Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs that can be set near the bed will allow parents to keep their baby close during the night without risking the safety of their child. They are specifically designed for infants and can be used up to 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed with the ability to be pulled down so that parents can pick up their newborn during nighttime feedings. The base will not fit under beds that are less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A crib at bedside allows parents to watch, comfort and feed their infants at night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or those who have mobility issues. It could also help parents sleep better at night. It is, however, essential to evaluate safety features before buying a bedside crib.
This kind of sleeping surface poses a safety concern because it does not provide an adequate barrier between the parent's sleeping area and the infant's sleep area. This can lead to gaps that could pose suffocation hazards to young infants. In addition, sharing a bed with an infant increases the body heat of the parent and increases the risk of overheating, which can lead to SIDS.
Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, they aren't subject to the the safety standards of the CPSC. They could have the slats which allow the baby's legs or head to be trapped and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable, and could cause separation.
Many of these surfaces have loose bedding that could cause the possibility of suffocation. Babies lack the strength or coordination to remove themselves from the tangles of soft bedding, and gaps between the frame and the mattress can cause a danger of suffocation. Some of these items have a hard bottom that can injure a baby when they fall on it. One commenter suggested that CPSC include pictograms in its warnings on these products, which would lower the risk of caregivers not knowing the most important elements. Bedside sleepers need to have an easy transition system that prevents the baby from slipping off the mattress of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper lets babies sleep on their parents' beds, while having 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 mid-night meals or for comforting.
Baby bedding for a sleeper in the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. They can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Make sure that the bedding you choose to use is appropriate for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges or pockets that might impede the baby's breathing. Make sure the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeping baby is firm and firmly fitted with no gaps around the edges.
When you are choosing a bedding set, look for one that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your baby has accidents or spits up during the night. Consider an item for travel to simplify the process of packing 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 are able to move them to a separate toddler or crib. When you transition, make sure to move the crib away from the bed of the parent for several weeks or months so that your child can become comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still feeling a sense of connection to their parents' presence. Pick a crib that is able to be folded for storage and transportation. bedside cot used can be transformed into a play yard or a larger bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who are new and love to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper, also known as bassinet is a bassinet attached to the bed's side for adults. One side is lower than the other side to allow parents to reach their child at night. It may also have a tilt function that can help ease reflux in babies. Some parents feel this feature helps their child sleep better. It is important to keep in mind that a slanted, or elevated, sleeping surface could cause your baby's chin to shift to the chest position. This can cause suffocation, and should be avoided.
A good mattress is an important factor when choosing the right crib for your child's bed. It should be firm and flat as well as airy. The mattress should be the same size as the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. A second-hand mattress could increase the chance of SIDS, so it is recommended that you purchase a new crib mattress. If you can, it's best to buy mattresses that are made specifically for specific bed frames.
Some cribs for bedside use, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked away under your bed to maximize space while bringing your child closer. Some beds are too low to accommodate this kind of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It can be difficult to tuck the BassiNest under a divan, which could cause it to move or rock out of line with your mattress.
Other bassinets for bedside use, like the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be set close to your mattress however they aren't able tilt. CHOICE suggests that parents only use these beds if they have a solid air-conditioned bed. A bassinet that is tilted or placed next to a crib could cause your child to roll into an unsafe position and increase the risk of the possibility of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside crib, also known as co-sleeper or bassinet, is a small crib that is attached to a side of a bed for adults. This allows parents to easily access their child during the night. They are generally larger than the traditional cots or bassinets. Some have a lower edge, which creates an enclosure between the sleeping areas. They are constructed of sturdy materials, and many come with wheels, making them easier to move around the home.
Some cribs for bedside use tilt features which can assist babies with digestive issues like reflux or colic. However, it's important to use this feature with great care and at a small angle to avoid being suffocated. If you're not sure whether or not to make use of this feature, talk to your doctor or health visitor for guidance.
The mattress is an additional safety factor to take into account when selecting a crib to be your child's bedside. The mattress should be solid, flat and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft could result in a clogged airway, which is dangerous for newborns. A breathable mattress will also ensure that your baby stays cool throughout the night, which could reduce the risk of overheating.
It is recommended to place your baby in a safe sleeping space - a cot, crib or Moses basket. It could be tempting to sleep in the same bed as your infant, but this can result in SIDS. It is best to wait until your baby is old enough to be able to sleep independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you must, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free to protect your child from secondhand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you may be eligible for help with a crib or bassinet from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are looking to save money might be tempted by a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle they receive from a relative or friend. Cribs are among the nursery items that could lead to death, particularly if older cribs have broken or missing parts, or have larger spaces between the slats. Older mattresses may also develop dips or other issues that can be hazardous for your child. If a crib is not old enough to meet current safety standards it could be contaminated with lead paint or contain other toxic chemicals.

If you are considering a used crib, always check to see if it has been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is also an excellent idea to determine whether the crib was painted with water-based paint, which is more safe for infants than phthalic or oil-based paint. Be sure that the mattress is firm, and that it fits comfortably. Soft mattresses can cause babies to slip off and also pose a suffocation risk.
In addition to cribs, pay particular attention to any secondhand bassinets, cradles, and play yards. They should all be JPMA-certified and free from sharp edges which could cause injury to your baby. Avoid adding toys, pillows or blankets with these products. They can become dangerous for entrapment.
Children have died in cribs that were altered with or altered and the majority of incidents were caused by caregivers and parents who attempted to make the cribs more useful or attractive by adding items or altering them in a way. Since 1973 crib makers and the CPSC have worked together to create mandatory standards for safer infant cribs. These standards addressed issues like side heights, spacing between slats, corner posts, mattress fits, and cutouts on end panels. In the past few years, the number of deaths attributed to cribs has dropped from 150-200 per year to 50.