Bedside Baby Beds

Baby cribs that can be set next to the bed allow parents to keep their child close at night, without any risk to the safety of their child. They are designed specifically for newborns and can be used until 4 to 6 months.

The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed that has an end that can be pulled down to allow parents to pick up their newborn during nighttime feedings. The base is not suitable under beds that are less than 4.5" high.

Safety features

A bedside crib allows parents to monitor, soothe and feed their infants at night without having to leave their bed. This sleep arrangement is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth, or with limited mobility and may help parents stay well-rested throughout the night. It is, however, essential to consider safety features prior to purchasing a bedside baby bed.

This type of sleep surface is a safety risk because it doesn't provide an adequate barrier between the parent's sleeping area and the infant's sleep area. This could lead to gaps that can cause suffocation hazards to young infants. Additionally, sharing the bed with an infant increases the body heat of the parent and raises the risk of overheating, which can contribute to SIDS.

While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers have a higher safety rating than traditional cribs, they are not subject to the safety standards of the CPSC. They may have slats that permit a baby's legs or head to be caught. The attachment mechanisms could also be unstable, leading to separation.

Additionally, many of these mattresses have loose bedding, which can cause the suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to free their bodies from the soft bedding. Gaps between the mattress and frame can also create the risk of suffocation. Some of these products also have an extremely hard bottom that could hurt a child when they fall on it. One commenter suggested that CPSC include pictograms on its warnings about these products, which would lower the risk of caregivers missing key elements. In addition, bedside cribs should come with an easy transition mechanism that can stop the baby from slipping off the bed of their parents.

Bedding

A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows babies to sleep in their parents' beds, while maintaining a separate space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the risks of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arm's reach for feedings during the night or comforting.

Baby bedding for a baby who sleeps at night could include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers and toys. Be sure that the bedding you choose fits the bedside cots sleeping baby properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Make sure that the mattress you purchase for your sleeping baby is firm and firmly fitted without gaps around the edges.

If you're looking for bedding sets to keep your baby clean in case they fall or spill up in the night, select a set that is simple to wash and dries. Consider a travel kit to simplify the process of packing and unpack your bedside sleeping set when you're going to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.

If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper, you can move the child to a crib or toddler that is all on its own. When you transition, make sure to remove the crib from the parent's bed over several months or even weeks so that your infant can be comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still feeling a sense of connection to their parents' presence. Pick a crib that is able to be folded away for storage and transport. Certain models can be transformed into a play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them an excellent option for parents who travel frequently.

Tilt function

A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which connects to the side of a bed for adults and has one side lower than the other, allowing parents to reach out to take care of their child at night. It could also have a tilt function that can aid in easing reflux in babies. Many parents report that this feature helps their children sleep better. It is important to remember that a slanted, or elevated, sleeping surface may stimulate your baby's chin into a chest position. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.

The choice of a mattress is a different aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed. It should be flat, firm and breathable. The size should match the dimensions of the crib and fit snugly within the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS which is why it is recommended that you purchase a new crib mattress. Certain retailers sell mattresses that are designed for specific bed frames, so it is best bedside cot uk to use them if you can.

Some cribs for bedside use, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked under your bed in order to maximize space while bringing your baby closer. However certain beds are too low for this kind of crib. The feet that are splayed out of the BassiNest make it difficult to slide under some beds. It is also a challenge to place it under a divan bed which could cause it to slide or sway out of alignment with the mattress.

Other cribs for bedside cot wooden use such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow small bedside cot Bassinet can be placed beside your mattress, but aren't capable of tilting. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilting of a bassinet may cause your child to fall into a risky position, increasing the risk of suffocation.

Foot-to-foot positioning

A bedside baby bed, also called a co-sleeper, or bassinet, is a tiny crib that is attached to the edge of a bed for an adult. This lets parents have access to their child at any time during the night. These beds are usually larger than the traditional cots or bassinets. Some have a lower edge, which creates a barrier between the sleeping areas. They are usually constructed from durable materials, and some come with wheels that allow for easy transportation throughout the house.

Some cribs for bed have a tilt feature that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues, such as colic or reflux. But, it's crucial to use this feature with great care and at a very gentle angle to avoid the risk of being suffocated. If you're not sure whether you should utilize this feature, speak to your doctor or health visitor for advice.

The mattress is a further safety consideration to make when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress must be firm, flat and airy. A mattress that is too soft may cause a blocked airway, which is dangerous for infants. A breathable mattress will also help your baby stay cool throughout the night, which will lower the risk of overheating.

It is recommended to place your baby in a safe sleeping space - crib, cot, or Moses basket. It may seem tempting to share a bed with your baby however this could cause SIDS. You should wait until your baby is able to sleep independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to protect your child from secondhand smoke. If you're on a low income, you may 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 accept a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle as a hand-me-down from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the leading causes of death due to nursery products especially if they are damaged or missing parts or have larger spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Mattresses that are older can also develop dips and other conditions that could be dangerous for your baby. If a crib is too old to meet current safety standards it could be contaminated by lead paint or other toxic chemicals.

Examine if the crib has been removed from the crib. Check if the crib was painted with water-based, as this is safer for infants. Be sure that the mattress is firm and that it is fitted snugly. Babies can easily slide off mattresses that are soft and also could pose a danger of suffocation.

In addition to cribs, pay special attention to any used bassinets, cradles, and play yards. All of them should be JPMA-certified and free from sharp edges that could scratch or poke your baby. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these products which could create dangerous entrapment risks.

Infants have died in cribs that were tampered with or altered and most of the incidents occurred when caregivers and parents tried to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding items or modifying them in a way. Since 1973, crib manufacturers and the CPSC have teamed up to establish standards that are mandatory for cribs that are safer, and have addressed things like side heights, slat spacing, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts on end panels. In the last few years the number of deaths attributed to cribs has decreased from 150 to 200 a year to just 50.