The Complete List Of Bedside Baby Bed Dos And Don'ts
Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs for bedside use let parents keep their newborn close at night without compromising safety. They are specifically designed for infants and can be used until 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the bed of the parent. It comes with a push-down feature that allows parents to scoop up their newborn for feedings in the middle of the night. However, the base won't fit under beds lower than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed allows parents to keep their babies close for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring without leaving their own sleeping arrangements. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those who have limited mobility. It could also help parents sleep better at night. It is crucial to think about the safety features when buying a bedside crib.
This type of mattress poses a safety concern since it doesn't offer a complete barrier to the parents' sleeping space as well as the infant's sleeping space. This can lead to gaps that can cause the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent and can increase the chance of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they aren't required to meet the CPSC safety standards. They could have the slats which allow a baby's head or legs to be snagged, and their attachment mechanisms may be unstable and cause separation.

Furthermore, a lot of mattresses contain loose bedding that could cause death. Babies don't have the strength or coordination required to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding, and the gaps between the mattress and the frame could create a suffocation hazard. Some of these beddings have an extremely hard bottom that could injure a baby should they fall upon it. One commenter suggested that CPSC add pictograms to its warnings about these products, which would lower the risk of caregivers not knowing the most important elements. In addition, bedside cribs must have a smooth transition mechanism to keep the baby from slipping off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or co-sleeper, allows babies to sleep next to their parents' beds and still have a separate sleeping space. This safe form of co-sleeping helps reduce the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping infants close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a baby who sleeps at night can include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers and toys. Make sure the bedding you select fits the baby's bed properly. This will stop pockets or bulges from blocking the baby's airway. Make sure that the mattress you purchase for your baby's bed is sturdy and secure without any gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for a bedding set 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 wash and dry. You may also want to consider a travel kit for your child's bedside sleeper so that you can easily pack and unpack it when you travel with your family or visit your grandparents at their homes.
When your child is no longer a bedside sleeper, you are able to transition them to a standalone toddler or crib. When transitioning, be sure to move the crib away from the bed of your parent over several weeks or months so that your infant can get used to sleeping in their own space, while still feeling a sense of connection to their parents. Choose a crib that can be folded away for storage and transport. Some cribs can be transformed into a play yard, or a larger bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who travel often.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also known as a bassinet, is a piece of furniture that is attached to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other to allow parents to reach their child at night. It may have tilt features that help reduce reflux in infants. Some parents find this feature can help their child sleep better. However, it is important to keep in mind that a slanted or elevated sleeping surface could cause your child to sleep in a risky chin-to-chest position. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
Choosing a suitable mattress is a different aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib. It should be firm and flat and airy. The size should correspond to the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably in the frame. It is best to purchase an entirely new mattress for the crib as a second-hand one could increase the risk of SIDS. If possible, it is best to buy mattresses that are made specifically for specific bedframes.
Some cribs for bedside use are designed to tuck under your bed to conserve space and bring your child close, such as the Halo BassiNest. However certain beds are too low for this kind of crib. Additionally, the BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It's also difficult to slide it under a divan bed which can cause it to rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress.
Other bassinets for bedside use, like the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be positioned close to your mattress but they cannot be slanted. CHOICE recommends parents to use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib can encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous position and increase the risk of being suffocated.
Position of foot-to-foot
A bedside crib, also known as co-sleeper or bassinet is a crib that is attached to the side of a bed designed for adults. This allows parents to access their child at any time throughout the night. These beds are usually larger than traditional bassinets or cots. Some have a lower edge, which creates a barrier between the sleeping areas. They are typically made of sturdy materials, and many come with wheels that allow for easy transportation around the home.
Some bedside cribs come with tilting features that help babies who suffer from digestive issues like colic or reflux. However, it's important to use this feature with great care and at a very gentle angle to avoid the risk of being suffocated. If you're unsure about whether you should utilize this feature, speak to your doctor or health visitor for advice.
The mattress is a further safety factor to consider when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress needs to be flat, firm and breathable. A mattress that is too soft may result in a clogged airway, which is extremely dangerous for newborns. A breathable mattress can also help your child remain cool during the night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to put your baby to sleep in their own secure sleeping space, such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. While it could be tempting to put your baby in a bed, it could be a risky way to get SIDS. It's best to wait until your baby is old enough to go to bed independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you must, ensure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to protect your child from second-hand smoke. Plunket can assist with a crib or bassinet for those with a low income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are looking to save money could be attracted by a used bassinet, crib, or cradle that they receive from a relative or friend. cheap bedside cot are among the nursery products that can cause death, especially if older cribs have damaged or missing parts, or have wider spaces between the slats. Additionally, older mattresses can develop dips and other conditions which could be dangerous for your child. If a crib is older than the safety guidelines in place the crib could be contaminated by lead paint and could contain other harmful chemicals.
If you are considering purchasing a used crib, be sure to check whether it's been recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It's also recommended to verify whether the crib was painted with water-based paint, which is more safe for infants than phthalic or oil paint. Ensure that the mattress is firm and that it fits comfortably. Babies can easily slip off mattresses that are soft, which also present a risk of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay close attention to any used bassinets, cradles and play yards. They must all be JPMA certified, and have no sharp elements that your child could scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these items, which can become dangers for entrapment.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered or interfered with. The majority of these deaths occurred when parents or caregivers attempted to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by adding or altering things. Since 1973 crib makers and the CPSC collaborated to create standard requirements for safer cribs for infants. These standards dealt with things like side heights, spacing between slats, corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts on the end panels. In the past few years the number of crib-related deaths has decreased from 150-200 per year to 50.