How To Identify The Bedside Baby Bed Right For You
Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs for bedside use allow parents to keep their infant close to them at night without compromising safety. They are designed to be used by infants from 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the bed of the parent and features a push-down side that allows parents to take their newborn baby in for middle-of-the-night feedings. The base will not fit under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed lets parents keep their infants close for feedings at night, comforting and monitoring, without having to leave their own bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or with limited mobility. It can also assist parents to sleep better at night. It is essential to think about the safety features when buying a bedside crib.

The main safety issue for this type of sleep surface is that it is not an entirely secure barrier between the bed of the parent and the baby's sleeping space which can lead to gaps that could lead to suffocation risks to young infants. In addition, sharing a bed with a child increases the parent's body heat and raises the risk of overheating, which could lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers to be safer than cribs, they're not subject to the CPSC safety standards. These products may have slats that permit babies' legs or heads to be snagged, and their attachment mechanisms can be unstable and lead to separation.
A lot of these surfaces have loose bedding that could cause suffocation. Babies lack the muscle or coordination to free themselves from entanglement in soft bedding and the gaps between the mattress and the frame could cause a danger of suffocation. Some of these beddings 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 missing key elements. Additionally, bedside sleepers should have an easy transition mechanism that can prevent the baby from slipping off the parent's bed.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper or bassinet allows infants to sleep beside their parents' beds, while having an independent sleeping space. This type of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of entrapment, suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping babies close to their parents and within arms' reach for feedings during the night or for comforting.
Baby bedding for a baby who sleeps at night could include crib sheets, bumpers, blankets, and toys. Make sure that any bedding you choose to use is appropriate for the bedside sleeper to avoid pockets or bulges that could obstruct the baby's breathing. Make sure the mattress you buy for your sleeping baby is sturdy and secure with no gaps around the edges.
When choosing bedding sets, look for one that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your child has accidents or spits up during the night. Consider an item for travel to help you pack and unpack your bedside sleeping set when you're going to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.
Once your infant outgrows their bedside sleeper, you can transition them to a standalone toddler or crib. When you transition to a crib, move it away from the parents' bed over a period of time, either weeks or months, so that your child can become comfortable sleeping in his own space and still feel connected to them. Select a crib which can be folded away for storage and transportation. Some cribs can be transformed into a play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a perfect option for parents with young children who like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that attaches to the side of an adult bed and has one side lower than the other which allows parents to reach out to tend their baby during the night. It may have a tilt feature that helps reduce reflux in babies. Many parents report that this feature helps their babies sleep better. It is important to note that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface may stimulate your baby's chin into a the chest position. This can lead to suffocation and should be avoided.
A mattress that is suitable for your child is an important factor when choosing the right crib for your child's bed. It must be flat and firm as well as airy. The size should match the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably within the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS which is why it is recommended to buy new crib mattresses. If you can, it is best to buy mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bed frames.
Some bedside cribs are designed to be tucked under your bed to conserve space and bring your child close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds are too narrow to accommodate this type of crib. Additionally, the BassiNest's legs with splayed feet make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It can be difficult to place the BassiNest in a divan, which could cause it to shift or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other types of bedside cribs like the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be set up beside your mattress but are not in a position to tilt. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds when they have a solid and breathable mattress. The tilting of a bassinet can encourage your child to slide into a dangerous position, increasing their chance of dying.
baby bedside cot -to-foot positioning
A bedside crib, also referred to as co-sleeper or bassinet is a crib that is attached to the side of a bed designed for adults. This lets parents have access to their child at any time during the night. These beds are typically larger than standard cots or bassinets, and some have an lower part that creates an elongated barrier between the sleep spaces. These beds are constructed from sturdy materials and most have wheels to make them easier to move around the house.
Some cribs with a bedside have a tilt function which can assist infants with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. It is essential to use the tilt function with care and only at a moderate angle to prevent suffocation. If you're not sure whether you should make use of this feature, talk to your GP or health visitor for advice.
Another important aspect to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is the mattress. The mattress should be smooth, firm and breathable, to lower the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft could result in a clogged airway, which is dangerous for babies. A mattress that is breathable can help your child stay cool during the night, which reduces the chance of overheating.
It is recommended to put your baby to sleep in their own secure sleeping space, such as such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. It could be tempting to share a bed as your baby but this could result in SIDS. Make sure your baby is able to sleep independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is smoke-free in order to protect your child from second-hand smoke. If you're on a lower income, you could be eligible for help with a bassinet or crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are looking to save money may be attracted by a used bassinet, crib, or cradle that they receive from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the leading causes of deaths involving nursery products, especially when older ones have missing or damaged parts or if they have wider spaces between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). Additionally, older mattresses can develop dips and other issues which could be dangerous for your child. If a crib is too old to meet current safety standards it could be contaminated with lead paint or have other harmful chemicals.
Check if the crib has been removed from the crib. Verify if the crib has been painted with water-based paint, because this is safer for babies. Make sure the mattress is firm and that it is fitted snugly. Babies are prone to slip off mattresses that are soft as well as present a risk of suffocation.
In addition to cribs, pay close attention to any used bassinets, cradles and play yards. They should all be JPMA certified, and have no sharp elements that your child can poke or scratch themselves on. Avoid putting pillows, toys or blankets with these products. They could be a potential dangerous for entrapment.
Infants have died from cribs that were altered or played with. The majority of these deaths occurred when parents or caregivers attempted to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by adding or modifying things. Since 1973 crib makers and CPSC worked together to establish standard requirements for safer cribs for infants. These standards addressed issues like side heights, slat spacings, corner posts, mattress fits and cutouts for end panels. As the result, deaths attributed to cribs have dropped from about 150-200 per year to around 50.