatory standards for safer cribs, addressing things like side heights, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts in the end panels. As the result, deaths attributed to cribs have dropped from about 150-200 per year to around 50.