Armando Atkin

Bedside Baby Beds

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

The Halo Bassinest swivels over the bed of the parent and comes with a push-down feature that lets parents take their newborn baby in to feed them during the night. The base cannot be placed under beds that are lower than 4.5" high.

Safety features

A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to watch, comfort and feed their children throughout the night without having to leave their bed. This arrangement of sleeping is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those who have limited mobility. It may also help parents to sleep better at night. It is, however, essential to look at safety features before purchasing a bedside baby bed.

The primary safety concern with this type of sleeping surface is that it's not a complete barrier between the parent's bed and the infant sleeping area, resulting in gaps that could cause the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed can increase the body heat of the parent and could increase the chance of overheating. This could lead to SIDS.

Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers have a higher safety rating than traditional cribs, these devices do not meet CPSC's safety standards. These cribs may include slats that allow a baby's legs or head to be caught. The mechanisms for attachment could also be unstable, resulting in separation.

A lot of these surfaces contain loose bedding, which can lead to the possibility of suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to remove themselves from soft bedding. Gaps between the frame and mattress can also pose an entrapment risk. Some of these products have a tough base that could cause injury to a child if they fall onto it. One user suggested that CPSC add pictograms to its warnings on these products, which will reduce the chances of caregivers missing key elements. Bedside sleepers must have an easy transition system that stops the baby from sliding off the parent's mattress.

Bedding

A bedside crib (also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper) lets babies sleep beside their parents' beds while maintaining a separate space. This form 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 middle-of-the-night feedings or comforting.

Baby bedding to sleep beside the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. It could also include stuffed animals and blankets. Be sure that the bedding you choose is suitable for the bedside sleeping baby properly. This will stop pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Also, ensure that the mattress you buy for your bedside crib vs cot sleeper is firm and fits comfortably without gaps around the edges.

When choosing a bedding set, look for one that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your child has accidents or spits at 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 to visit grandparents or on vacation.

When your child is no longer a bedside sleeper, you are able to transition them to a standalone toddler or crib. When transitioning, make sure to remove the crib from the bed of the parent for several months or weeks so that your infant can get used to sleeping in their own space, while still being a part of their parents' presence. Also, make sure you select a crib that can fold up easily for storage and transportation. Some cribs can be converted to an outdoor play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a great choice for new parents who are keen to travel.

Tilt function

A bedside sleeper is a bassinet which connects to the side of the adult bed and has one side lower than the other, allowing parents to reach out to care for their child during the night. It may also have a tilt feature to help reduce reflux in babies. Some parents have found that this feature helps their child sleep better. However it is crucial to note that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface may encourage your child to sleep in a risky chin-to-chest position. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.

The choice of a mattress is a different aspect to consider when choosing a bedside crib. It must be flat and firm, as well as ventilated. The size should be in line with the dimensions of the crib and fit snugly in the frame. It is recommended to buy a new mattress for your crib as a second-hand one could increase the risk of SIDS. Some retailers offer mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames, therefore it is recommended to choose these if possible.

Some bedside cribs, like the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be tucked under your bed to make space while bringing your baby bedside sleeper closer. However, some beds are too low for this type of crib. Additionally, 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, and this could cause it to move or rock out of alignment with your mattress.

Other cribs for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Dream and Grow bedside crib travel Bassinet can be placed next to your mattress but are not capable of tilting. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib could cause your child to roll into an unsafe position and increase the chance of the possibility of suffocation.

Foot-to-foot positioning

A bedside crib, also known as a bassinet or co-sleeper, is a small crib that is attached to the side of a bed for adults. It allows parents to easily access their child during the night. These beds are usually larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge that creates an enclosure between the sleeping areas. They are usually made of durable materials, and some come with wheels that allow for easy transportation throughout the house.

Some cribs with a bedside have tilt features, which can help infants with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It's important to use the tilt function with care and only at a very small bedside cot angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. If you're unsure about whether you should utilize this feature, speak to your doctor or health visitor for advice.

Another crucial safety factor to consider when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. The mattress should be solid, flat and breathable to reduce the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too soft could lead to a trapped airway, which can be dangerous for babies. A mattress that is breathable can aid your baby in staying cool during the night, which can decrease the chance of overheating.

It's recommended that you put your baby to bed in a secure sleeping area - such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. While it might seem tempting to put your baby in a bed, this poses a serious risk of SIDS. It is best bedside cot for newborn to wait until your baby is old enough to go to bed independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is smoke-free in order to ensure your child is safe from secondhand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you could be eligible for assistance with a bassinet or crib from Plunket.

Second-hand cribs

Parents who are frugal may be enticed to purchase or take an old crib, bassinet or cradle as a hand-me-down from a family member or friend. However, cribs are one of the main causes of deaths involving nursery products, especially when older ones have missing or damaged parts or larger spaces between slats (which could lead to suffocation risks). Mattresses that are older can also develop dips and other issues that can be risky for your baby. If your crib is older than the safety guidelines in place, it could be tainted by lead paint and could contain other toxic chemicals.

If you're thinking of buying a used crib, always be sure to check if it has been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is also a good idea to check whether the crib was painted with water-based paint, which is safer for babies than phthalic or oil paint. Ensure that the mattress is firm and that it fits comfortably. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to slip out and also pose a suffocation risk.

Pay particular attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles and play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp edges that your child could scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid putting pillows, blankets or toys to these products, which can become entrapment hazards.

Infants have died in cribs that had been tampered with or altered and most of the incidents were caused by caregivers and parents who attempted to make the cribs more useful or attractive by incorporating items or modifying them in a way. Since 1973 crib makers and the CPSC worked together to establish standard requirements for safer infant cribs. These standards addressed issues like side heights, slat spacings mattress fits, corner posts and cutouts on the end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have dropped from about 150-200 per year to about 50.