Bedside Cosleeper
A bedside cosleeper is a bassinet which is attached to the side of your adult bed. As long as you adhere to the CSPC guidelines for infant sleeping spaces it's secure.
These guidelines are similar in many ways to crib bedding standards. Learn more about the guidelines here. The most important aspects to consider when selecting the right bedside sleeper are Safety as well as comfort and convenience.
Safety
In line with the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation that infants sleep in the same bed as their parents cosleeping (a practice that is also known as bed-sharing) has gained popularity with many new and expecting parents. The Academy says that sharing a room with a baby is safer than sleeping in the same bed with parents, as it reduces the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SIDS). While the AAP does not recommend bed sharing, it does recommend that co-sleeping be done on a separate sleeping surface to minimize the risk of SIDS. The creation of the bedside crib was crucial for a number of families.
A bedside sleeper is attached to a bed frame that is suitable for adults. It's similar to a crib sleeper. The bedside cosleeper helps parents monitor the baby and allows them the freedom to sleep in their own bed. The most reliable cosleepers meet strict safety standards and are made using durable, high-quality materials. To ensure the safety of your child ensure that you look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association stamp of approval. This is a sign of rigorous testing and quality control.
The safety of a bedside sleeper depends on several factors such as how it is installed and attached to the parent's bed. If the bedside cosleeper isn't connected to the parent's bed in a manner that eliminates the gaps and openings where the infant can get trapped, it could be the risk of suffocation. It is important that the attachment system of a bedside crib be tested to verify it can withstand the force that could be imposed during the course of use, for example, parents rolling onto and off of the sleeper or 25-pound. The attachment system, or the corners on the bedside cosleeper should be exposed to an upward force.
The standard for bedside beds incorporates by reference the federal consumer product safety standard for bassinets and cradles (16 CFR part 1218), which includes requirements for the performance of enclosed openings made of fabric. The standard's mandatory requirements also tackle the issue of neck and head imprisonment by requiring that after the application and release the 50-lb. large bedside cot requires that following the application and release of a 50-lb. travel bedside crib is not permitted to create a gap that is greater than 1.0 in. Read-only copies of the standard can be found at ASTM's electronic Reading Room.
Convenience
Many parents have resisted cosleeping because of fears of suffocation SIDS or the "Ferberization" process that requires children to sleep on their own Anthropologists have noted that the majority of mammals and primates as well as those who live in non-Western societies, have regularly cosleep. It could be because infants are calmed by the familiar voice of their mother, and it can also help them practice self-soothing.
The best bedside sleepers feature clever designs that are attached to the side of a mattress and swivels so you can access it easily for feedings or diaper changes in the middle of the night. Choose a model that has adjustable feet that retract to accommodate various mattress sizes. It should also have an ample storage area to store all the baby's necessities.
Select a bedside sleeper that fits standard crib bedding, so it is safe to use as your child grows. Think about a model that's convertible and can be used as a play area or a bassinet that is deeper. It will last for a long time.
Portability
Based on the dimensions of your bedroom, a bedside sleeper with wheels and/or a lightweight base could be easier to move around your home than one with an imposing wood frame or substantial base. The babybay Bedside Sleeper, HALO BassiNest Essentia and Snoo Smart Sleeper are all equipped with great portability features: adjustable feet retract to accommodate platform beds; legs fold inward for maximum closeness to the mattress; and sidewalls made of 100% mesh that allow for ventilation without any fabric covering the baby's nose or mouth.
The Arm's Reach Clear-Vue is a top choice that adjusts in 1" increments to fit in most adult beds and can also serve as a portable bassinet. It also pivots to allow quick access to the baby to soothe her, feed her, or check on them during the night.