5 Must-Know Practices For Bedside Baby Bed In 2024

· 6 min read
5 Must-Know Practices For Bedside Baby Bed In 2024

Bedside Baby Beds

Baby bedside cribs allow parents to keep their newborn close during the night without compromising on safety. They are specifically designed for infants and can be used until 4-6 months.

The Halo Bassinest can be swiveled over the bed of the parent. It comes with a push-down feature that lets parents take their newborn baby in to feed them during the night. The base is not suitable under beds that are lower than 4.5" high.

twin bedside cot  features

A bedside baby bed lets parents keep their babies close for feedings at night, comforting and monitoring without leaving their own beds. This type of arrangement is ideal for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those who have limited mobility. It could also help parents stay more relaxed throughout the night. It is important to consider the safety aspects when purchasing the bedside crib.

This kind of sleeping surface poses a safety concern because it does not provide an adequate barrier between the sleeping area of the parent and the infant's sleeping area. This could result in gaps that can cause the risk of suffocation for infants. Sharing a bed increases body heat of the parent and could increase the risk of overheating. This can lead to SIDS.

While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers to be safer than cribs, they are not required to meet the CPSC safety standards. These cribs may have slats that permit a baby's legs or head to get trapped. The mechanisms for attachment could be unstable, resulting in separation.


Many of these surfaces also have bedding that is loose which could lead to the risk of suffocation. Babies lack the strength or coordination required to free themselves from entanglement in soft bedding and gaps between the mattress and the frame can cause a danger of suffocation. Some of these products also have a hard bottom that could hurt a child should they fall upon it. One commenter suggested that the CPSC include pictograms in warnings for these products. This would decrease the likelihood that caregivers miss key elements. Bedside sleepers must have a smooth transition system that stops the baby from sliding off the mattress of their parents.

Bedding

A bedside crib (also called a co-sleeper or bassinet) lets babies sleep next to their parents' beds, but still having their own 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 for comforting.

Baby bedding for a baby who sleeps at night can include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers and toys. Make sure that any bedding you choose to use is suitable for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges and pockets that could obstruct the baby's breathing. Make sure the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeping baby is firm and firmly fitted with no gaps around the edges.

If you're in search of a bedding set that will keep your baby clean in case they have accidents or spit up during the night, pick a bedding that is easy to wash and dry. It is also a good idea to consider a travel kit for your sleeper at night, so you can easily carry it around when you travel with your family or visit your grandparents at their homes.

If your child has outgrown their bedside sleeper, you can move them to a separate toddler or a crib. When transitioning, make sure to remove the crib from the bed of your parent over several months or weeks so that your child can get used to sleeping in their own space, while still feeling a sense of connection to their parents' presence. Pick a crib that is able to be folded away to be stored and transported. Some cribs can be converted to an outdoor play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them an ideal choice for new parents who love to travel.

Tilt function

A bedside sleeper, sometimes referred to as bassinet, is a bassinet connected to the side of a bed for adults. One side is lower than the other to allow parents to reach their baby at night. It may also have tilt features that help reduce reflux in babies. Some parents feel this feature helps their child sleep better. However it is important to keep in mind that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface may cause your child to roll into an unsafe chest-to-chin position. This could lead to the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.

Choosing a suitable 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 match the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably within the frame. It is recommended to buy a new mattress for your crib as a second-hand one can increase the risk of SIDS. If possible, it is best to buy mattresses that are made specifically for specific bedframes.

Some bedside cribs are designed to tuck under your bed to save space and keep your baby close, like the Halo BassiNest. Some beds are too low to accommodate this kind of crib. In addition, the BassiNest's legs that are splayed make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It may be difficult to secure the BassiNest underneath divans, which could cause it to move or move out of alignment with your mattress.

Other types of bedside bassinets, like the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be positioned on top of your mattress, however they aren't able be slanted. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds when they have a solid and breathable mattress. The tilt of a bassinet can encourage your child to roll into a risky position, increasing their danger of suffocation.

Position of foot-to-foot

A bedside crib, also called a co-sleeper or a bassinet, is a small 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. They are generally 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 have wheels for easy transport throughout the house.

Some cribs with a bedside have a tilt feature that can help babies who suffer from digestive issues, such as colic or reflux. But, it's crucial to make use of this feature with utmost care and at a very gentle angle to avoid the risk of being suffocated. Talk to your doctor or health professional if you are unsure about using the feature.

The mattress is an additional safety consideration to make when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. The mattress should be firm, flat and breathable, to lower the risk of SIDS. A mattress that is too firm can result in obstruction of the airway in newborns, which is dangerous. A mattress that is breathable will help your baby stay cool during the night, which could reduce the risk of overheating.

It is recommended that you place your baby in a secure sleeping area - crib, cot, or Moses basket. While it might seem appealing to sleep with your child in a bed, this could be a risky way to get SIDS. Wait until your baby can sleep independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you must, make sure your bedroom is smoke-free to safeguard your baby from second-hand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a bassinet or crib in the event that you are a low-income parent.

Second-hand cribs

Frugal-minded parents may be tempted to purchase or take an old crib, bassinet or cradle as a hand-me-down from a relative or friend. But, cribs are among of the leading causes of nursery-product related deaths particularly when older models have damaged or missing parts or if they have more space between slats (which could create suffocation dangers). In addition, older mattresses may develop dips and other conditions that can be hazardous for your child. And if a 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 look to see whether it's been recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Verify if the crib has been painted with water-based paint, since this is safer for infants. Also, ensure that the mattress is firm and fits snugly. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to fall out and present a risk of suffocation.

Pay special attention to second-hand bassinets and cradles and play yards. They should all be JPMA certified and have no sharp edges that your child could scratch or poke at. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these products, which can become dangerous entrapment risks.

Infants have been killed in cribs that had been tampered with or modified, and most of the incidents occurred when parents and caregivers tried to make the cribs more functional or attractive by adding things or modifying them in some way. Since 1973, crib manufacturers and the CPSC have teamed up to establish mandatory standards for cribs that are safer, and have addressed things like side heights, slat spacing, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts on end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have decreased from 150-200 per year to about 50.