bedside sleeper cot in bed let parents keep their infant close during the night without compromising safety. They are designed for newborns and are suitable for use up to 6 to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest swivels over the bed of the parent and comes with a push-down feature that allows parents to scoop up their newborn for feedings in the middle of the night. The base is not suitable under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to monitor, soothe, and feed their babies at night without having to leave their bed. This sleep arrangement is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth, or who are unable to move around. It can help parents remain more rested throughout the night. It is, however, essential to consider safety features prior to buying a bedside crib.
This type of sleep surface presents a safety hazard because it does not provide a complete barrier to the parent's sleeping area as well as the infant's sleeping space. This could lead to gaps that could pose suffocation hazards to young infants. Sharing bedside crib that turns into cot can increase the body heat of the parent and can increase the chance of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, these devices are not subject to CPSC's safety standards. They could have slats that permit a baby's head or legs to become trapped, and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable, and could cause separation.
Many of these surfaces have bedding that is loose which could lead to the risk of suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to free themselves from soft bedding. The gaps between the frame and mattress can create an entrapment risk. Some of these items have a hard base that could cause injuries to a child if they fall upon it. One commenter suggested that the CPSC include pictograms in warnings for these products. This will decrease the likelihood that caregivers miss key elements. Bedside sleepers must have an easy transition system to prevent the baby from falling off the mattress of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a bassinet or co-sleeper) lets babies sleep next to their parents' beds while maintaining a separate space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation as well as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping infants close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a sleeper at night can include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers and toys. Make sure that any bedding you use is appropriate for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges or pockets which could hinder the baby's breathing. Make sure the mattress you purchase for your sleeping baby is firm and firmly fitted with no gaps around the edges.
If you're in search of a bedding set that will keep your baby clean in case they fall or spill up during the night, choose something that is easy to clean and dry. It is also a good idea to consider a travel kit for your child's bedside sleeper to make it easy to carry it around when you go on family vacations or visit grandparents' homes.
When your baby outgrows the bedside sleeper, you can move him or her to a crib or a toddler that is on its own. When transitioning, be sure to move the crib away from the parent's bed over several months or weeks so that your infant can be comfortable sleeping in their own space while still feeling connected to their parents. Also, be sure to select a crib that can fold easily for storage and transportation. Some cribs can even be converted to a play yard or deeper bassinet. This makes them an excellent choice for parents who frequently travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also referred to as the bassinet is a bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other side to enable parents to reach their child at the end of the night. It may also have tilt features that help reduce reflux in babies. Many parents report that this feature can help their babies sleep better. It is important to keep in mind that a slanted, or elevated, sleeping surface could cause your baby's chin to shift to chest position. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
A good mattress is an important factor when choosing a crib for your child's bed. It should be firm and flat, as well as airy. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and fit comfortably into 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's best to buy mattresses that are made for specific bedframes.
Some cribs designed for bedside are made to tuck under your bed to save space and bring your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. However some beds are too low for this kind of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath certain beds. It is also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed, which can cause it to slide or sway out of alignment with the mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets, like the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be placed on top of your mattress, but they cannot be slanted. CHOICE recommends that parents only use these beds if they have a firm and breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet may cause your child to slide into a risky position, increasing the risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside crib, also referred to as co-sleeper or bassinet is a crib that is attached to the side of a bed for adults. This allows parents to access their child with ease throughout the night. These beds are usually larger than the traditional cots or bassinets. Some have a lower edge, which creates an enclosure between the sleeping areas. These beds are made from sturdy materials and most have wheels that make them easier to move around the home.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilt features, which can help children with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. But, it's crucial to use this feature with great care and at a small angle to avoid being suffocated. If you're unsure about whether you should utilize this feature, speak to your doctor or health visitor for advice.
The mattress is another important safety consideration to make when choosing a crib for your child's bedside. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress should be firm, flat and breathable. A mattress that is too soft may result in a clogged airway, which is extremely dangerous for infants. A mattress that is breathable can help your child stay cool during the night, reducing the chance of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a safe sleeping space such as crib, cot, or Moses basket. While it could be tempting to sleep with your baby in a bed, it is a major risk of SIDS. It is best to wait until your baby is old enough to be able to sleep independently before you attempt 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 on a low income, you might be eligible for help with a bassinet or crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are looking to save money could be tempted by a used bassinet, crib, or cradle that they acquire from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the main causes of deaths involving nursery products especially if they have damaged or missing parts or wider spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Additionally, older mattresses could develop dips and other issues which could be dangerous for your child. If a crib is too old to meet the current safety standards, it may be contaminated by lead paint or have other harmful chemicals.
Verify if the crib has been removed from the crib. Make sure the crib was coated with water-based paint because this is safer for babies. Make sure the mattress is firm, and that it fits comfortably. Soft mattresses can cause babies to slip out, and they also present a risk of suffocation.
Pay particular attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles, as well as play yards. All of them must be JPMA-certified and free of sharp edges that could scratch or poke 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 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 worked together to create mandatory standards for safer infant cribs. These standards dealt with things like side heights, spacing between slats, mattress fits, corner posts, and cutouts on end panels. In the last few years, the number of deaths attributed to cribs has dropped from 150 to 200 a year to around 50.