Bedside Baby Beds

Baby cribs that are placed close to the bed allows parents to keep their baby close at night, without any risk to security. 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 features a push-down side that allows parents to scoop up their newborn bedside cot for feedings in the middle of the night. The base will not fit under beds that are lower than 4.5" high.

Safety features

A bedside baby bed lets parents keep their babies close to them for evening feedings, comforting and monitoring, 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 well-rested throughout the night. It is, however, essential to look at safety features before purchasing a bedside baby bed.

The primary safety concern with this type of sleeping surface is that it is not an entirely secure barrier between the bed of the parent and the baby's sleeping space, resulting in gaps that could cause dangers of suffocation to infants. In addition sharing the bed with an infant increases the parent's body heat and increases the risk of overheating which could lead to SIDS.

While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers to be safer than cribs, they are not required to meet the CPSC safety standards. They may feature slats that allow babies' legs or heads to be trapped, and their attachment mechanisms can be unstable and cause separation.

Many of these surfaces also have bedding that is loose that could cause the possibility of suffocation. Babies do not have the muscle or coordination to remove themselves from the tangles of soft bedding, and gaps between the frame and the mattress can create a suffocation hazard. Some of these products have a tough base that could cause injury to a baby if they fall onto it. One commenter suggested that the CPSC include pictograms in warnings for these products. This could decrease the likelihood that caregivers are unaware of key components. Bedside sleepers must have a smooth transition system that prevents the baby from slipping off the mattress of their parents.

Bedding

A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper or bassinet allows infants to sleep on their parents' beds, while having an independent sleeping space. This type 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 mid-night meals or comforting.

Baby bedding to sleep on the bed could include bumpers and crib sheets. It could also include stuffed animals and blankets. Make sure that any bedding you choose to use fits the bedside sleeper properly to avoid pockets or bulges that could obstruct the baby's breathing. Also, ensure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeper is firm and snugly fits without gaps around the edges.

If you're in search of bedding sets to keep your baby clean in the event that they get sick or vomit up in the night, pick a bedding that is easy to clean and dries. Consider the possibility of a travel kit that will help you pack and take your bedside sleeper out of the bag when you're going to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.

When your child is no longer a bedside sleeper, it is possible to move them to a separate toddler or crib. When transitioning, make sure to remove the crib from the parent's bed over several months or weeks so that your child can be comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still being a part of their parents' presence. Also, make sure you choose a crib that is able to fold easily for storage and transport. Some models can even be converted to an outdoor play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who frequently travel.

Tilt function

A bedside sleeper, also referred to as a bassinet, is a bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other side to let parents reach their baby at night. It may also have a tilt function to aid in easing reflux in babies. Some parents feel this feature helps their baby sleep better. However it is important to note that a slanted or elevated sleeping surface could encourage your child to sleep in a risky chest-to-chin position. This can lead to death and should be avoided.

A suitable mattress is also a key factor in choosing a crib for your child's bed. It must be flat and firm, as well as breathable. The mattress should be the same size as the crib and be able to fit into the frame. A second-hand mattress could increase the chance of SIDS which is why it is recommended that you purchase a new crib mattress. Some retailers offer mattresses made specifically for specific bed frames, so it is best to choose those if you can.

Some cribs designed for bedside crib to cot are made to fit under your bed to save space and keep your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds are too narrow to be able to accommodate this type of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath certain beds. It can be difficult to tuck the BassiNest under a divan, which could cause it to shift or move 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 to be slanted. CHOICE suggests that parents only use these beds if they have a solid, breathable bed. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib can encourage your baby to roll into an unsafe position, increasing the chance of being suffocated.

Foot-to-foot position

A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or a bassinet, is a small crib that is attached to the side of a bed for adults. This allows parents to easily access their child during the night. These beds are typically larger than standard cots or bassinets. Some have an upper side that creates an unintentional separation between the sleeping spaces. They are constructed of sturdy materials and most come with wheels, making them easier to move around the home.

Some bedside crib vs cot cribs have a tilt function that can aid children with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. However, it's important to use this feature with great care and at a very small angle to avoid suffocation. Consult your physician or health care professional if aren't sure whether you should use the feature.

The mattress is another important safety factor to take into account when selecting a crib to be your child's twin bedside cot. The mattress must be solid, flat and breathable to reduce the risk of SIDS. A mattress that's too soft could cause a blocked airway in newborns, which can be dangerous. A mattress that is breathable can aid your baby in staying cool throughout the night, which can reduce the risk of overheating.

It's recommended that you place your baby in their own secure sleeping space - such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. It might be tempting to share a bed as your baby however this could cause SIDS. Wait until your baby can sleep independently before you attempt to co-sleep. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is smoke-free to ensure your child is safe from secondhand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a bassinet or crib if you have a low-income.

Second-hand cribs

Parents who are looking to save money might be enticed by a used bassinet, crib, or cradle that they receive from a relative or friend. Cribs are among the baby products that could cause death, especially if older cribs have broken or missing parts, or have a wider space between the slats. Mattresses that are older can also develop dips and other conditions that are dangerous for your child. And if a crib is old enough to be predated by current safety regulations it may be contaminated by lead paint, and could contain other harmful chemicals.

If you're thinking of buying purchasing a used crib, check to see whether it's been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Check if the crib was coated with water-based paint because this is safer for babies. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is firm and fits snugly. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to fall out and also can pose a danger of suffocation.

Be especially cautious of second-hand bassinets and cradles, as well as play yards. They should all be JPMA-certified and free of sharp edges that could hurt or poke your baby. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these products, which can become dangerous entrapment risks.

Children have died in cribs that were tampered with or modified, and most of the incidents occurred when parents and caregivers attempted to make the cribs more useful or attractive by adding items or modifying them in some way. Since 1973 crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to create the standards that are mandatory for safe cribs for infants. These standards addressed things like side heights, slat spacings corner posts, mattress fits, and cutouts on end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have decreased from 150 to 200 per year to about 50.