Bedside Baby Beds Baby cribs that can be set close to the bed allows parents to keep their child close during the night without risking security. large bedside cot are specifically designed for infants and are suitable for use up to 6 to 4-6 months. The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed with the ability to be pulled down to let parents pick up their newborn during nighttime feedings. The base will not be able to fit under beds less than 4.5 inches high. Safety features A crib at bedside allows parents to monitor, soothe, and feed their babies at night without having to leave their bed. This sleep arrangement is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth, or with limited mobility and may also help parents stay more relaxed throughout the night. It is essential to think about safety features when purchasing a bedside crib. The primary safety concern for this type of sleep surface is that it's not an entirely secure barrier between the parent's bed and the infant's sleeping area and can result in gaps that could lead to dangers of suffocation to infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent, which can increase the chance of overheating. This can lead to SIDS. Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are safer than traditional cribs, these devices are not subject to CPSC's safety guidelines. They could have slats that permit the baby's legs or head to become trapped and their attachment mechanisms can be unstable and cause separation. A lot of these surfaces have bedding that is loose that could cause suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to free themselves from bedding that is soft. The gaps between the frame and the mattress can also create an entrapment risk. Some of these items have a hard bottom that could hurt a child when they fall on it. One commenter suggested the CPSC add pictograms as warnings on these products. This could reduce the chance that caregivers overlook crucial elements. Moreover, bedside sleepers must have an easy transition mechanism that can keep the baby from falling off the bed of their parents. Bedding A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or bassinet) lets babies sleep next to their parents' beds, while still occupying a separate space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risk of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arms' reach for feedings during the night or for comforting. Baby bedding for a bedside sleeper can include crib sheets, bumpers, blankets, and stuffed animals. Make sure that the bedding you select is suitable for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges or pockets which could hinder the baby's breathing. Make sure the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeping baby is firm and fits tightly without any gaps around the edges. When you are choosing a bedding set, search for one that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your baby has accidents or spits during the night. Consider the possibility of a travel kit that will help you pack and unpack your bedside sleeper when you're going to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents. When your baby outgrows the bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition him or her to a crib or toddler that is on its own. When transitioning to a crib, move it away from the parents' bed over the course of a few weeks or even months so that your child can become comfortable sleeping in his own space but remain connected to them. Be sure to select a crib that can fold easily for storage and transport. Some cribs can be transformed into a play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them an excellent option for parents who travel often. Tilt function A bedside sleeper, also referred to as bassinet, is a bassinet that is attached to the bed's side for adults. One side is lower than the other to enable parents to access their infant at night. It could also have a tilt function to help ease reflux in babies. Some parents report that this feature helps their babies sleep better. However, it is important to remember that a slanted or elevated sleeping surface may cause your child to sleep in a risky chest-to-chin position. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided. A good mattress is a key factor in choosing a crib for your child's bed. It should be firm and flat and airy. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and be able to fit into the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the chance of SIDS and it is recommended to buy a new crib mattress. Some retailers offer mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames so it is best to use these if possible. Some cribs designed for bedside are made to tuck under your bed to conserve space and keep your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. However, some beds are too low for this kind of crib. Additionally, the BassiNest's legs with splayed feet make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It can be difficult to place the BassiNest in a divan, which could cause it to shift or rock out of alignment with your mattress. Other bassinets for bedside use, like the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be placed next to your mattress, however they aren't able tilt. CHOICE suggests that parents only use these beds if they have a sturdy and breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet can encourage your child to slide into a risky position, increasing the chance of dying. Foot-to-foot position A bedside crib, also known as co-sleeper or bassinet is a crib attached to the side of a bed designed for adults. This lets parents access their child at any time throughout the night. The beds are typically larger than traditional bassinets or cots. Some have a lower edge, which creates an obstacle between the sleeping spaces. They are constructed of sturdy materials and most come with wheels, making them easier to move around the home. Some cribs with a bedside have tilt features that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues, such as reflux or colic. It is important to use the tilt feature with caution and at a moderate angle to prevent the risk of suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether or not to use this feature, speak to your physician or health care professional for advice. Another crucial safety factor to consider when choosing a crib for a bedside is the mattress. The mattress must be smooth, firm and breathable, to lower the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft could lead to a trapped airway, which can be dangerous for infants. A mattress that is breathable can help your child stay cool during the night, which reduces the chance of overheating. It is recommended that you place your baby in a secure sleeping space such as crib, cot or Moses basket. While it could be tempting to sleep with your child 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 have to, make sure that your bedroom is smoke-free to protect your child from secondhand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you might be eligible for help with a crib or bassinet from Plunket. Second-hand cribs Frugal-minded parents may be tempted to purchase or accept a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle for a gift from a friend or relative. Cribs are one of many baby products that could cause death, particularly if older cribs have damaged 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. If your crib is not old enough to meet the safety standards of today, it may be contaminated with lead paint or have other toxic chemicals. Examine whether the crib has been recalled. It is also recommended to verify whether the crib has been painted with water-based paint which is much safer for infants than oil or phthalic paint. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is sturdy and snugly fits. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to slip off and also can pose a danger of suffocation. Pay special attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles, and play yards. They should all be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these products which could create dangerous entrapment risks. Children have died in cribs that were altered or interfered with. Most of these accidents occurred when parents or caregivers attempted to make the cribs functional or more attractive by incorporating or altering things. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to create standard requirements for safer infant cribs. These standards addressed things like side heights, slat spacings, corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts on the end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have dropped from around 150 to 200 deaths per year to around 50.
