The Best Bedside Baby Bed Methods To Transform Your Life

Bedside Baby Beds

Baby cribs that are placed next to the bed allow parents to keep their baby close at night, without risking safety. They are designed for newborns and can be used until 4-6 months.

The Halo Bassinest swivels over the parent's bed and comes with a push-down feature that allows parents to scoop up their newborn for feedings in the middle of the night. The base will not fit under beds that are less than 4.5 inches high.

Safety features

A bedside baby bed allows parents to keep their babies close for nighttime feedings, comforting, and monitoring, without having to leave their own sleeping arrangements. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those who have mobility issues. It may also help parents sleep better at night. However, it is important to look at safety features before purchasing a bedside baby bed.

This type of mattress presents a safety hazard because it does not provide a complete barrier to the sleeping area of the parent and the infant's sleeping area. This can lead to gaps which can pose the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent, which can increase the risk of overheating. This could result in SIDS.

Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are safer than cribs, they're not covered by the CPSC safety standards. These products may have slats that permit a baby's head or legs to become trapped and their attachment mechanisms can be unstable, and could cause separation.

Additionally, many of these sleep surfaces contain loose bedding that could cause suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to remove themselves from soft bedding. Gaps between the frame and the mattress can also create an entrapment risk. Some of these items have a hard base that could cause injury to a child if they fall on it. One commenter suggested that CPSC include pictograms in its warnings on these products, which will decrease the chance of caregivers ignoring key elements. Sleepers at the bedside need a smooth transition system that stops the baby from falling off the mattress of their parents.

Bedding

A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows infants to sleep next to their parents' beds while maintaining a separate space. This form of safe co-sleeping reduces the risk of suffocation, entrapment, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arm's reach for middle-of-the-night feedings or comforting.

Baby bedding for a baby who sleeps at night could include crib sheets bumpers, blankets, and toys. Make sure that any bedding you select is suitable for the bedside sleeper to avoid pockets or bulges which could hinder the baby's breathing. Make sure that the mattress you choose for your bedside sleeping baby is sturdy and secure without any gaps around the edges.

When you are choosing a bedding set, search for something that's easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your baby is having accidents or spits up at night. Consider the possibility of a travel kit that will make it easier to pack and unpack your bedside sleeping set when you're going to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.

If your baby has outgrown the bedside sleeper, it is possible to transition the child to a crib or a toddler that is its own. When you transition, make sure to move the crib away from the bed of your parent over several weeks or months to allow your child to be comfortable sleeping in their own space, while still feeling connected to their parents' presence. Select a crib which can be folded away for storage and transportation. Some models can be converted into a play yard, or a more substantial bassinet. This makes them an excellent option for parents who travel frequently.

Tilt function

A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which attaches to the side of the adult bed and has one side lower than the other and allows parents to reach over to tend their baby during the night. It could have a tilt feature that helps ease reflux in infants. Some parents feel this feature helps their baby sleep more comfortably. However it is important to keep in mind that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface can encourage your baby to roll into an unsafe chin-to-chest position. This could lead to suffocation and should be avoided.

Choosing a suitable mattress is a further important factor to consider when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It must be flat and firm as well as breathable. The mattress should be exactly the same size as the crib and be able to fit into the frame. It is best to purchase a new mattress for the crib, as a second-hand mattress can increase the chance of SIDS. Certain retailers sell mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bed frames, therefore it is recommended to use these if possible.

Some bedside cribs are designed to tuck under your bed to conserve space and bring your baby close, such as the Halo BassiNest. Some beds aren't tall enough to accommodate this kind of crib. Additionally, the BassiNest's legs with splayed feet make it difficult to slide underneath certain beds. It is also difficult to slide it under a divan bed which can cause it to slide or sway out of alignment with the mattress.

Other cribs for bedside use, such as the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be placed beside your mattress but are not capable of tilting. CHOICE recommends parents to use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet may cause your child to roll into a risky position, increasing their chance of dying.

Position of foot-to-foot

A bedside crib, also referred to as a co-sleeper or a bassinet is a crib that is attached to the side of a bed designed for adults. This allows parents to access their child with ease during the night. They are generally larger than traditional bassinets or cots. Some have a lower edge that creates a barrier between the sleeping spaces. They are constructed of sturdy materials, and many have wheels that make them easier to move around the house.

Some cribs for bedside use a tilt function, which can help children with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It is essential to use the tilt feature with caution and at a moderate angle to prevent the risk of suffocation. Consult your physician or health visitor if you are unsure whether to use the feature.

Another crucial safety factor to consider when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. To minimize the risk of SIDS, the mattress should be firm, flat and breathable.  bedside crib and cot  that is too soft can result in a clogged airway, which is extremely dangerous for babies. A breathable mattress can also help your child stay cool at night, reducing the risk of overheating.

It is recommended to place your baby in a safe sleeping space - crib, cot or Moses basket. Although it may be tempting to put your child in a bed, it is a major risk of SIDS. Wait until your baby can sleep independently before you attempt to co-sleep. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is smoke-free in order to ensure your child is safe from second-hand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you could be eligible for assistance with a crib or bassinet from Plunket.

Second-hand cribs

Parents who want to save money might be tempted by a used crib, bassinet, or cradle that they receive from a relative or friend. However, cribs are one of the main causes of deaths involving nursery products especially if they are damaged or missing parts or have larger spaces between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). Additionally, older mattresses can create dips and other conditions which could be dangerous for your child. If a crib is old enough to be predated by the current safety standards the crib could be contaminated by lead paint and may contain other harmful chemicals.

Check whether the crib has been removed from the crib. It's also recommended to verify whether the crib was painted with water-based paint, which is more safe for infants than oil or phthalic paint. Be sure that the mattress is firm and that it is fitted snugly. Babies can easily slip off mattresses that are soft, which also pose suffocation risks.

In addition to cribs, pay special attention to used bassinets, cradles, and play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and have no sharp parts that your child can scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid putting pillows, toys or blankets to these products. They can become dangerous for entrapment.

Infants have died in cribs that were altered or played with. Most of these accidents were caused by caregivers or parents who 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 the standards that are mandatory for safe cribs for infants. These standards addressed things like side heights, slat spacings corner posts, mattress fits, and cutouts on end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have decreased from 150 to 200 per year to around 50.