Bedside Baby Beds

Baby cribs that are placed near the bed will allow parents to keep their child close at night, without risking security. They are specifically designed for infants and are suitable for use up to 4 to 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 to feed them during the night. 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 type of arrangement is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or who have limited mobility. It could help parents remain more rested throughout the night. It is nevertheless important to evaluate safety features before purchasing a bedside baby bed.

The main safety issue with this type of sleep surface is that it's not an entirely secure barrier between the bed of the parent and the baby's sleeping space and can result in gaps that could lead to the risk of suffocation for infants. Additionally sharing the bed with an infant increases the body heat of the parent and increases the risk of overheating, which could lead to SIDS.

Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers to be safer than cribs, they're not subject to the CPSC safety standards. These products may have slats that allow babies' legs or heads to be snagged and their attachment mechanisms can be unstable, and could cause separation.

Furthermore, a lot of mattresses contain loose bedding that could cause the suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to remove their bodies from the soft bedding. There are gaps between the frame and the mattress can also create the risk of suffocation. Some of these items have an extremely hard bottom that could injure a baby if they fall onto it. One commenter suggested that CPSC include pictograms on its warnings on these products, which would lower the risk of caregivers missing key elements. Additionally, bedside sleepers must have an easy transition mechanism to prevent the baby from slipping off the bed of their parents.

Bedding

A bedside crib or cot crib (also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper) allows babies to sleep in their parents' beds but still having their own space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risks 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 for a bedside sleeper could include crib sheets bumpers, blankets, and toys. Make sure that the bedding you select is appropriate for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges or pockets which could hinder the baby's breathing. Also, ensure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits snugly without gaps around the edges.

When you are choosing a bedding set, search for a set that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your infant has accidents or spits up during the night. You may also want to consider a travel kit for your child's bedside sleeper so you can easily pack and unpack it when you travel with your family or visit grandparents home.

When your baby is no longer a bedside sleeper, you can move your child to a crib, or a toddler that is on its own. When transitioning, make sure to move the crib away from the parent's bed over several weeks or months to allow your child to be comfortable sleeping in their own space while still feeling connected to their parents' presence. Pick a crib that is able to be folded for storage and transport. Some cribs can even be converted into an outdoor play area or bedside baby bed a deeper bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who are new and love to travel.

Tilt function

A bedside crib to cot sleeper is a bassinet which connects to the side of an adult bed and has one side higher than the other which allows parents to reach over to care for their child during the night. It could also come with an adjustable tilt feature that can aid in easing reflux in babies. Some parents feel this feature helps their baby sleep better. However it is important to keep in mind that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface may cause your child to sleep in a risky chest-to-chin position. This can cause suffocation, and should be avoided.

A mattress that is suitable for your child is a key factor in choosing the crib for your child's bed. It should be flat, firm and ventilated. 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 and it is recommended that you purchase an entirely new crib mattress. If you can, it is best to buy mattresses designed specifically for specific bedframes.

Some bedside cribs are designed to fit under your bed to conserve space and bring your child close, like the Halo BassiNest. However certain beds are too low for this kind of crib. In addition, the BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It's also difficult to slide 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 & Grow Bedside Crib, can be set on top of your mattress, however, they aren't able to be slanted. CHOICE advises parents to only use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilt of a bassinet can encourage your child to roll into a dangerous position, increasing their chance of dying.

Foot-to-foot positioning

A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper or a bassinet is a crib that is attached to a side of a bed designed for adults. This allows parents to have access to their child at any time during the night. These beds are usually larger than traditional bassinets or cots. Some have a lower edge that creates an obstacle between the sleeping spaces. They are typically made from durable materials, and a lot of them have wheels for easy transport throughout the home.

Some bedside cribs have tilt features which can assist babies with digestive issues like colic or reflux. However, it's important to utilize this feature with extreme care and at a slight angle to avoid suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether to utilize this feature, speak to your GP or health professional for guidance.

Another important aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. The mattress must be firm, flat and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft could result in a clogged airway, which can be dangerous for newborns. A mattress that is breathable will aid your baby bedside crib in staying cool during the night, which could reduce the risk of overheating.

It is recommended that you put your baby to sleep in a secure sleeping space, such as either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. It might be tempting to share a bed with your baby but this could lead to SIDS. Wait until your baby bedside sleeper can sleep independently before you attempt to sleep together. If you have to, make sure your bedroom is not smoky to safeguard 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

Parents looking to save money could be attracted by a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle they receive from a relative or friend. Cribs are among the baby products that could cause death, especially in older cribs that have damaged or missing parts, or have larger spaces between the slats. Older mattresses can also develop dips and other conditions that are risky for your child. If a crib is older than the current safety standards it may be contaminated by lead paint and could contain other harmful chemicals.

If you're considering buying purchasing a used crib, look to see whether it's been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is also a good idea to check whether the crib has been painted with water-based paint, which is safer for babies than phthalic or oil-based paint. Additionally, bedside baby bed ensure that the mattress is sturdy and snugly fits. Babies are prone to slip off mattresses that are soft as well as could pose a danger of suffocation.

In addition to cribs, pay particular attention to used bassinets, cradles or play yards. They should all be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges that could hurt or poke your baby. Avoid adding pillows, blankets or toys to these products which could create entrapment hazards.

Children have died in cribs that were altered or interfered with. The majority of these deaths occurred when parents or caregivers tried to make the cribs functional or more attractive by adding or altering items. Since 1973, crib manufacturers and the CPSC have collaborated to set mandatory standards for safer cribs, including issues like side height, slat spacing, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts on end panels. In the past few years the number of crib-related deaths has dropped from 150-200 per year to around 50.