A Complete Guide To Bedside Baby Bed

Bedside Baby Beds

Baby bedside cribs let parents keep their baby close at night without compromising safety. They are designed specifically for newborns and can be used up to 4 to 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 for middle-of-the-night feedings. The base is not suitable under beds that are less than 4.5" high.

Safety features

A bedside crib lets parents keep their babies close to them for feedings at night, comforting and monitoring, without having to leave their bed. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for new mothers recovering from childbirth or with limited mobility. It can also assist parents to sleep better at night. However, it is important to consider safety features prior to purchasing a bedside baby bed.

The primary safety concern for this type of sleep surface is that it's not a complete barrier between the bed of the parent and the infant's sleeping area and can result in gaps that could pose the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent, which can increase the risk of overheating. This could result in SIDS.

While some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, these products are not subject to CPSC's safety guidelines. They may feature slats that allow a baby's head or legs to be trapped and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable, and could cause separation.

A lot of these surfaces have bedding that is loose that could cause the possibility of suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to remove themselves from bedding that is soft. Gaps between the frame and the mattress can also pose an entrapment risk. Some of these beddings have an extremely hard bottom that could cause injury to a baby when they fall on it. One commenter suggested that CPSC add pictograms to its warnings about these products, which would reduce the chances of caregivers missing key elements. Bedside sleepers must have an easy transition system that prevents the baby from falling off the parent's mattress.

Bedding

A bedside crib, also referred to as a bassinet or co-sleeper lets babies sleep beside their parents' beds while maintaining an individual sleeping space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risk of entrapment, suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies close to their parents and within arm's reach for middle-of-the-night feedings or for comforting.

Baby bedding for a sleeper in the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. It could also include stuffed animals and blankets. Be sure that any bedding you use fits the bedside sleeper properly to avoid bulges and pockets which could hinder the baby's breathing. Make sure the mattress you choose for your baby's bed is sturdy and secure with no gaps around the edges.

If you're looking for a bedding set to keep your baby clean in case they get sick or vomit up in the night, choose something that is easy to wash and dry. Consider a travel kit to make it easier to pack and take your bedside sleeper out of the bag when you're going to visit grandparents or on vacation.

If your child has outgrown their bedside sleeper, you are able to transition them to a standalone toddler or crib. When you transition, make sure to remove the crib from the bed of the parent for several months or even weeks so that your infant can become comfortable sleeping in their own space while still feeling a sense of connection to their parents. Pick a crib that is able to be folded to be stored and transported. Some models can even be converted to a play yard or deeper bassinet. This makes them a perfect option for parents who are new and are keen to travel.

Tilt function

A bedside sleeper, also known as bassinet, is a piece of furniture connected to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other side to enable parents to reach their child at night. It could also have an adjustable tilt feature that can help alleviate reflux in infants. Many parents report that this feature can help their babies sleep better. It is important to note that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface could stimulate your baby's chin into a chest position. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.

Selecting a mattress that is suitable is another key factor when selecting a crib for your bed. It must be flat and firm and breathable. The size should correspond to the dimensions of the crib and be able to fit in the frame. A second-hand mattress could increase the chance of SIDS which is why it is recommended to buy new crib mattresses. If you can, it's best to buy mattresses designed for specific bedframes.

small bedside cot  designed for bedside are made to be tucked under your bed to save space and bring your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds are too narrow to accommodate this kind of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to slide under some beds. It is also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed, which can cause it to rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress.

Other types of bedside cribs, such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be placed next to your mattress but are not able to tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds when they have a sturdy and breathable mattress. A bassinet that is tilted or placed next to a crib could encourage your baby to slide into a risky position, increasing the chance of suffocation.

Position of foot-to-foot

A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a compact crib that is attached to the sides of an adult's bed. This allows parents to have access to their child at any time during the night. These beds are generally larger than standard cots or bassinets, and some have an lower part that creates an elongated barrier between the sleeping spaces. They are constructed of sturdy materials and most have wheels that make them easier to move around the house.

Some cribs with a bedside have a tilt feature that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It is important to use the tilt function with care and only at a very small angle to prevent suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether you should use this feature, speak to your doctor or health care professional for advice.

Another important safety consideration when selecting a crib for your bed is the mattress. The mattress must be firm, flat and breathable to reduce the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft can result in a blocked airway in newborns, which can be dangerous. A mattress that is breathable will help your child stay cool at night, reducing the risk of overheating.

It is recommended that you put your baby to bed in a secure sleeping area - either a crib, cot, or Moses basket. It may seem appealing to share a bed as your infant but this could cause SIDS. Wait until your baby can be able to sleep on his own before trying to sleep with them. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free in order to ensure your child is safe from second-hand smoke. Plunket might be able to help with a bassinet or crib for those with a low income.

Second-hand cribs

Parents who are looking to save money may be tempted by a secondhand crib, bassinet or cradle they receive from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the most common causes of deaths involving nursery products particularly when older models have damaged or missing parts or wider spaces between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). Mattresses that are older can also develop dips and other conditions that could be risky for your baby. If a crib is old enough to predate current safety regulations, it could be tainted by lead paint and could contain other toxic chemicals.

If you're thinking of buying a used crib, always check to see if it has been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It's also an excellent idea to determine whether the crib has been painted with water-based paint which is safer for babies than oil or phthalic paint. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is sturdy and snugly fits. Babies can easily slip off mattresses that are soft and also present a risk of suffocation.

In addition to cribs, pay particular attention to any used bassinets, cradles and play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and have no sharp elements that your child can scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid adding pillows, blankets or toys to these items which could create dangers for entrapment.

Children have died in cribs that were altered or played with. Most of these accidents were caused by caregivers or parents who tried to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by incorporating or modifying items. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have teamed up to set mandatory standards for safer cribs, including issues like side height, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts in end panels. As the result, deaths attributed to cribs have dropped from about 150-200 per year to around 50.