Can a newborn sleep in a bedside crib?

The short answer to this question is yes. A newborn can sleep in a crib. However, as mentioned above, many parents choose to use a bassinet for the first few months for the various reasons already outlined.

Baby Crib Safety Tips and Recommendations

There are various safety recommendations that should be followed for babies sleeping in a crib. Most of these recommendations are aimed at preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following:

- Keep any loose items, including bedding, stuffed toys, or baby clothing, out of the sleeping area.

- Always place the baby on his back in the crib or bassinet to sleep, never face down or on his side.

- Do not use a sleep positioner or any other type of sleeping aid.

- Do not co-sleep with the baby or hold the baby to sleep in any other position, such as sitting in a chair.

- No crib bumpers.

- Stay with the baby until at least 6 months of age.

Additionally, it is recommended that the baby sleep in the same room as the parents for the first 6 months of life, but in a separate sleeping space. The Besrey Bedside Sleeper promotes the recommendations of different sleeping spaces while keeping baby within arm’s reach.