Bedside Cosleeper
A bedside cosleeper is a bassinet which is attached to the side of your adult bed. It's safe as long as you comply with the CSPC safety guidelines for infant sleeping spaces.
These guidelines are similar to crib bedding standards. You can read more about these guidelines here. When selecting a bedside sleep device, safety, comfort, and convenience are the most important factors to consider.
Safety
Many new parents and expectant mothers have adopted cosleeping, also known as bed-sharing, as per the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that infants should be in the same room as their parents. The Academy notes that room-sharing is more secure than sleeping with an infant in the same bed because it lowers the chance of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infants or SIDS. While the AAP disapproves of bed sharing, it does recommend that sleeping with a partner be done on a separate sleep surface to minimize the risk of SIDS. The creation of the bedside crib was important for many families.
A bedside cosleeper attaches to a bed frame for adults. It's similar to a crib sleeper. The bedside cosleeper allows parents to keep an eye on their baby, and also gives the baby the ability to sleep in their own bed. The top cosleepers are constructed with high-quality materials and adhere to strict safety standards. To ensure the safety of your child, look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association stamp of approval. This is a sign of rigorous testing and quality control.
The safety of a crib is dependent on several aspects. This includes how it's installed and secured onto the parent's mattress. If the bedside cosleeper is not connected to the parent's bed in a way that blocks the gaps and openings where the infant can get trapped, it could be an hazard of suffocation. It is important that the attachment system of a bedside sleeper be examined to determine if it is able to withstand the forces that might be imposed in the use of it, like the parent rolling on and off the sleeper, or 25-pound. The attachment system or corners of the bedside sleeper should be exposed to a horizontal force.
The voluntary standard for bedside cribs is based on to the federal consumer product safety standards for bassinets (16 CFR part 1218), including specifications for the performance of closed openings. baby bedside crib of the standard also address head and neck entrapment hazards by requiring that after the application and release of 50 lbs. horizontal force near the attachment systems and corners of the bedside sleeping device, an opening that is greater than 1.0 in. must not be created. The standard is not available for reading. can be accessed at ASTM's online Reading Room.
Convenience
Many parents do not allow cosleeping because they fear the risk of suffocation, or SIDS, or because it is an "Ferberization", which forces children to sleep on their own. However, anthropologists have noticed for a long time that a lot of mammals, primates, and people from non-Western cultures cosleep regularly. This is due to the fact that babies are soothed by hearing their mother's voice. They they also learn to self-soothe.
The best bedside sleepers feature clever design that can be attached to the side of any bed and can be swiveled for easy access for feedings during the night or diaper changes. Look for one with feet that can be adjusted to retract to accommodate various mattress sizes and a huge storage compartment for all your baby's needs.
Select a bedside sleeper that is compatible with standard crib bedding, so it's safe to use as your child grows. Think about a model that's convertible and can be used as a play yard or a more substantial bassinet. It will last for many years.
Portability
Depending on the size of your bedroom a bedside sleeper with wheels and/or a lightweight base may be more convenient to move around the house than one that has an imposing wood frame or massive base. The babybay Bedside Sleeper, HALO BassiNest Essentia and Snoo Smart Sleeper all come 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 air circulation without fabric covering the baby's mouth or nose.
The Arm's Reach ClearVue is a great option. It adjusts in 1" increments and can be used as a bassinet, or a portable bed. It also swivels, allowing the baby to be easily accessible so that you can soothe your baby, nurse or monitor her throughout the night.