5 Reasons Bedside Baby Bed Is A Good Thing
Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be placed near the bed will allow parents to keep their child close at night, without compromising safety. They are specifically designed for infants and are suitable for use up to 6 to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the parent's bed and features a push-down side that lets parents take their newborn baby in to feed them during the night. The base will not fit under beds that are less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to monitor, comfort and feed their children at night without having to leave their bed. This sleep arrangement is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or who are unable to move around. It can help parents remain more well-rested throughout the night. It is crucial to think about the safety aspects when purchasing an infant crib.
The main safety issue for this type of sleep surface is that it is not a complete barrier between the parent's bed and the baby's sleeping space and can result in gaps that could cause the risk of suffocation for infants. Additionally sharing a bed with a child increases the body heat of the parent and increases the risk of overheating which can lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that co-sleepers for bedside use to be safer than cribs, they are not required to meet the CPSC safety standards. They may have slats which allow babies' legs or heads to become stuck. Their attachment mechanisms may be unstable, resulting in separation.
Additionally, many of these mattresses contain loose bedding that could cause death. Babies lack the strength and coordination to untangle themselves from bedding that is soft. The gaps between the frame and mattress can also create a suffocation risk. Some of these items have an extremely hard bottom that could injure a baby when they fall on it. One commenter suggested that CPSC add pictograms to the warnings for these products, which would decrease the chance of caregivers not knowing the most important elements. Bedside sleepers need to have an easy transition system to prevent the baby from falling off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper allows infants to sleep on their parents' beds while maintaining a separate sleeping space. This safe form of co-sleeping helps reduce the chance of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping babies close to their parents.
Baby bedding for a sleeper at night could include crib sheets bumpers, blankets, and stuffed animals. Be sure that any bedding you choose to use fits the bedside sleeper properly to avoid pockets or bulges that might impede the baby's breathing. Make sure the mattress you choose for your bedside sleeping baby is firm and firmly fitted with no gaps around the edges.
If you're looking for bedding sets to keep your baby clean in case they get sick or vomit up during the night, select a set that is easy to wash and dries. You may also want to think about a travel kit for your bedside sleeper, so that you can easily pack and unpack it when you go on family vacations or visit your grandparents at their homes.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, you can move them to a separate toddler or a crib. When transitioning to a crib, move it away from the parents' bed over a period of time, either weeks or months, to let your child learn to sleep in their own space, but still feel a sense of connection to them. Select a crib which can be folded up for storage and transport. Some cribs can be transformed into a play yard, or a larger bassinet. This makes them an excellent choice for parents who travel frequently.
Tilt function

A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which attaches to the side of an adult bed and has one side lower than the other which allows parents to reach over to tend their baby at night. It could also have a tilt function that can aid in easing reflux in infants. Some parents have reported that this feature helps their children sleep better. However it is crucial to note that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface could encourage your child to sleep in a risky chin-to-chest position. This can lead to death and should be avoided.
Choosing a suitable mattress is another key factor when selecting a crib for your bed. It must be firm, flat and breathable. The size should correspond to the dimensions of the crib and be able to fit within the frame. It is recommended to purchase a new mattress for your crib, as a second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS. If bedside cot crib can, it's recommended to purchase mattresses designed for specific bedframes.
Some cribs for bedside use, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked away under your bed in order to maximize space while bringing your baby closer. Some beds are too narrow to accommodate this kind of crib. In addition, the BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It may be difficult to place the BassiNest in a divan, which could cause it to move or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use like the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be placed beside your mattress but are not able to tilt. CHOICE suggests cot for bedside use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib could encourage your baby to roll into an unsafe position and increase the chance of being suffocated.
Foot-to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper is a crib that is attached to the 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 generally larger than the traditional cots and bassinets, and some even have a an upper side that creates a short separation between the sleeping spaces. These beds are made from sturdy materials and most come with wheels, making them easier to move around the home.
Some cribs with a bedside have tilt features, which can help infants with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It's important to use the tilt feature with care and at a moderate angle to avoid suffocation. If you're not sure whether you should 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 choosing a crib for your child's bedside. The mattress should be firm, flat and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that's too soft can cause obstruction of the airway in newborns, which can be dangerous. A breathable mattress can also help your child stay cool at night, reducing the risk of overheating.
It's recommended that you put your baby to bed in their own secure sleeping space - a crib, cot or Moses basket. It could be tempting to sleep in the same bed as your infant but this could cause SIDS. You should wait until your baby is able to sleep independently before attempting to sleep with them. 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 could be eligible for help with a crib or bassinet from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who want to save money could be tempted by a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle they acquire from a relative or friend. But, cribs are among of the most common causes of death due to nursery products particularly when older models have damaged or missing parts or have larger spaces between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). Additionally, older mattresses could develop dips and other issues that can be hazardous for your baby. If your crib is not old enough to meet the current safety standards it could be contaminated with lead paint or contain other harmful chemicals.
If you're thinking of buying purchasing a used crib, check to see if it has been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is also recommended to verify whether the crib has been painted with water-based paint, which is much safer for infants than phthalic or oil paint. Ensure that the mattress is firm, and that it is fitted snugly. Babies can easily slide out of soft mattresses and also pose suffocation risks.
In addition to cribs, pay close attention to any used bassinets, cradles and play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp parts that your child can scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these items, which can become entrapment hazards.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered with or altered, and most of the incidents occurred when caregivers and parents attempted to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding things or modifying them in some way. Since 1973 crib makers and the CPSC worked together to establish the standards that are mandatory for safe cribs for infants. These standards dealt with things like side heights, slat spacings mattress fits, corner posts, and cutouts on end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have decreased from 150 to 200 per year to around 50.