Why Bedside Baby Bed Is Everywhere This Year
Bedside Baby Beds
Baby bedside cribs let parents keep their infant close at night without compromising on safety. They are specifically designed for infants and can be used up to 4 to 6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the parent's bed and has a push-down side that allows parents to scoop their baby up for feedings in the middle of the night. The base will not fit under beds that are less than 4.5" high.
Safety features
A bedside baby bed allows parents to keep their babies close to them for evening feedings, comforting and monitoring, without having to leave their own beds. This arrangement of sleep is perfect for new mothers recovering from childbirth or those with limited mobility and may help parents remain more well-rested throughout the night. It is, however, essential to consider safety features prior to purchasing a bedside baby bed.
This kind of sleeping surface presents a safety hazard since it doesn't offer an entirely secure barrier between the parent's sleeping area as well as the infant's sleeping space. This can lead to gaps which can pose suffocation hazards to young infants. In addition, sharing the bed with an infant increases the parent's body heat and increases the risk of overheating, which could lead to SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers have a higher safety rating than traditional cribs, these devices aren't subject to the CPSC's safety guidelines. These products may have slats that permit a baby's head or legs to be snagged and their attachment mechanisms can be unstable, and could cause separation.
A lot of these surfaces contain loose bedding, which can lead to the possibility of suffocation. Babies lack the strength or coordination to get rid of the tangles in soft bedding, and gaps between the mattress and the frame could create a suffocation hazard. Some of these products have a tough base that could cause injury to a baby should they fall upon it. One commenter suggested the CPSC include pictograms in warnings to these products. This will decrease the likelihood that caregivers are unaware of key components. Moreover, bedside sleepers should have an easy transition mechanism to keep the baby from sliding off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib (also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet) allows infants to sleep beside 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 arms' reach for feedings during the night or comforting.
Baby bedding for a sleeper in the bed can include crib sheets and bumpers. It can also include stuffed animals and blankets. Be sure that any bedding you use is suitable for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges or pockets which could hinder the baby's breathing. Make sure that the mattress you purchase for your sleeping baby is firm and firmly fitted without gaps around the edges.
When selecting a bedding set, look for a set that is easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your child is having accidents or spits up at night. Consider an item for travel to make it easier to pack and take your bedside sleeper out of the bag when you're to a vacation destination or visiting your grandparents.
When your baby outgrows the bedside sleeper, you can move the child to a crib or toddler that is its own. When transitioning, be sure to remove the crib from the bed of your parent over several months or even weeks so that your child can get used to sleeping in their own space, while still feeling connected to their parents' presence. Choose a crib that can be folded away to be stored and transported. Some cribs can be transformed into a play yard, or a more substantial bassinet. This makes them a great option for parents who travel frequently.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that connects to the side of the adult bed and has one side higher than the other which allows parents to reach over to take care of their child throughout the night. It may also have a tilt function that can help alleviate reflux in babies. Some parents report that this feature can help their babies sleep better. It is important to keep in mind that a slanted or elevated, sleeping surface may stimulate your baby's chin into a chest position. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
The choice of a mattress is a different aspect to consider when it comes to choosing a crib for your bed. It should be firm, flat and airy. The size should match the dimensions of the crib and fit comfortably in the frame. It is best to purchase a new mattress for your crib since a second-hand one can increase the risk of SIDS. Certain retailers sell mattresses that are designed specifically for specific bed frames therefore it is recommended to use those if you can.
Some cribs designed for bedside are made to tuck under your bed to save space and keep your baby close, like the Halo BassiNest. However some beds are too low for this type of crib. The splayed feet of the BassiNest make it difficult to slide underneath some beds. It may be difficult to tuck the BassiNest under divans, which could cause it to move or rock out of line with your mattress.
Other types of bedside bassinets such as the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be set on top of your mattress, but they cannot be slanted. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds if they have a firm, breathable bed. The tilting of a bassinet may cause your child to slide into a risky position, increasing their danger of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside crib, also called co-sleeper or bassinet is a crib that is attached to the side of a bed designed for adults. It allows parents to easily access their child during the night. They are usually larger than standard cots or bassinets, and some even have a a lower side that forms a short barrier between the sleeping spaces. They are usually constructed from durable materials, and many come with wheels that allow for easy transportation throughout the home.

Some cribs for bedside use tilt features that can aid children with digestive issues such as colic or reflux. It's important to use the tilt function with caution and at a very small angle to prevent suffocation. If you're uncertain about whether or not to use this feature, speak to your GP or health care professional for advice.
The mattress is an additional safety factor to consider when selecting a crib for your child's bedside. To minimize the risk of SIDS, the mattress must be firm, flat and ventilated. A mattress that is too soft can result in an obstruction in the airway of newborns, which is dangerous. A breathable mattress can also help your child stay cool during the night, reducing the chance of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a secure sleeping area - crib, cot, or Moses basket. It may seem appealing to share a bed as your baby however this could lead to SIDS. You should wait until your baby is able to sleep independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you have to, make sure your bedroom is smokefree to protect your baby from second-hand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a crib or bassinet if you have a low-income.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to purchase or accept a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle as a hand-me-down from a friend or relative. But, cribs are among of the main causes of death due to nursery products particularly when older models have damaged or missing parts or have wider spaces between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). Older mattresses may also develop dips or other conditions that could be dangerous for your baby. If your crib is not old enough to meet the safety standards of today it could be contaminated by lead paint or other harmful chemicals.
If you're considering buying purchasing a crib that is used, look to see if it has been recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Verify if the crib has been painted with water-based paint, because this is safer for infants. Make sure the mattress is firm and that it fits snugly. Babies can easily slip off mattresses that are soft and also present a risk of suffocation.
baby bedside sleeper to second-hand bassinets and cradles, as well as play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and contain no sharp edges that your child can poke or scratch themselves on. Avoid putting pillows, toys, or blankets to these products. They could pose an dangerous for entrapment.
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 functional or more attractive by incorporating or modifying items. Since 1973, the crib manufacturers and the CPSC have collaborated to set mandatory standards for safer cribs, addressing things like side heights, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts on end panels. As a result, crib-related deaths have dropped from around 150-200 per year to less than 50.