Bedside Baby Beds

Baby bedside cribs let parents keep their infant close during the night without compromising safety. They are designed specifically for newborns and can be used until 4 to 6 months.

The Halo Bassinest is able to rotate over the bed of the parent and features a push-down side that lets parents take their newborn baby in for feedings in the middle of the night. The base will not fit under beds lower than 4.5" high.

Safety features

A crib that is placed at the bedside allows parents to watch, comfort, and feed their babies at night without having to leave their bed. This sleeping arrangement is perfect for new mothers recovering after childbirth or with limitations in mobility. It may also help parents sleep better at night. However, it is important to consider safety features prior to buying a bedside crib.

The primary safety concern for this type of sleep surface is that it is not an entirely secure barrier between the parent's bed and the baby's sleeping space and can result in gaps that could lead to dangers of suffocation to infants. Additionally sharing a bed with an infant increases the body heat of the parent and raises the risk of overheating which could lead to SIDS.

Although some manufacturers claim that bedside co-sleepers are more secure than traditional cribs, these products do not meet CPSC's safety guidelines. These products can include slats that allow a baby's legs or head to get trapped. Their attachment mechanisms may be unstable, resulting in separation.

Additionally, many of these mattresses contain loose bedding that could cause death. Babies lack the strength and coordination to untangle their bodies from the soft bedding. There are gaps between the mattress and frame can also create an entrapment risk. Some of these items have a hard base that could cause injuries to a baby if they fall on it. One user suggested that CPSC include pictograms on its warnings about these products, which would reduce the chances of caregivers ignoring key elements. Bedside sleepers need to have a smooth transition system that stops the baby from sliding off the parent's bed.

Bedding

A bedside crib (also called a bassinet or co-sleeper) allows babies to sleep in their parents' beds while still occupying a separate space. This type 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 feedings during the night or comforting.

Baby bedding for a sleeper at night can include crib sheets, blankets, bumpers, and toys. Make sure that any bedding you select is suitable for the bedside sleeper to avoid bulges or pockets that might impede the baby's breathing. Also, ensure that the mattress you purchase for your bedside sleeper is firm and fits comfortably without gaps around the edges.

When you are choosing bedding sets, look for one that is easy to wash and dry to keep it clean when your infant has accidents or spits up at night. Consider an item for travel to help you pack and unpack your bedside sleeping set when you're going on vacation or visiting grandparents.

If your child has outgrown their bedside sleeper, you can move them to a separate toddler or a crib. When transitioning to a crib, remove it from the parents' bed over a period of time, either weeks or months, so that your child can get used to sleeping in their own space, but still feel a sense of connection to them. Select a crib which can be folded for storage and transport. Some cribs can be transformed into a play area or a more substantial bassinet. This makes them a great choice for parents who travel often.

Tilt function

A bedside sleeper, sometimes referred to as bassinet, is a piece of furniture attached to the bed's side for adults. One side is lower than the other to let parents reach their child at the end of the night. It may also have a tilt function to help ease reflux in babies. baby bedside cot report that this feature can help their babies sleep better. It is important to keep in mind that a slanted, or elevated, mattress can encourage your baby's chin to the chest position. This can lead to the suffocation of your baby and should be avoided.

Choosing a suitable mattress is a further important factor to consider when selecting a crib for your bed. It must be flat and firm as well as breathable. The mattress should be exactly the same size as the crib and fit comfortably into the frame. A second-hand mattress may increase the risk of SIDS which is why it is recommended that you purchase new crib mattresses. Some retailers offer mattresses designed specifically for specific bed frames, therefore it is recommended to stick with those if you can.

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 kind of crib. The BassiNest's splayed legs make it difficult to slide under certain beds. It's also difficult to slide it under a divan bed, which could cause it rock or shift out of alignment with the mattress.

Other types of bedside cribs like the Ingenuity Dream & Grow Bedside Bassinet, can be placed next to your mattress, but they aren't in a position to tilt. CHOICE suggests parents use these beds with a firm, breathable mattress. Tilting a bassinet or bedside crib could encourage your baby to slide into a risky position, increasing the chance of the possibility of suffocation.

Foot-to-foot positioning

A bedside baby bed, also called a co-sleeper or bassinet, is a compact crib that attaches to the edge of an adult's bed. This lets parents have access to their child at any time during the night. These beds are usually larger than the standard cots and bassinets. Some have a lower edge that creates a barrier between the sleeping areas. They are usually constructed of sturdy materials, and some have wheels to make it easy to move throughout the house.

Some bedside cribs come with tilting features that help babies who suffer from digestive issues, such as colic or reflux. However, it's important to make use of this feature with utmost care and at a small angle to avoid the risk of suffocation. If you're not sure whether or not to utilize this feature, speak to your GP or health visitor for advice.

Another important aspect to consider when choosing a crib for a bedside is the mattress. The mattress must be firm, flat and breathable to reduce the risk of SIDS. A mattress that's too soft can cause an obstruction in the airway of newborns, which can be dangerous. A breathable mattress will also help your baby stay cool during the night, which will lower the risk of overheating.

It's recommended that you put your baby to bed in their own safe sleeping space - such as a crib, cot or Moses basket. While it might seem tempting to put your baby in a bed, this could be a risky way to get SIDS. Make sure your baby is able to sleep independently before you attempt to sleep with them. If you have to, make sure that your bedroom is smoke-free to ensure your child is safe from secondhand smoke. If you're living on a low income, you may be eligible for help with a bassinet or a crib from Plunket.

Second-hand cribs

Frugal-minded parents may be tempted to purchase or take a second-hand crib, bassinet or cradle for a gift from a relative or friend. Cribs are one of many nursery items that could lead to death, particularly in older cribs that have damaged or missing parts or have a wider space between the slats. Older mattresses can also develop dips and other conditions that are hazardous for your child. And if a crib is old enough to be predated by the safety guidelines in place the crib could be contaminated by lead paint, and could contain other harmful chemicals.

Verify whether the crib has been recalls on the crib. Check if the crib was coated with water-based paint as this is safer for infants. Additionally, make sure the mattress is firm and fits snugly. Babies are prone to slip out of soft mattresses as well as could pose a danger of suffocation.


Pay particular attention to used bassinets and cradles and play yards. They must all be JPMA certified and have no sharp elements that your child can scratch or poke at. Avoid adding pillows, toys or blankets with these products. They could be a potential entrapment hazard.

Children have died in cribs that were altered with or altered and the majority of incidents occurred when parents and caregivers attempted to make the cribs more useful or attractive by adding things or modifying them in some way. Since 1973 crib makers and CPSC collaborated to create mandatory standards for safer infant cribs. These standards dealt with things like side heights, spacing between slats, mattress fits, corner posts and cutouts on the end panels. As as a result, deaths from cribs have dropped from around 150 to 200 per year to around 50.