Bedside Baby Bed's History Of Bedside Baby Bed In 10 Milestones
Bedside Baby Beds
Baby cribs in bed let parents keep their infant close to them at night without compromising on safety. They are made to be used by infants from 4-6 months.
The Halo Bassinest is a swivel-over-the-parent's-bed with an end that can be lowered to allow parents to pick up their infant during feeding times at night. However, the base won't fit under beds that are less than 4.5 inches high.
Safety features
A bedside crib allows parents to monitor, soothe and feed their infants throughout the night without having to leave their bed. This type of arrangement is ideal for mothers who are recovering from childbirth, or who are unable to move around. It can help parents stay rested throughout the night. However, it is important to consider safety features prior to buying a bedside crib.
The main safety issue with this type of sleeping surface is that it's not a complete barrier between the parent's bed and the infant's sleeping area and can result in gaps that could pose suffocation risks to young infants. Sharing a bed increases the body heat of the parent and can increase the chance of overheating. This could result in SIDS.
While some manufacturers claim bedside co-sleepers have a higher safety rating than traditional cribs, these products do not meet the safety standards of the CPSC. These products can have slats which allow a baby's legs or head to become stuck. Their attachment mechanisms may be unstable, resulting in separation.
Many of these surfaces have loose bedding, which can lead to suffocation. Babies lack the strength and coordination to free themselves from soft bedding. Gaps between the frame and mattress can create the risk of suffocation. Some of these items have a hard base that could cause injury to a baby if they fall upon it. One user suggested that the CPSC include pictograms as warnings on these products. This would decrease the likelihood that caregivers overlook crucial elements. Additionally, bedside sleepers should come with an easy transition mechanism that can keep the baby from slipping off the bed of their parents.
Bedding
A bedside crib, also known as a co-sleeper or bassinet allows infants to sleep on their parents' beds and still have an individual sleeping space. This method of co-sleeping that is safe reduces the risks of entrapment, suffocation, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) by keeping infants close to their parents and within arms' reach for mid-night meals or comforting.
Baby bedding to sleep on the bed could include bumpers and crib sheets. It can also include blankets and stuffed animals. Be sure that any bedding you choose to use is suitable for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges and pockets which could hinder the baby's breathing. Make sure the mattress you buy for your bedside sleeping baby is sturdy and secure without any gaps around the edges.
When selecting a bedding set, look for something that's easy to wash and dry so that you can keep it clean when your child has accidents or spits up during the night. Consider an item for travel to simplify the process of packing 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, it is possible to transition the child to a crib or a toddler that is on its own. When transitioning to a crib, take it away from the parents' bed over the course of weeks or months so that your child can become comfortable sleeping in his own space and remain connected to them. Choose a crib that can be folded for storage and transportation. Some cribs can even be converted to an outdoor play area or a deeper bassinet. This makes them a perfect option for parents who are new and like to travel.
Tilt function
A bedside sleeper is a bassinet that attaches to the side of an adult bed and has one side lower than the other, allowing parents to reach out to care for their child throughout the night. It could have a tilt feature that helps alleviate reflux in babies. Some parents find this feature can help their child sleep more comfortably. However, it is important to note that an elevated or slanted sleeping surface can encourage your baby to fall into a dangerous chin-to-chest posture. This could result in suffocation and should be avoided.
Selecting a mattress that is suitable is another key factor when selecting a crib for your bed. It must be flat and firm as well as breathable. The mattress should be the same size as the crib and be able to fit into the frame. A second-hand mattress can increase the risk of SIDS which is why it is recommended that you purchase a new crib mattress. If possible, it is recommended to purchase mattresses that are made specifically for specific bed frames.
Some cribs for bedside use, such as the Halo BassiNest, are designed to be placed under your bed in order to maximize space while bringing your baby 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 may be difficult to place the BassiNest in divans, which could cause it to shift or rock out of alignment with your mattress.
Other bassinets for bedside use such as the Ingenuity Sleep & Grow Bedside Crib, can be set close to your mattress however they aren't able be slanted. CHOICE recommends that parents use these beds if they have a sturdy air-conditioned bed. The tilting of a bassinet could cause your child to roll into a dangerous position, increasing the risk of suffocation.
Foot-to-foot position
A bedside crib, also called a bassinet or co-sleeper is a crib attached to the side of a bed designed for adults. This allows parents to have access to their child at any time during the night. They are generally larger than the standard cots and bassinets. bedside cot used cots4tots have a lower edge, which creates a barrier between the sleeping spaces. These beds are made from sturdy materials and most have wheels to make them easier to move around the home.
Some bedside cribs have tilt features which can assist children with digestive issues such as reflux or colic. But, it's crucial to use this feature with great care and at a very small angle to avoid being suffocated. Speak to your doctor or health professional if you are unsure whether to use the feature.

Another important safety consideration when selecting a crib for your bed is the mattress. To minimize the risk of SIDS, the mattress must be firm, flat and breathable. A mattress that is too soft can result in obstruction of the airway in newborns, which is dangerous. A breathable mattress will also aid your baby in staying cool throughout the night, which could decrease the chance of overheating.
It is recommended that you place your baby in a safe sleeping area - a cot, crib or Moses basket. It could be appealing to share a bed as your baby but this could lead to SIDS. Wait until your baby can be able to sleep on his own before trying to sleep with them. If you must ensure that your bedroom is not smoky to safeguard your baby from second-hand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you could be eligible for help with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.
Second-hand cribs
Parents who are financially savvy may be enticed to purchase or accept a second-hand bassinet, crib or cradle for a gift from a friend or relative. Cribs are just one of the nursery products that can cause death, especially in older cribs that have damaged or missing parts, or have a wider space between the slats. Mattresses that are older can also develop dips and other conditions that are hazardous for your child. If your crib is old enough to be predated by the current safety standards it may be contaminated by lead paint and may contain other toxic chemicals.
If you're thinking of buying a used crib, always look to see if it has been removed from sale by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. It is also recommended to verify whether the crib was painted with water-based paint which is safer for babies than phthalic or oil-based paint. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is firm and fits snugly. Mattresses that are soft can cause infants to slip off and also pose a suffocation risk.
Be especially cautious of second-hand bassinets and cradles and play yards. They should all be JPMA-certified and free of sharp edges that could hurt or poke your baby. Avoid putting blankets, pillows or toys to these items which could create entrapment hazards.
Infants have died in cribs that were altered or tampered with. Most of these accidents occurred when parents or caregivers tried to make the cribs more functional or more attractive by incorporating or modifying things. Since 1973, crib makers and the CPSC have teamed up to establish mandatory standards for safer cribs, including things like side height, corner posts, mattress fit and cutouts in the end panels. In the last few years, the number of crib-related deaths has decreased from 150-200 per year to around 50.