10 Bedside Baby Bed Tricks Experts Recommend

· 6 min read
10 Bedside Baby Bed Tricks Experts Recommend

Bedside Baby Beds

Baby cribs in bed let parents keep their newborn close at night without compromising on safety. They are designed for newborns and can be used until 6 to 4-6 months.

The Halo Bassinest is a swivel that can be swivel over the bed of that has the ability to be lowered to allow parents to take their baby into the crib during feeding times at night. The base will not fit under beds that are less than 4.5" high.

Safety features

A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to monitor, comfort and feed their infants at night without having to leave their bed. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for new mothers recovering after childbirth or those who have limited mobility. It can also assist parents to sleep better at night. It is crucial to think about the safety features when buying a bedside crib.

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

Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers to be safer than cribs, they are not subject to the CPSC safety standards. They may feature the slats which allow the baby's legs or head to be snagged, and their attachment mechanisms can be unstable, and could cause separation.

Furthermore, a lot of mattress frames have loose bedding, which can cause suffocation. Babies aren't strong enough or have the coordination to untangle their bodies from the soft bedding.  bedside crib or cot  between the frame and the mattress can also pose an entrapment risk. Some of these beddings have a hard bottom that can injure a baby should they fall upon it. One user suggested that CPSC include pictograms in its warnings about these products, which will decrease the chance of caregivers ignoring key elements. Bedside sleepers need to have an easy transition system to prevent the baby from slipping off the parent's bed.

Bedding

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

Baby bedding for a sleeper at night could include crib sheets blankets, bumpers, and toys. Make sure that the bedding you choose is suitable for the baby's bed properly. This will stop pockets or bulges from obstructing the baby's airway. Make sure the mattress you choose for your bedside sleeping baby is firm and fits tightly without any gaps around the edges.


If you're in search of bedding sets to keep your baby clean in the event that they fall or spill up during the night, select a set that is simple to wash and dry. It is also a good idea to consider a travel kit for your sleeper at night, so you can easily take it out and back when you go on family vacations or visit the grandparents' homes.

If your child has outgrown their bedside sleeper, it is possible to move them to a separate toddler or crib. When you transition to a crib, move it away from the parents' bed over the course of weeks or months so that your child can become comfortable sleeping in their own space, but still feel connected to them. Choose a crib that can be folded away to be stored and transported. Some cribs can be transformed into a play area or a more substantial bassinet. This makes them a perfect option for parents who are new and are keen to travel.

Tilt function

A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that attaches to the side of the adult bed and has one side higher than the other which allows parents to reach over to tend their baby throughout the night. It could have a tilt feature to help ease reflux in infants. Some parents find this feature can help their child sleep more comfortably. However, it is important to keep in mind that a sloped or elevated sleeping surface may encourage your child to sleep in a risky chest-to-chin position. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.

A good mattress is crucial in deciding on a crib for your child's bed. It should be firm and flat as well as airy. The mattress should be the same size as the crib and fit snugly into the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the risk of SIDS, so it is recommended to purchase new crib mattresses. Some retailers offer mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames so it is best to use those if you can.

4-in-1 bedside crib  are designed to tuck under your bed to conserve space and bring your child close, like the Halo BassiNest. However certain beds are too low for this type of crib. The splayed feet of the BassiNest make it difficult to move underneath some beds. It is also difficult to tuck it under a divan bed, which can cause it to slide or sway out of alignment with the mattress.

Other bassinets for bedside use, like the Ingenuity Sleep and Grow Bedside Crib can be positioned next to your mattress, but they cannot be slanted. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a comfortable, firm mattress. The tilt of a bassinet could cause your child to fall into a dangerous position, increasing their chance of dying.

Foot-to-foot positioning

A bedside baby bed, also called a co-sleeper, or bassinet, is a compact crib that is attached to the sides of an adult's bed. This lets parents access 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 obstacle between the sleeping areas. These beds are constructed from sturdy materials, and many come with wheels, making them easier to move around the house.

Some bedside cribs have tilt functions which can assist children with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. But, it's crucial to make use of this feature with utmost care and at a very slight angle to avoid being suffocated. If you're unsure about whether you should utilize this feature, speak to your GP or health visitor for guidance.

Another crucial safety factor to consider when choosing a bedside crib is the mattress. To reduce the risk for SIDS, the mattress needs to be firm, flat and ventilated. A mattress that is too soft can result in an obstruction in the airway of newborns, which can be dangerous. A mattress that is breathable will aid your baby in staying cool during the night, which could lower the risk of overheating.

It is recommended that you place your baby in a secure sleeping space such as 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 recommended to wait until your baby is old enough to be able to sleep independently before attempting to co-sleep. If you are able to, ensure that your bedroom is not smoke-free to ensure your child is safe from secondhand smoke. Plunket may offer assistance with a crib or bassinet in the event that you are a low-income parent.

Second-hand cribs

Parents who are frugal may be enticed to purchase or take a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle from a family member or friend. But, cribs are among of the main causes of death due to nursery products, especially when older ones are damaged or missing parts or if they have more space between slats (which can create suffocation hazards). Additionally, older mattresses could develop dips and other issues that could pose danger to your baby. If your crib is too old to meet current safety standards, it may be contaminated by lead paint or contain other harmful chemicals.

Verify whether the crib has been removed from the crib. It's also a good idea to check whether the crib has been painted with water-based paint, which is much safer for infants than oil or phthalic paint. Also, ensure that the mattress is firm and fits snugly. Soft mattresses can cause babies to slip off and present a risk of suffocation.

In addition to cribs, pay close attention to any secondhand bassinets, cradles and play yards. They must all be JPMA certified, and have no sharp parts that your child can scratch or poke themselves on. Avoid adding pillows, toys or blankets to these products. They could be a potential dangerous for entrapment.

Infants have died in cribs that were tampered with or modified, and most of the incidents occurred when caregivers and parents attempted to make the cribs more useful or attractive by incorporating items or modifying them in some way. Since 1973 crib makers and the CPSC worked together to establish mandatory standards for safer cribs for infants. These standards addressed things like side heights, slat spacings mattress fits, corner posts and cutouts for end panels. In the past few years the number of crib-related deaths has dropped from 150-200 per year to just 50.