How To Recognize The Bedside Baby Bed That's Right For You
Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that are placed next to the bed allow parents to keep their child close during the night without risking security. They are made to be used by infants from 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel that can be swivel over the bed of with a side that can be pulled down to let parents pick up their newborn during nighttime feedings. The base cannot be placed under beds lower than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed lets parents keep their babies close for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without leaving their sleeping arrangements. This arrangement of sleep is perfect for new mothers recovering from childbirth, or who are unable to move around. It can also help parents stay more well-rested throughout the night. However, it is important to look at safety features before purchasing a crib for your baby.
This type of sleep surface is a safety risk because it does not provide an adequate barrier between the sleeping area of the parent and the infant's sleeping area. This could result in gaps that could pose dangers of suffocation to infants. Additionally, sharing a bed with an infant can increase the body heat of the parents and raises the chance of overheating which can contribute to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they aren't required to meet the CPSC safety standards. They may include slats that allow babies' legs or heads to become caught. Their attachment mechanisms may also be unstable, resulting in separation.
Many of these surfaces also contain loose bedding that could cause suffocation. Babies don't have the strength or coordination required to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding and gaps between the mattress and the frame can create a suffocation hazard. Some of these beddings have a hard bottom that can hurt a child when they fall on it. One user suggested that the CPSC include pictograms as warnings on these products. This will decrease the likelihood that caregivers are unaware of key components. Sleepers at the bedside need an easy transition system to prevent the baby from sliding off the mattress of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows babies to sleep in their parents' beds while maintaining a separate space. This form of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of entrapment, suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies close to their parents and within arm's reach for middle-of-the-night feedings or for comforting.
Baby bedding to sleep beside the bed can include bumpers and crib sheets. It can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Be sure that the bedding you choose is suitable for the bedside sleeping baby properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Make sure the mattress you buy for your baby's bed is sturdy and secure without any gaps around the edges.
If you're in search of bedding sets to keep your baby clean in the event that they have accidents or spit up during the night, pick a bedding that is easy to clean and dries. You might also want to think about a travel bag for your sleeper at night, so you can easily pack and unpack it when you go on family vacations or visit the grandparents home.
When your baby is no longer a bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition the child to a crib, or a toddler that is its own. When transitioning, make sure to remove the crib from the bed of your parent over several weeks or months to allow your child to become comfortable sleeping in their own space while still feeling connected to their parents. Be sure to select a crib that you can fold up easily for storage and transport. Some models can be converted into a play yard or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who travel frequently.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that is attached to the side of the adult bed and has one side higher than the other which allows parents to reach over to tend their baby during the night. It could also come with an adjustable tilt feature that can help alleviate reflux in babies. Some parents report that this feature helps their babies sleep better. However, it is important 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 death and should be avoided.
Selecting a mattress that is suitable is a different aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed. It must be firm, flat and breathable. The mattress should be exactly the same size as the crib and fit snugly into the frame. It is recommended to purchase a new mattress for the crib, as a second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS. If possible, it is best to buy mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bed frames.
Some cribs that are bedside, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked away under your bed in order to save space while bringing your baby closer. However certain beds are too low for this type of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It is also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed which can cause it to rock or move out of alignment with the mattress.
Other bassinets for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be placed close to your mattress however they aren't able be slanted. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds when they have a firm air-conditioned bed. The tilting of a bassinet can encourage your child to roll into a dangerous position, increasing the risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot positioning

A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper, is a small crib that is attached to the side of a bed for adults. This allows parents to access their child easily at night. They are generally larger than traditional bassinets or cots. Some have a lower edge that creates an enclosure between the sleeping spaces. They are usually made from durable materials, and many have wheels to make it easy to move throughout the home.
Some cribs for bed have a tilt feature 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 gentle angle to avoid the risk of being suffocated. If you're not sure whether to use this feature, speak to your GP or health visitor for advice.
bedside cot wooden to consider when choosing a crib for a bedside is the mattress. The mattress must be smooth, firm and breathable to reduce the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft may result in a clogged airway, which can be dangerous for newborns. A mattress that is breathable will aid your child in staying cool during the night, reducing the chance of overheating.
It is recommended to put your baby to sleep in their own safe sleeping space - either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. It may seem appealing to share a bed with your baby, but this can result in SIDS. It is recommended to wait until your baby is old enough to be able to sleep independently before attempting to sleep with them. If you have to ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to protect your child from second-hand smoke. If you're on a low income, you may be eligible for assistance with a bassinet or crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Frugal-minded parents may be tempted to purchase or accept a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle from a family member or friend. But, cribs are among of the leading causes of deaths involving nursery products, especially when older ones have damaged or missing parts or have larger spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Older mattresses may also develop dips or other conditions that are hazardous for your child. If a crib is too old to meet current safety standards it could be contaminated with lead paint or other toxic chemicals.
If you're considering buying a used crib, always look to see if it has been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is also recommended to verify whether the crib was painted with water-based paint, which is safer for babies than oil or phthalic paint. Be sure that the mattress is firm and that it fits comfortably. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to fall out and pose a suffocation risk.
In addition to cribs, pay special attention to used bassinets, cradles or play yards. All of them must be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges that could scratch or poke your baby. Avoid adding pillows, toys or blankets to these products. They could pose an dangerous for entrapment.
Children have died in cribs that were altered or interfered with. Most of these accidents were caused by caregivers or parents who attempted to make the cribs functional or more attractive by adding or altering items. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to set mandatory standards for safer cribs, addressing issues like side height, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts in end panels. In the last few years, the number of deaths attributed to cribs has dropped from 150-200 per year to around 50.