Bedside Baby Beds

Baby bedside cribs let parents keep their infant close at night without compromising safety. They are designed for use by babies up until 4-6 months.

The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed with the ability to be pushed down to allow parents to take their baby into the crib during nighttime feedings. The base cannot be placed under beds that are less than 4.5" high.

Safety features

A crib at bedside allows parents to watch, comfort, and feed their babies at night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleep is perfect for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those with limited mobility and may help parents remain more rested throughout the night. It is, however, essential to consider safety features prior to buying a bedside crib.

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

Although some manufacturers claim that co-sleepers for bedside cot bed use to be safer than cribs, they're not subject to the CPSC safety standards. These products may have slats that permit a baby's head or legs to be snagged, and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable and lead to separation.

Many of these surfaces have bedding that is loose, which can lead to suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to free their bodies from the soft bedding. Gaps between the frame and mattress can also pose an entrapment risk. Some of these products have a hard base that can cause injury to a baby if they fall upon it. One commenter suggested the CPSC include pictograms as warnings to these products. This would decrease the likelihood that caregivers are unaware of key components. Bedside sleepers must have a smooth transition system that stops the baby from sliding off the parent's mattress.

Bedding

A bedside crib (also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper) allows babies to sleep next to their parents' beds but still having their own space. This method of sleeping in a safe manner helps reduce the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping children close to their parents.

Baby bedding for a bedside sleeper could include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers and stuffed animals. Make sure the bedding you choose is suitable for the bedside sleeping baby properly. This will stop pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. 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 a bedding set that will keep your baby clean in case they fall or spill up during the night, choose something that is simple to wash and dries. Consider a travel kit to help you pack and take your bedside sleeper out of the bag while you're away on vacation or visiting grandparents.

If your child has outgrown their bedside sleeper, you can change them to a stand-alone toddler or a crib. When you transition to a crib, remove it from the parents' bed over the course of time, either weeks or months, to allow your child to learn to sleep in their own space, but remain connected to them. Select a crib which can be folded up for storage and transportation. Some models can even be converted to a play yard or deeper bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who travel cot bedside frequently.

Tilt function

A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which connects to the side of the adult bed and has one side lower than the other which allows parents to reach over to tend their baby throughout the night. It may also have tilt features that help reduce reflux in babies. Some parents report that this feature helps their children sleep better. It is important to keep in mind that a slanted or elevated, mattress can stimulate your baby's chin into a chest position. This can lead to death and should be avoided.

A mattress that is suitable for your child is an important factor when choosing the crib for your child's bed. It should be flat, firm and ventilated. The size should match the dimensions of the crib and be able to fit within the frame. A second-hand mattress could increase the chance of SIDS which is why it is recommended to buy new crib mattresses. If possible, it is recommended to purchase mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames.

Some cribs that are bedside, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked away under your bed to make space while bringing your child closer. Some beds are too narrow to accommodate this type of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath certain beds. It's also a challenge to place it under a divan bed which could cause it slide or sway out of alignment with the mattress.

Other types of large bedside crib bassinets such as the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be set on top of your mattress, however they aren't able be slanted. CHOICE recommends that parents only use these beds if they have a solid, breathable bed. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib can encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous position, increasing the risk of suffocation.

Foot-to-foot position

A bedside baby bed, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a compact crib that attaches to the sides 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 spaces. These beds are made from sturdy materials, and many come with wheels, making them easier to move around the home.

Some bedside cribs have tilt functions which can assist children with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It is important to utilize this feature with extreme care and at a very small angle to avoid being suffocated. If you're unsure about whether to use this feature, speak to your GP or health visitor for guidance.

The mattress is an additional safety factor to take into account when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. To decrease the risk of SIDS, the mattress must be firm, flat and ventilated. A mattress that is too soft could cause a blocked airway, which can be dangerous for infants. A mattress that is breathable can aid your child in staying cool during the night, which reduces the risk of overheating.

It is recommended that you place your baby in their own secure sleeping space - such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. While it might seem appealing to sleep with your baby in a bed, this could be a risky way to get SIDS. Make sure your baby is able to sleep independently before attempting to sleep together. If you need to, make sure your bedroom is smokefree to safeguard your child from second-hand smoke. Plunket might be able to help with a bassinet or a crib for those with a low income.

Second-hand cribs

Frugal-minded parents may be tempted to purchase or take a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle as a hand-me-down from a relative or friend. But, cribs are among of the most common causes of nursery-product related deaths especially if they are damaged or missing parts or wider spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). In addition, older mattresses may develop dips and other issues which could be dangerous for your baby. And if a crib is older than the safety guidelines in place it may be contaminated by lead paint and could contain other toxic chemicals.

If you are considering a used crib, always be sure to check whether it's been recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Verify if the crib has been painted with water-based, as this is safer for infants. Ensure that the mattress is firm, and that it fits snugly. Babies are prone to slip out of mattresses with soft surfaces, which also pose suffocation risks.

Be especially cautious of used bassinets and cradles and play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and have no sharp parts that your child can scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these products, which can become dangerous entrapment risks.

Infants have been killed in cribs that had been tampered with or modified, and most of the incidents occurred when caregivers and parents tried to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding things or modifying them in some way. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have teamed up to set mandatory standards for cribs that are safer, and have addressed things like side heights, slat spacing, corner posts, mattress fit 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 50.