Bedside Baby Beds
Baby bedside cribs let parents keep their newborn close during the night without compromising safety. They are designed specifically for newborns and are suitable for use up to 4 to 6 months.
The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the parent's bed and comes with a push-down feature that allows parents to scoop their baby up for feedings in the middle of the night. But, the base won't be able to fit under beds less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A crib at bedside allows parents to watch, comfort and feed their children throughout the night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering after childbirth or with mobility issues. It can also assist parents sleep better at night. It is essential to think about the safety aspects when purchasing the bedside crib.
The main safety issue with this type of sleep surface is that it is not a complete barrier between the bed of the parent and the infant's sleeping area and can result in gaps that could lead to suffocation risks to young infants. Sharing a bed increases the body heat of the parent, which can increase the risk of overheating. This can lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they are not subject to the CPSC safety standards. bedside crib and travel cot may include slats that allow the baby's head or legs to become stuck. The mechanisms for attachment could be unstable, resulting in separation.
Many of these surfaces have loose bedding which could lead to the possibility of suffocation. Babies don't have the strength or coordination to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding, and the gaps between the frame and the mattress can create a suffocation hazard. Some of these products also have an extremely hard bottom that could injure a baby when they fall on it. One commenter suggested that the CPSC add pictograms as warnings to these products. This will decrease the likelihood that caregivers overlook crucial elements. Additionally, bedside sleepers must have an easy transition mechanism that can keep the baby from sliding off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows babies to sleep beside their parents' beds, but still having their own space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the risks of entrapment, suffocation, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arm's reach for mid-night meals or for comforting.
Baby bedding to sleep on the bed could include crib sheets and bumpers. They can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Make sure the bedding you choose fits the baby's bed properly. This will stop pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Also, make sure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits comfortably without gaps around the edges.
If you're in search of a bedding set to keep your baby clean in the event that they have accidents or spit up during the night, select a set that is easy to clean and dry. Consider the possibility of a travel kit that will help you pack and unpack your bedside sleeper when you're to visit grandparents or on vacation.
When your child is no longer a bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition them to a standalone toddler or a crib. When you transition to a crib, move it away from the parents' bed over the course of time, either weeks or months, so that your child can get used to sleeping in his own space and remain connected to them. Also, be sure to select a crib that you can fold easily for storage and transport. Some cribs can be converted into play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them a great choice for new parents who love to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also referred to as bassinet is a bassinet that is attached to the bed's side for adults. One side is lower than the other side to enable parents to reach their baby at the end of the night. It could have tilt features that help ease reflux in infants. Some parents have reported that this feature helps their babies sleep better. However it is crucial to note that a slanted or elevated sleeping surface may encourage your child to roll into an unsafe chest-to-chin position. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.

A mattress that is suitable for your child is a key factor in choosing the crib for your child's bed. It must be flat and firm and breathable. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and fit snugly within the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the risk of SIDS, so it is recommended that you purchase a new crib mattress. Some retailers offer mattresses made specifically for specific bed frames so it is best to use them if you can.
Some bedside cribs, like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked under your bed to save space while bringing your baby closer. Some beds are too low to accommodate this type of crib. The BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. bedside sleeper cot may be difficult to secure the BassiNest underneath a divan, which could cause it to move or rock out of line with your mattress.
Other cribs for bedside use like the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be placed beside your mattress, but aren't in a position to tilt. CHOICE recommends parents to use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. A bassinet that is tilted or placed next to a crib could encourage your baby to roll into an unsafe position and increase the chance 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 side of an adult's bed. It allows parents to be able to easily access their child throughout the night. The beds are typically larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge, which creates a barrier between the sleeping spaces. These beds are constructed from solid materials and have wheels that make them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs for bedside use a tilt function, which can help babies with digestive issues like colic or reflux. It is essential to use the tilt feature with care and at a small angle to prevent suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether to use this feature, speak to your GP or health professional for advice.
The mattress is an additional safety factor to consider when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. To minimize the risk of SIDS, the mattress should be flat, firm and ventilated. A mattress that is too soft may cause a blocked airway, which is extremely dangerous for newborns. A mattress that is breathable can aid your baby in staying cool throughout the night, which will decrease the chance of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a safe sleeping area - crib, cot or Moses basket. Although it may be appealing to sleep with your child in a bed, it is a major risk of SIDS. It is best to wait until your baby is old enough to sleep independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you must, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to ensure your child is safe from second-hand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you could be eligible for help with a crib or bassinet from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to purchase or take a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle for a gift from a friend or relative. Cribs are among the baby products that could cause death, particularly when older cribs are damaged or missing parts or have wider spaces between the slats. Additionally, older mattresses could develop dips and other issues that could pose danger to your baby. If a crib is not old enough to meet the safety standards of today, it may be contaminated with lead paint or other toxic chemicals.
Check if the crib has been recalled. Verify if the crib has been painted with water-based paint, since this is safer for infants. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is firm and fits snugly. Mattresses with soft edges can cause babies to fall out, and they also pose a suffocation risk.
In addition to cribs, pay close attention to used bassinets, cradles and play yards. All of them must be JPMA-certified and free of sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these products, which can become dangerous entrapment risks.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered or tampered with. Most of these incidents occurred when caregivers or parents attempted to make the cribs functional or more attractive by adding or modifying items. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC worked together to establish standard requirements for safer infant cribs. These standards addressed things like side heights, spacing between slats, mattress fits, corner posts and cutouts on the end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have dropped from around 150 to 200 per year to around 50.