Bedside Baby Beds

Baby cribs that can be set near the bed will allow parents to keep their child close at night, without risking the safety of their child. They are designed for newborns and are suitable for use up to 4-6 months.

The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the parent's bed with an end that can be lowered so that parents can pick up their infant during nighttime feedings. However, the base won't be able to fit under beds less 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 arrangement of sleeping is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or with limited mobility. It can also assist parents sleep better at night. However, it is important to consider safety features prior to purchasing a bedside baby bed.

This kind of sleeping surface is a safety risk since it doesn't offer a complete barrier to the parent's sleeping area and the infant's sleep area. This can lead to gaps which can pose dangers of suffocation to infants. Sharing a bed increases the body heat of the parent and could increase the chance of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.

While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they're not covered by the CPSC safety standards. They may feature the slats which allow the baby's legs or head to become trapped, and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable, and could cause separation.

Additionally, many of these sleep surfaces have loose bedding that can cause death. Babies lack the strength and coordination to untangle their bodies from the soft bedding. Gaps between the frame and the mattress can also pose a suffocation 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 to these products. This could lower the risk that caregivers are unaware of key components. In addition, bedside cribs should come with an easy transition mechanism to keep the baby from sliding off the bed of their parents.

Bedding

A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper or bassinet, allows babies to sleep beside their parents' beds, while having an independent sleeping space. This type of safe co-sleeping helps reduce the risk of suffocation as well as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping babies close to their parents.

Baby bedding for a sleeper at night can include crib sheets, bumpers, blankets, and stuffed animals. Make sure the bedding you choose is suitable for the baby's bed properly. This will stop pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Make sure the mattress you choose for your sleeping baby is firm and fits tightly with no gaps around the edges.

When choosing a bedding set, search for something that's easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your infant is having accidents or spits up in the night. You may also want to think about a travel cot bedside crib bag for your child's bedside sleeper to make it easy to take it out and back when you go on family vacations or visit your grandparents at their homes.

When your baby is no longer a bedside sleeper you can transition the child to a crib, or a toddler that is its own. When you transition to a crib, move it away from the parents' bed over a period of weeks or months so that your child can become comfortable sleeping in his own space and still feel a sense of connection to them. Select a crib which can be folded away for storage and transport. Some models can be converted into a play area or a more substantial 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 the adult bed and has one side higher than the other and allows parents to reach over to care for their child during the night. It may have a tilt feature that helps reduce reflux in infants. Some parents report that this feature helps their children sleep better. It is important to note that a slanted or elevated, mattress can stimulate your baby's chin into a chest position. This can cause suffocation, and should be avoided.

Selecting a mattress that is suitable is another key factor when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It should be flat, firm and airy. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and fit snugly into the frame. It is recommended to purchase an entirely new mattress for the crib, as a second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS. If you can, it is recommended to purchase mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bed frames.

Some bedside cribs, like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked away under your bed to make space while bringing your child closer. However certain beds are too low for this kind of crib. Additionally, the BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It may be difficult to tuck the BassiNest under a divan, and this could cause it to shift or rock out of line with your mattress.

Other types of bedside bassinets such as the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be placed on top of your mattress, however they aren't able be slanted. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib could encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous position, increasing the risk of being suffocated.

Position of foot-to-foot

A bedside baby bed also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a tiny crib that attaches to the edge of a bed for an adult. This lets parents easily access their child during the night. These beds are usually larger than traditional bassinets or cots. Some have a lower edge, which creates a barrier between the sleeping areas. They are typically made of sturdy materials, and many have wheels for easy transport around the home.

Some bedside cribs come with tilting features that aid babies suffering from digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It's important to use the tilt feature with care and only at a small angle to prevent suffocation. Talk to your doctor or health visitor if you are unsure whether to use the feature.

Another important aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is the mattress. The mattress should be smooth, firm and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can result in a clogged airway, which is extremely dangerous for babies. A mattress that is breathable will help your child stay cool during the night, which reduces the risk of overheating.

It is recommended to place your baby in a safe sleeping area - crib, cot or Moses basket. While it might seem tempting to put your child in a bed, this is a major risk of SIDS. It is best bedside cot for newborn to wait until your baby is old enough to be able to sleep independently before you attempt to co-sleep. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free in order to protect your child from secondhand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you might be eligible for assistance with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.

Second-hand cribs

Parents who are frugal may be enticed to purchase or take a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle for a gift from a family member or friend. But, cribs are among of the leading causes of deaths involving nursery products, especially when older ones are damaged or missing parts or have wider spaces between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). 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 the crib could be contaminated by lead paint and may contain other toxic chemicals.

Examine if the crib has been recalled. Verify if the crib has been painted with water-based paint, since this is safer for babies. Be sure that the mattress is firm, and that it fits snugly. Babies can easily slide out of mattresses with soft surfaces as well as present a risk of suffocation.

In addition to cribs, pay close attention to used bassinets, cradles or play yards. They should all be JPMA-certified and free from sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these products that could become entrapment hazards.

Infants have died in cribs that were altered or played with. Most of these incidents occurred when parents or caregivers attempted to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by incorporating or altering items. Since 1973, the crib manufacturers and the CPSC have worked together to establish standards that are mandatory for cribs that are safer, and have addressed things like side heights, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts in end panels. In the last few years the number of deaths attributed to cribs has dropped from 150 to 200 a year to just 50.