Bedside Cosleeper
A bedside cosleeper can be described as a bassinet that connects to the side of your adult bed. It's safe, so long as you follow the CSPC safety guidelines for infant sleep spaces.
These guidelines are similar in many ways to crib bedding standards. Learn more about the guidelines here. The most important features to consider when selecting a 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 room as their parents cosleeping (a method that is sometimes referred to as bed-sharing) has gained popularity with a lot of new and expecting parents. The Academy states that room-sharing is more secure than sleeping with babies in the same bed because it reduces instances of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infants (also known as SIDS). While the AAP discourages bed-sharing but does recommend that cosleeping be done on a separate sleeping surface to limit the risk of SIDS. This is why the introduction of the bedside cosleeper became so important to many families.
A bedside cosleeper is a similar to a crib sleeper that attaches to an adult bed frame. The bedside cosleeper lets parents keep an eye on the baby and gives them the option of sleeping in their own bed. The best cosleepers are built using high-quality materials and adhere to strict safety standards. To ensure your child's safety ensure that you look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association stamp of approval. This proves that the product has been tested thoroughly and quality control.
The safety of a bedside cosleeper depends on several aspects that include how it is installed and attached to the parent's bed. If the bedside cosleeper is not connected to the parent's bed in a manner that eliminates the gaps and openings where an infant can become trapped, it could pose the risk of suffocation. It is crucial that the attachment system used for the bedside sleeper be tested to ensure that it is able to withstand any forces that may be applied during use, such as the parent bouncing on and off the sleeper. horizontal force applied to the attachment system or to the corners of the bedside cosleeper.
The voluntary standard for bedside sleepers includes by reference the federal consumer safety standard for bassinets and cradles (16 CFR part 1218) and includes requirements for performance for fabric-sided enclosed openings. The requirements that are mandatory in the standard also address neck and head dangers of entrapment by requiring that after the application and release of 50-lb. The standard also requires that following the release and application of 50-lb. is not allowed to be created. The standard is not available for reading. can be found at ASTM's online Reading Room.
Convenience
Many parents do not allow cosleeping because they are afraid of being suffocated or SIDS, or because it's an act of "Ferberization", which forces children to sleep alone. However, anthropologists have noted for years that a lot of mammals, primates and people from non-Western cultures sleep frequently. This is because babies are soothed by hearing their mother's voice. They may also learn to soothe themselves.
The best bedside sleepers have clever designs that are attached to the sides of any mattress and pivots so that you can access it easily for diaper changes or feedings in the middle of the night. Look for small bedside cot with adjustable feet, which retract to accommodate various mattress sizes. It should also come with ample storage space for everything your baby needs.
Select a bedside sleeper that is compatible with standard crib bedding, so it's safe to use as your child grows. You may also want to think about a convertible model that can transform into a play area or deeper bassinet for a long time of use. It folds easily for travel.
Portability
A bedside cosleeper that has wheels or a base that is lightweight is easier to move than one with a heavy wooden frame or base. The babybay Bedside Sleeper, HALO BassiNest Essentia and Snoo Smart Sleeper all have great portability features: adjustable feet retract to accommodate platforms and legs fold inwards to give the most comfortable closeness to the mattress and a sidewalls made of 100% mesh that let airflow without fabric covering 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 rotates, allowing for quick access to baby to comfort your baby, nurse or monitor her throughout the night.