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 follow the CSPC safety guidelines for sleeping spaces for infants.
These guidelines are similar in many ways to crib bedding standards. You can learn more about these guidelines here. The most important features to consider when choosing the right bedside sleeper are Safety, Comfort, and Convenience.
Safety
In accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendation that infants sleep in the same room with their parents cosleeping (a practice also referred to as bed-sharing) has become popular among many expecting and new parents. The Academy says that sharing rooms is safer than sleeping with babies in the same bed because it lowers the chance of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infants, or SIDS. While the AAP disapproves of bed sharing however, it does recommend that sleeping with a partner be done on a separate sleep surface to limit the risk of SIDS. This is the reason why the creation of the bedside cosleeper was so important to many families.
A bedside cosleeper can be described as a crib-like sleeper that can be attached to an adult bed frame. twin bedside cot lets parents keep an eye on the baby and gives them the freedom to sleep in their own bed. The top cosleepers adhere to strict safety standards and are made using durable, high-quality materials. Be sure to look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) stamp of approval, which indicates strict product testing and quality control to ensure your child's secure cosleeping experience.
The security of a cosleeper for the bed 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 bed of the parent in a way that prevents the gaps and openings where an infant could be trapped, it could create the risk of suffocation. It is crucial that the attachment system of a bedside crib be tested to ensure that it is able to withstand the forces that may be applied in the course of use, for example, parents rolling onto and off the sleeper, or a 25-lb. The attachment system or corners on the bedside cosleeper should be subjected to an upward force.
The 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. The requirements that are mandatory in the standard also address head and neck entrapment hazards by insisting that following the application and release of 50 lbs. The standard also states that following the release and application of 50-lb. It is not allowed to create a gap larger than 1.0 in. ASTM's electronic Reading Room offers read-only versions of the standard.
Convenience
Many parents avoid cosleeping because they fear being suffocated or SIDS or because it is an "Ferberization", which forces children to be in a room by themselves. However, anthropologists have noted for years that a lot of mammals, primates and people from other cultures sleep frequently. This may be because infants are soothed by the familiar voice of their mother, and it can also help to practice self-soothing.
The top bedside sleepers have clever design that can be attached to the side of a bed and pivots to allow easy access for feedings during the night or diaper changes. Find one with feet that are adjustable and retract to accommodate various mattress sizes, and a big storage space for all of your baby's needs.
Choose a bedside sleeper which can fit in with the standard crib bedding so that it can be used safely as your child grows. You might also look into an adjustable model that can transform into a play yard or a more deep bassinet for years of use, and folds up easily for transport.
Portability
Depending on the dimensions of your bedroom, a bedside cosleeper with wheels and/or a light base might be more convenient to move around the house than one with an imposing wood frame or large base. The babybay Bedside sleeper, HALO BassiNest Essentia and Snoo Smart Sleeper all come with excellent portability features. Adjustable feet that retract to fit platforms and legs fold inwards to give the most comfortable closeness to the mattress; and sides made of 100% mesh to allow for air circulation without material covering baby's nose or mouth.
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 to give you quick access to the baby to help her relax, nurse her, or monitor them at night.