Bedside Baby Beds

Baby bedside cribs allow parents to keep their baby close to them at night without compromising safety. They are made to be used by newborns from 4-6 months.

The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the parent's bed and has a push-down side that lets parents scoop their baby up to feed them during the night. The base will not fit under beds lower than 4.5" high.

Safety features

A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to watch, comfort and feed their infants at night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleep is perfect for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or those with limited mobility and may help parents remain more relaxed throughout the night. However, it is important to evaluate safety features before purchasing a bedside baby bed.

The main safety concern with this type of sleep surface is that it's not an entirely secure barrier between the parent's bed and the infant's sleeping area which can lead to gaps that could cause suffocation risks to young infants. In addition, sharing a bed with an infant increases the parent's body heat and increases the risk of overheating which can lead to SIDS.

While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are safer than traditional cribs, these products are not subject to the safety standards of the CPSC. These products may have the slats which allow babies' legs or heads to become trapped, and their attachment mechanisms may be unstable, and could cause separation.

Furthermore, a lot of sleep surfaces have loose bedding that can cause death. Babies don't have the muscle or coordination to free themselves from entanglement in soft bedding and gaps between the mattress and the frame could cause a danger of suffocation. Some of these products also have a hard bottom that could cause injury to a baby should they fall upon it. One commenter suggested that CPSC include pictograms in the warnings for these products, which will reduce the chances of caregivers missing key elements. Sleepers at the bedside need a smooth transition system to prevent the baby from slipping off the parent's mattress.

Bedding

A bedside baby bed crib, also known as a bassinet or a co-sleeper, allows babies to sleep beside their parents' beds and still have an individual sleeping space. This type of safe co-sleeping helps reduce the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping children close to their parents.

Baby bedding for sleepers on the bed could include bumpers and crib sheets. It could also include blankets and stuffed animals. Make sure the bedding you choose fits the sleeping baby's bed in a proper way. This will prevent pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Make sure the mattress you purchase for your baby's bed is firm and fits tightly with no gaps around the edges.

When choosing a bedding set, look for a set that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your infant has accidents or spits at night. Consider a travel kit to help you pack and unpack your bedside sleeping set while you're away to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.

Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, you are able to change them to a stand-alone toddler or crib. When transitioning, be sure to move the crib away from the bed of the parent for several weeks or months to allow your child to become comfortable sleeping in their own space while still feeling connected to their parents. Also, make sure you choose a crib that is able to fold easily for storage and transport. Some models can be converted into a play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them a perfect option for parents who are new and like to travel.

Tilt function

A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which is attached to the side of a bed for adults and has one side lower than the other and allows parents to reach out to take care of their child at night. It could have a tilt feature to help reduce reflux in infants. Many parents report that this feature helps their children sleep better. It is important to note that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface could cause your baby's chin to shift to the chest. This can lead to the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.

The choice of a mattress is a further important factor to consider when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It must be flat and firm, as well as breathable. The mattress should be the same size as the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the chance of SIDS, so it is recommended to purchase a new crib mattress. If you can, it's recommended to purchase mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bedframes.

Some bedside cribs are designed to be tucked under your bed to conserve space and bring your baby close, like the Halo BassiNest. However some 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 is also a challenge to place it under a divan bed, which can cause it to rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress.

Other cribs for bedside use like the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be set up beside your mattress, but aren't capable of tilting. CHOICE recommends parents to use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib and travel cot crib can encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous position, increasing the chance of suffocation.

Foot-to-foot position

A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or a bassinet, is a small crib that is attached to a side of a bed for adults. This lets parents access their child at any time throughout the night. These beds are usually larger than the traditional cots or bassinets. Some have a lower edge that creates a barrier between the sleeping areas. They are constructed of solid materials and have wheels to make them easier to move around the home.

Some cribs for bedside baby bed use tilt features that can aid babies with digestive issues like colic or reflux. However, it's important to use this feature with great care and at a very slight angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether or not to use this feature, speak to your GP or health care professional for guidance.

The mattress is a further safety factor to take into account when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. To minimize the risk of SIDS, the mattress must be firm, flat and breathable. A mattress that is too soft could result in a clogged airway, which can be dangerous for babies. A mattress that is breathable can help your child remain cool during the night, which reduces the risk of overheating.

It is recommended that you put your baby to sleep in their own secure sleeping space - either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. While it might seem appealing to sleep with your baby in a bed, it is a major risk of SIDS. It is recommended to wait until your baby is old enough to go to bed independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is smoke-free to ensure your child is safe from second-hand smoke. If you're on a low income, you might be eligible for help with a bassinet or a 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 relative or friend. Cribs are one of many nursery products that can cause death, especially in older cribs that have broken or missing parts, or have wider spaces between the slats. Additionally, older mattresses could create dips and other conditions which could be dangerous for your child. If your crib is old enough to predate current safety regulations, it could be tainted by lead paint and could contain other harmful chemicals.

If you're considering buying purchasing a used crib, look to see if it has been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Verify if the crib has been painted with water-based paint, as this is safer for infants. Ensure that the mattress is firm and that it fits comfortably. Soft mattresses can cause babies to slip off and present a risk of suffocation.

In addition to cribs, pay particular attention to any secondhand bassinets, cradles and play yards. All of them must be JPMA-certified, and free of sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these items, which can become dangers for entrapment.

Infants have died from cribs that were altered or tampered with. Most of these incidents occurred when parents or caregivers tried to make the cribs functional or more attractive by adding or modifying things. Since 1973 crib makers and the CPSC worked together to establish mandatory standards for safer cribs for infants. These standards dealt with things like side heights, spacing between slats, corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts for end panels. In the last few years the number of deaths attributed to cribs has dropped from 150 to 200 per year to just 50.