An All-Inclusive List Of Bedside Baby Bed Dos And Don'ts

· 6 min read
An All-Inclusive List Of Bedside Baby Bed Dos And Don'ts

Bedside Baby Beds

Baby bedside cribs let parents keep their baby close at night without compromising on safety. They are designed to be used by newborns up to 4-6 months old.

The Halo Bassinest swivels over the parent's bed and features a push-down side that lets parents take their newborn baby in for middle-of-the-night feedings. But, the base won't fit under beds lower than 4.5 inches high.

Safety features

A bedside baby bed lets parents keep their infants close for feedings at night, comforting and monitoring without leaving their own sleeping arrangements. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for mothers who are recovering from childbirth or with limitations in mobility. It can also assist parents sleep better at night. It is essential to think about safety features when purchasing the bedside crib.

This type of sleep surface is a safety risk because it doesn't provide an entirely secure barrier between the sleeping area of the parent as well as the infant's sleeping space. This could lead to gaps which can pose dangers of suffocation to infants. Additionally sharing a bed with an infant increases the body heat of the parent and increases the risk of overheating which can lead to SIDS.

While  discover this  claim bedside co-sleepers are safer than traditional cribs, these products aren't subject to the CPSC's safety standards. They may feature slats that permit the baby's legs or head to become trapped and their attachment mechanisms could be unstable and lead to separation.

A lot of these surfaces contain loose bedding which could lead to suffocation. Babies do not have the muscle or coordination to free themselves from entanglement in soft bedding and 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 the CPSC include pictograms in warnings to these products. This could decrease the likelihood that caregivers miss key elements. Bedside sleepers need to have an easy transition system that stops the baby from falling off the mattress of their parents.

Bedding

A bedside crib (also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper) allows babies to sleep in their parents' beds but still having their own space. This safe form of co-sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation as well as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome by keeping infants close to their parents.

Baby bedding to sleep beside the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. It can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Make sure the bedding you choose fits the baby's bed properly. This will prevent pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Make sure that the mattress you purchase for your sleeping baby is firm and fits tightly with no gaps around the edges.

When you are choosing a bedding set, search for one that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your child has accidents or spits during the night. It is also a good idea to think about a travel kit for your sleeper at night, so that you can easily pack and unpack it when you travel with your family or visit grandparents home.

If your child has outgrown their bedside sleeper, you can transition them to a standalone toddler or crib. When you transition to a crib, take it away from the bed of your parents over a period of time, either weeks or months, to let your child become comfortable sleeping in his own space and remain connected to them. Also, be sure to select a crib that can fold up easily for storage and transportation. Certain models can be transformed into a play yard or a deeper bassinet. This makes them an ideal option for parents with young children who like to travel.

Tilt function

A bedside sleeper, also referred to as a bassinet, is a bassinet connected to the bed's side for adults. One side is lower than the other to allow parents to reach their child at night. It may have a tilt feature that helps alleviate reflux in infants. Some parents find this feature can help their child sleep more comfortably. However it is crucial to remember that a sloped or elevated sleeping surface can cause your child to sleep in a risky chin-to-chest position. This can lead to death and should be avoided.


A suitable mattress is also a key factor in choosing a crib for your child's bed. It should be flat, firm and breathable. The mattress should be similar to the size of the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the chance of SIDS which is why it is recommended to buy a new crib mattress. If you can, it is best to buy mattresses that are made for specific bedframes.

Some cribs for bedside use are designed to tuck under your bed in order to save space and bring your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. However certain beds are too low for this type of crib. The splayed feet of BassiNest make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It can be difficult to tuck the BassiNest under divans, which could cause it to shift or rock out of line with your mattress.

Other cribs for bedside use, such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow Bedside Bassinet can be placed next to your mattress, but they aren't capable of tilting. CHOICE recommends parents to use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to fall into a dangerous position and increase the chance of the possibility of suffocation.

Foot-to-foot positioning

A bedside crib, also called co-sleeper or bassinet is a crib that is attached to a side of a bed for adults. This allows parents to access their child easily during the night. The beds are typically larger than the traditional cots or bassinets. Some have a lower edge that creates a barrier between the sleeping spaces. These beds are made from sturdy materials, and many come with wheels, making them easier to move around the house.

Some cribs with a bedside have tilt features that can aid babies suffering from digestive issues like reflux or colic. It is important to utilize this feature with extreme care and at a very gentle angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. If you're not sure whether you should utilize this feature, speak to your physician or health visitor for advice.

Another crucial safety factor to consider when selecting a crib for your bed is the mattress. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress should be flat, firm and breathable. A mattress that is too firm can result in an obstruction in the airway of newborns, which is dangerous. A breathable mattress can also help your child stay cool at night, reducing the risk of overheating.

It is recommended that you put your baby to sleep in their own secure sleeping space, such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. It could be appealing to share a bed as your baby but this could lead to SIDS. It's best to wait until your baby is old enough to be able to sleep independently before you attempt to co-sleep. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to ensure your child is safe from secondhand smoke. If you're on a low income, you may be eligible for help with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.

Second-hand cribs

Parents who are frugal may be enticed to buy or accept an old crib, bassinet or cradle from a relative or friend. Cribs are one of many baby products that could cause death, especially when older cribs are damaged or missing parts, or have wider spaces between the slats. Additionally, older mattresses can develop dips and other conditions that can be hazardous for your child. If a crib is not old enough to meet the safety standards of today, it may be contaminated by lead paint or have other toxic chemicals.

Examine if the crib has been recalled. Check if the crib was painted with water-based paint, since this is safer for babies. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is firm and fits snugly. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to fall out and also pose a suffocation risk.

In addition to cribs, pay close attention to used bassinets, cradles or play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and have no sharp edges that your child can poke or scratch themselves on. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these products which could create entrapment hazards.

Infants have died in cribs that were altered or interfered with. Most of these accidents occurred when caregivers or parents tried to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by adding or modifying things. Since 1973 crib makers and CPSC collaborated to create mandatory standards for safer infant cribs.  bedside cot mattress  dealt with things like side heights, slat spacings, corner posts, mattress fits, and cutouts on end panels. In the past few years, the number of crib-related deaths has decreased from 150 to 200 per year to 50.