5 Must-Know Bedside Baby Bed Practices For 2024

Bedside Baby Beds

Baby cribs for bedside use allow parents to keep their infant close to them at night without compromising on safety. They are designed for newborns and are suitable for use up to 4 to 6 months.

The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the bed of the parent. It features a push-down side that allows parents to scoop their baby up for feedings in the middle of the night. But, the base won't fit under beds that are less than 4.5 inches high.

Safety features

A crib at bedside allows parents to monitor, comfort and feed their infants 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 rested throughout the night. It is, however, essential to look at safety features before purchasing a crib for your baby.

This type of mattress poses a safety concern because it doesn't provide an entirely secure barrier between the parents' sleeping space as well as the infant's sleeping space. This can lead to gaps that could pose suffocation hazards 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 traditional cribs, these products aren't subject to the CPSC's safety standards. These products may have the slats which allow the baby's legs or head to be trapped, and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable and lead to separation.

Many of these surfaces also have bedding that is loose, which can lead to the risk of suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to remove themselves from bedding that is soft. The gaps between the mattress and frame can create a suffocation risk. Some of these products have a hard base that could cause injuries to a baby if they fall onto it. One user suggested that CPSC add pictograms to its warnings on these products, which would reduce the chances of caregivers ignoring key elements. In addition, bedside cribs should come with an easy transition mechanism that can stop the baby from sliding off the bed of their parents.

Bedding

A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet) lets babies sleep beside their parents' beds, but still having their own space. This method of sleeping in a safe manner reduces the risk 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 toys. Be sure that any bedding you select fits the bedside sleeper properly to avoid bulges or pockets that could obstruct the baby's breathing. Also, make sure that the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits snugly without gaps around the edges.

If you're looking for a bedding set that will keep your baby clean in the event that they fall or spill up in the night, pick a bedding that is easy to wash and dry. You might also want to think about a travel kit for your child's bedside sleeper so that you can easily pack and unpack it when you travel with your family or visit grandparents at their homes.

When your baby outgrows the bedside sleeper, you can move your child to a crib or toddler that is on its own. When transitioning, make sure to move the crib away from the bed of the parent for several months or even weeks so that your child can be comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still feeling connected to their parents. Pick a crib that is able to be folded up for storage and transportation. Some models can even be converted into a play yard or deeper bassinet. This makes them an excellent option for parents who travel frequently.

Tilt function

A bedside sleeper, also known as the bassinet, is a bassinet that is attached to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other side to enable parents to access their infant at the end of the night. It could also have a tilt function that can help ease reflux in infants. Some parents have found that this feature helps their child sleep better. It is important to note that a slanted, or elevated, sleeping surface may cause your baby's chin to shift to the chest position. This can lead to death and should be avoided.

Selecting a mattress that is suitable is a further important factor to consider when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It should be firm, flat and breathable. The mattress should be exactly the same size as the crib and be able to fit into the frame. It is recommended to buy an entirely new mattress for the crib as a second-hand one could increase the chance of SIDS. If you can, it is best to buy mattresses designed for specific bedframes.

Some bedside cribs, like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked under your bed to save space while bringing your baby closer. However certain beds are too low for this type of crib. The BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide under some beds. It isn't easy to secure the BassiNest underneath a divan, which could cause it to move or move out of alignment with your mattress.

Other bassinets for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be set close to your mattress however they aren't able be slanted. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds when they have a firm air-conditioned bed. The tilt of a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to roll into an unsafe position which increases the risk of suffocation.

Foot-to-foot position

A bedside baby bed also called a co-sleeper, or bassinet, is a tiny crib that can be attached to the sides of an adult's bed. This allows parents to access their child with ease during the night. These beds are typically larger than traditional cots or bassinets.  cotsfortots  have a lower side that forms a short barrier between the sleeping spaces. These beds are made from sturdy materials and most have wheels that make them easier to move around the house.

Some cribs with a bedside have a tilt function, which can help babies with digestive issues like colic or reflux. It is important to use this feature with great care and at a slight angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. If you're unsure about whether or not to utilize this feature, speak to your doctor or health professional for guidance.

Another important aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. The mattress should be firm, flat and breathable to minimize the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft could lead to a trapped airway, which is extremely dangerous for babies. A mattress that is breathable can aid your child in staying cool during the night, reducing the chance of overheating.

It is recommended to place your baby in a safe sleeping space - a cot, crib or Moses basket. Although it may be tempting to put your child in a bed, it could be a risky way to get SIDS. It is best to wait until your baby is old enough to go to bed independently before you attempt to co-sleep. If you have to ensure that your bedroom is not smoky to protect your child from second-hand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a bassinet or crib for those with a low income.

Second-hand cribs

Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to purchase or take a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle as a hand-me-down from a family member or friend. Cribs are one of many nursery items that could lead to death, particularly in older cribs that have damaged or missing parts or have wider spaces between the slats. In addition, older mattresses may develop dips and other issues that could pose danger to your child. If your crib is old enough to be predated by the safety guidelines in place, it could be tainted by lead paint and could contain other harmful chemicals.

If you're considering buying a used crib, always look to see if it has been recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Make sure the crib was painted with water-based paint, because this is safer for babies. Ensure that the mattress is firm and that it is fitted snugly. Babies can easily slide out of mattresses with soft surfaces and also could pose a danger of suffocation.

Pay particular attention to used bassinets and cradles and play yards. All of them should be JPMA-certified and free from sharp edges that could hurt or poke your baby. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these items, which can become entrapment hazards.

Infants have died in cribs that were altered or tampered with. Most of these incidents were caused by caregivers or parents who tried to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by incorporating or altering things. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have teamed up to set mandatory standards for cribs that are safer, and have addressed issues like side height, slat spacing, mattress fit, corner posts and cutouts in the end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have decreased from 150 to 200 deaths per year to about 50.